There was more fantastic news out of Wales last week, as Powys County Council released the results of their consultation on whether to change the voting system used at local elections. The results weren’t even close. Like in Gwynedd, the Single Transferable Vote (STV) was the clear favourite of residents of Powys.
An incredible 60.2% of respondents favoured STV over the current First Past the Post system. Furthermore, this consultation had a much higher response rate than others with almost 1300 people sharing their views. This clearly shows that voters really feel strongly about the need to make our elections fairer.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Over 10,000 voters across Powys were denied their voice at the 2022 local election as there was just one candidate standing in their ward. In Machynlleth, the 2022 election marked the first time in over 40 years that residents could cast a vote in a local election, as all elections in the ward had been uncontested since 1980.
Judged by the response, Powys residents don’t feel that they live in a particularly healthy democracy.
Residents of Powys want change
This consultation clearly shows what the people of Powys want. With under a third of respondents supporting First Past the Post, it is obvious that voters are fed up and want change.
For far too long, the First Past the Post system has wreaked havoc with our elections. It has prevented some residents from voting, and it has fostered a political environment that favours partisanship over working together.
It’s clear that the residents of Powys want change and can see that STV can be that change.
Now, it is up to councillors to represent their constituents at a special council meeting this Thursday. With two-thirds of councillors needed to pass this change, we urge them to vote with the people’s will in mind and say yes to STV.
Add your name: All councils in Wales should adopt STV