Do you want the voting system to change?

On the 5th May 2011, the nation will vote in a referendum that could change the face of British politics forever. The question is first past the post, or the alternative vote?

The first past the post voting system has been used by this country for decades. We seemed to be happy with it, until the latest general election resulted in a coalition government between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats.

In basic terms, first past the post means you select one candidate/party and the winner is the party that receives the most votes. Simple.

The alternative vote is slightly more complicated. Instead of just choosing one you'd like to win. you rank all the parties in order 1-4 based on your preference. It is then calculated which party received the majority vote.

The cost of the referendum alone is estimated to be £91 million. And if the new AV system is selected, the estimated cost to implement it would be £250 million.

So many different people have opposing arguments on this. And we put the argument of our Facebook page. Here's what you said:

Rachel Clements said: "I really couldn't care less. I don't vote as I don't like politicians in general and I think this is such a waste of time."

Alison Prisley thinks: "We should have a shake up. There's nothing wrong with a bit of change."

Ben Morrison said: "I think we need AV. It will actually let a party win because the majority of the people wanted them to, and that makes a change. I know it'll be expensive, but it'll be worth it in the long term. No more coalition!"

Gregg Watson said: "There's nothing wrong with what we're doing at the moment. The only person that wants to change it is Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems so they could possibly get a look in every now and then. But he's half in power already so I don't see the point. The money could be spent on such better things."

How this referendum came about... (Courtesy of ITN)