Now that the referendum on May 5 has been confirmed, I want to let as many people as possible know how important it is that we all get out and demand fairer votes.

I’m voting ‘yes’ to an alternative vote (AV) system because it makes every vote count. It works with our current system and eliminates many of its weaknesses. It’s a long overdue upgrade to make a 19th century system fit for the politics of the 21st century.

I want a voting system that means Parliament will better represent the communities we live in.

Under AV, MPs will have to have a better view of what our community thinks, and that’s because they will have to listen harder to our views. It’s simple. If someone wants to represent your community, they need to, at least, aim to get the support of the majority of the community.

I hope readers will join me in the campaign for fairer votes, and fairer politics.

Dan Ferrett Yarnells Road Oxford l This May we have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to change the way politics works in the UK.

I will vote to change our electoral system, because I believe the move to AV will be a small change which will make a big difference.

Although a full proportional system would be even fairer, this is not being offered.

Under AV my vote would really count. Even if my first choice candidate doesn’t win, I will still have a say in who represents me in Parliament.

At present it is possible for a candidate to win on 30 per cent of the vote, which leaves more than 60 per cent of people unrepresented.

‘First past the post’ was okay when we had two-party politics, but we are living in the 21st century and we have more choice. I want a voting system that truly reflects the choices we can make.

Paul Chapman Merrivale Square Oxford