THE real AV issue that will be tested tomorrow is more likely to be apathetic voters.

But as unsexy as the whole voting structure for future elections may appear, it is crucial in Oxfordshire more than other places that people have their say.

We reported recently that if AV – the system whereby votes get allocated to candidates on a sliding preferential basis – had been in place a year ago, both Oxford East and Oxford West & Abingdon constituencies would have gone to the Liberal Democrats rather than Labour and the Conservatives respectively.

Both the Yes and No campaigns have been trying to drum up interest – witness the visit yesterday to Oxford by comedian Eddie Izzard.

The problem is that the referendum is being held on the same day as local elections in four of the county’s five district areas, while there is no election for Oxford City Council.

Turnouts are usually low at local election time but it is imperative that you do have your say tomorrow – whatever your view – because this will affect how this country is governed for decades to come.