YOUR correspondent Malcolm Morrison offers a perspicuous case for the Alternative Vote system which will itself be voted on in May (SA, April 4).

In supporting the case for change Mr Morrison states: "The AV system may not be perfect, but at least it makes sure that everyone's vote counts." In the first observation he is quite correct, sadly in the second he is simply wrong. The fact that the proposed AV system is less than perfect is also the view of Nick Clegg the Leader of the Lib Dems and yet he supports a yes vote in spite of his misgivings.

The claim from Mr Morrison that 'everyone's vote counts' is only partially true as the reality is that some votes will be counted twice and possibly three times - hardly a fair and equitable system. Much worse is the fact that it is only the voter whose primary candidate is disregarded on the first count who has extra 'goes' to affect the result. Tactical voting has been an option for many years so to describe it as negative is to ignore the right of the voter to vote in any way they choose.

I fear that Mr Morrison's view that the AV system will result in smaller parties being represented in Parliament is made more in hope than reality. As for the notion it is good for democracy, that is even less clear as true democracy is only achieved when the will of the majority is paramount: the word democracy being derived from the Greek meaning 'rule of the people'. In our version of democracy one of the principles is that all votes are equal, under AV this element of fairness disappears so in truth we become less democratic by changing the voting system.

Where I wholly agree with Mr Morrison is in his call for everyone to exercise the right to vote in the local elections in May. Voter apathy, caused in part by the general disenchantment with politicians of all hues is the secret weapon of the political elite. It allows them to concentrate their canvassing efforts on a minority - the known supporter, affording them the opportunity to ignore other voters. Make a difference in May and make a commitment to vote.

After all it's your council and your future.

DES MORGAN Caraway Drive Swindon