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                      <td>"Please see attached observations, where it will be 
                        noted that the Council is generally happy with electoral 
                        arrangements as they stand, but is concerned at the relatively 
                        low turn-out experienced at elections over the past years.</td>
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                      <td>It is our contention that more people will turn out 
                        once every 4 years, and consequently, all local and Assembly 
                        elections should be held on the same day".</td>
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                      <td>"1. There is no reason for any change in the current 
                        system of election which appears to be eminently fair, 
                        easily understood and transparent. The ratio of constituency 
                        to list seats seems perfectly reasonable and should not 
                        change.</td>
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                      <td>Even if there should be enhanced powers for the National 
                        Assembly (which would be most welcome) there is no need 
                        to increase the number of representatives. 60 is a perfectly 
                        adequate body and part of their responsibility is to ensure 
                        that they adequately and properly cover the required work 
                        (whatever that may be).</td>
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                      <td>The only exception to the point above would be if there 
                        were changes in the individual constituencies such that 
                        there was a need to increase the number of constituency 
                        members.</td>
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                      <td>The much greater concern (which is sadly not included 
                        in the questions for consultation) is the low level of 
                        voter turn out. Low voter turnout means a lack of legitimacy 
                        (including a lack of legitimacy of whatever electoral 
                        system is used).</td>
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                      <td>Consideration must, therefore, be given to efforts to 
                        increase voter participation. On the basis that elections 
                        in the European Parliament, to County Councils and to 
                        Town and Community Councils all suffer from low turnout, 
                        a suggestion is to hold as many elections as possible 
                        on the same day. There is no reason at all why there should 
                        not be votes on the same day every four years for the 
                        National Assembly, County Councils and Town and Community 
                        Councils. Such an event would not only enhance turn out, 
                        it would also enthuse the voting public. The timetables 
                        of the latter should be adjusted to the timetable of the 
                        senior body, the National Assembly.</td>
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                      <td> 
                        <p align=right><b>B J Gooch, ar ran Cyngor Cymuned Ferwig</b></p>
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