text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill - New Clause 20 - Combination of polls
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  
  
  @MP voted aye to try and prevent local referendums and mayoral elections in England being held at the same time as the referendum on the system for electing MPs to the House of Commons. 
  @MP voted no to allow referendums and mayoral elections in England being held at the same time as the referendum on the system for electing MPs to the House of Commons. 
  
  The majority of MPs voted against a measure intended to prevent local referendums and mayoral elections in England being held at the same time as the referendum on the system for electing MPs to the House of Commons. 
  
  The vote was on replacing New Clause 20 Subclause (1) which as proposed read:
  
  :(1) Where the date of the poll for one or more of the following is the same as the date of the poll for the referendum, the polls are to be taken together-
  
  :(a) a local authority election in England;
  :(b) a local referendum in England;
  :(c) a mayoral election in England.
  
  Labour MP Chris Bryant suggested replacing the above with:
  
  :(1) Where the date of the poll for a local authority election in England is the same as the date of the poll for the referendum, the polls are to be taken together.'
  
  
  Mr Bryant explained during the debate that he thought the effect of this would have been to limit the number of elections and referenda which could be held simultaneously in England.  He stated[3]:
  
  :"it is theoretically possible that, if we stick with the Government's proposal, one voter might come in to vote on the referendum on AV, a local authority election, a local referendum and a mayoral election all at the same time. "
  ...
  :"If there are four postal votes and four polling cards, that provides a right old tagliatelle of a constitutional settlement for ordinary voters to try to sort out. "
  
  * [1] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2010-10-25a.36.3 New Clause 20, House of Commons Hansard (via TheyWorkForYou)] 25th October 2010 
  * [2] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmbills/063/11063.i-ii.html Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill as introduced]  - dated 22nd July 2010
  * [3] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2010-10-25a.66.1 Chris Bryant MP, House of Commons 25th October 2010] 
  
  
  
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  