ACTIVISTS calling for a change to the voting system have stepped up their campaign in the North West.

The country will vote in a referendum on May 5, the same day as local council elections, to decide whether to change the system from 'first past the post' to 'alternative vote'.

The 'alternative vote' system involves voters marking candidates in order of preference rather than just selecting one.

Following the opening of a regional office, the Yes To Fairer Votes group has been taking to the phones and running street stalls as a recent ICM poll shows the North West backing change.

And 60 per cent of people say they are in favour of changing the voting system.

John Ault, regional organiser for Yes To Fairer Votes, said: “We are pleased with this support, but are not taking anything for granted.”