The opportunity for Oamaru voters to find out more about a referendum on the voting system failed to stir interest last night, with a small turnout to a debate in the Opera House.
The event organised by the Oamaru Rotary Club, was attended by about 40 people, mostly club members.
Asked by debate chairman Jim Hopkins how many had already made up their mind about which system they wanted, about half put their hands up.
A referendum in conjunction with the general election on November 26 will ask voters if they want to change the way Parliament is elected and which of five electoral systems they want, including the present MMP.
Mr Hopkins, said there appeared to be confusion over the options and a lack of knowledge, some people not even clear a referendum was taking place.
Dr Philip Temple, of Dunedin, promoted retaining and adjusting MMP, while Vote for Change campaign national spokesman Jordan Williams lobbied for an alternate system, during the 10 minutes in which each had to speak.
After they had put their cases, issues discussed included the best alternative for the South Island and the Waitaki electorate, the explanation behind the total numbers of MPs under alternative systems, how a government would respond to the referendum, the strength of government with small minority parties, stability of government, how much say people would have in a future review of MMP and the effect on electorate sizes.