ERS in the Press – November 2020 In a month dominated by coronavirus and a second national lockdown in England as well as Brexit negotiations, democratic issues have still been in the news and we’ve continued to be at the forefront of... Posted 02 Dec 2020
20 years since the Electoral Commission was founded, our watchdog needs more clout Monday 30th November marks the 20th Anniversary of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act. In 2000, just 30% of people had internet access at home. Facebook was years from conception. Today, campaigners spend millions each election... Posted 25 Nov 2020
These US states voted to make elections fairer In the past two weeks, the flaws of the US electoral system have become plain for all to see. As the dust slowly settles, it’s worth looking at some results that aren’t the presidential race.... Posted 13 Nov 2020
Today the government can bring in the ‘missing millions’ excluded from electoral roll Today MPs have a chance to bring in millions of young people to the electoral register and we’re joining with leading youth groups and campaigners to urge them to take it. MPs will be debating... Posted 10 Nov 2020
How Holyrood can close the lobbying loopholes – and stand up for transparency Scotland’s lax transparency rules are leaving voters in the dark about the scale and nature of political lobbying, a coalition of campaigners has told MSPs. The argument was made by the Scottish Alliance for Lobbying... Posted 09 Nov 2020
In both the US and Britain, millions are silenced by a broken electoral system First published in the i newspaper While President Trump looked hopefully at a path to re-election on Tuesday night, one fact offered a little consolation to Democrats: they were winning the popular vote. But in... Posted 06 Nov 2020
When it comes to fair votes, the US Senate is ripe for reform If seats are ever to match votes in America, the US will need to look at the distorted Senate. While all eyes are firmly fixed on the race for the White House and, if you’re... Posted 02 Nov 2020
Four ways of electing a president – ranked from worst to best America’s presidential election is the most famous presidential election in the world. The antiquated American system of choosing a president via an electoral college is also one of the worst methods for choosing a national... Posted 02 Nov 2020
How the US’ warped Electoral College means millions of votes make no difference In the last five US elections, two presidents have been summoned to office whilst obtaining fewer votes than their opponent. For example, in 2000 George W. Bush won with four hundred thousand fewer votes than... Posted 02 Nov 2020
Could Trump win the Presidency and lose the popular vote again? There have been two ‘wrong winners’ in UK general elections over the last 70 years. In 1951, Labour got more votes than the Conservatives but the Tories won more seats. In February 1974, the position... Posted 30 Oct 2020