Senedd reform and local PR: an exciting week for Welsh democracy As the political world shifts from its axis in a tumultuous first month of 2017, you’d be forgiven for missing on some other developments in the electoral reform agenda in Wales. Whisper it, but all... Posted 02 Feb 2017
It turns out voters have faith in democracy. But we can do better From Donald Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud in the US, to the government’s plans for voter ID trials in the UK next year, the (often shaky) notion of widespread abuse in our democratic system has been... Posted 31 Jan 2017
Taking back control: Why voters need a say on Brexit plans Last week we got a clearer idea of Theresa May’s approach to leaving the EU. She set out a 12-point plan which included leaving the single market, remaining partially in the customs union, and withdrawing... Posted 24 Jan 2017
The public need a say on where power will lie after Brexit So Theresa May has fleshed out her plans for Britain leaving the EU and becoming an independent self-governing nation. With more detail emerging about the economic plan, it’s time to look at the democratic implications. Serious thinking... Posted 18 Jan 2017
How will the 2017 French presidential election work? After last year’s political whirlwind, attention has turned to 2017’s elections for evidence of further shocks. Voters are going to the polls in the Netherlands, in Germany but most attention is focused on France, whose... Posted 13 Jan 2017
Compulsory voter ID would only add to Britain’s democratic deficit In true festive spirit, the government chose December 27 to respond to former local government minister Eric Pickles’ proposals to tackle alleged voter fraud in UK elections. Sadly, the response isn’t much of a belated Christmas present... Posted 04 Jan 2017
Our top 10 most read blogs in 2016 It’s been a busy year for the ERS – from a big set of elections in May, to the EU vote, Lords scandals (an annually-guaranteed affair, it seems), voter registration drives, party funding spats, and... Posted 20 Dec 2016
MPs are getting organised for a fairer voting system Last month, we saw a symbolic step forward in the Parliamentary push for fair votes. 16 Parliamentarians gathered in Portcullis House on the 29th November for the launch of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Proportional... Posted 14 Dec 2016
Local democracy in Scotland needs all of us Here’s a fact for you: a quarter of Scots in a recent BMG poll for the ERS said they would rather finish the ironing than go and vote in a council election. While our commitment to neat... Posted 12 Dec 2016
Here’s to our members and supporters This Saturday we held our largest members and supporters conference and AGM for many years – topping off what has been a great campaigning year for the ERS. It was a fantastic success, and it... Posted 08 Dec 2016