The Netherlands is going to the polls, but how do Dutch elections work?Dutch voters have started going to the polls to vote in the general election to elect the 150 members of the House of Representatives, with incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte seeking a fourth term in...Posted 17 Mar 2021
Labour and progressive thinkers to present Keir Starmer with vision for ‘real democracy’Keir Starmer will be presented with a vision for a pro-democracy overhaul of Westminster and the economy on Sunday (21st March), with the release of a new book, The New Foundations.Posted 15 Mar 2021
Why voter ID is the opposite of what we need to improve our electionsThat there is growing opposition to government plans to introduce mandatory voter ID should come as no surprise. Requirements to show photo ID at polling stations, which are expected to be introduced in 2023, are...Posted 12 Mar 2021
What can we learn from the evolution of English devolution?There has been considerable discussion about the ‘Union’ and efforts to save it in recent months, given the increasing support for nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales, and growing talk of a border poll in...Posted 09 Mar 2021
International Women’s Day: How Westminster’s voting system is holding back gender equalityWhat’s clear is that Westminster’s out-dated structures aren’t allowing the fair representation Britain needs. That’s bad news for everyone.Posted 08 Mar 2021
Why are there still hereditary peers in the House of Lords?The ancient triumvirate of the British constitution – the Monarchy, the Lords and the Commons – is a historical trait whose origins can be traced all the way back to the 11th century. Such history...Posted 05 Mar 2021
Voters in Northern Ireland demand more transparency in politicsNew research by the Electoral Commission has shown the public in Northern Ireland wants to see more transparency in politics. The research, conducted by Ipsos Mori through a series of online focus groups, asked people...Posted 05 Mar 2021
Reporting back from our ERS members’ workshopFollowing the 2019 election, we set about revising our campaigning plans for the new political situation in Westminster. As with everything over the last year, the process was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, but we...Posted 04 Mar 2021
UK government’s mandatory voter ID plans slammed by US civil rights groupsLeading US civil rights groups have sounded the alarm over UK government plans to exclude those who lack ID from the polling station.Posted 04 Mar 2021
This loophole is letting lobbying go under the radar in ScotlandA major loophole in Scotland’s lobbying register is undermining transparency – with voters left in the dark about lobbying during the pandemic. Posted 04 Mar 2021