News and Comment

The latest news and commentary from the Electoral Reform Society.

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Does no means ‘No Change’ or ‘More Powers’?

So we have a deal. We have a Yes/No question for a vote on Scottish Independence, and we can hardly contain our disappointment. This referendum has become a bit of a game with both sides intent...

Posted 15 Oct 2012

Low turnout is a gift to candidates who have cash to spend

For some people, low turnout is an opportunity. In the last week we’ve gained enormous traction for our report that Police and Crime Commissioner elections are set for record low turnout – 18.5%, quite possibly the lowest...

Posted 26 Aug 2012

Police Station

Playing pass the parcel on turnout

On May 3 2012 Scotland went to the polls. We’d like to tell you precisely how many Scots actually went to vote, but the honest answer is we can’t. And that’s because no one knows...

Posted 26 Jul 2012

Where have all the working class MPs gone?

The relationship between an individual’s social background and the way they vote has become much weaker in recent times with class no longer acting as a relatively accurate predictor of party preference. Voters are now...

Posted 03 Jul 2012

A People’s Gathering on the Scottish Constitution

Maybe our democracy never really worked that well. Maybe increased transparency and developments in technology mean that ordinary people are able to appreciate the realities of power and its misuse. Maybe the modern age has...

Posted 02 Jun 2012

Electoral Reform for Eurovision?

Eurovision is upon us once again with everyone’s favourite celebration of Europe’s questionable musical talent. Certain traditions will no doubt hold: certain acts will be flamboyantly silly, Britain will score badly and after it is...

Posted 24 May 2012

Eurovision