Google starts to open up on political ads – but who’s setting the rules?New rules have just come into force at Google, banning political ads which target the public based on their political affiliations. (Targeting on the basis of age, gender and general location will be allowed to...Posted 26 Nov 2019
The quest for fairer votingThe first recorded election under a proportional representation (PR) system took place on 17 December 1819, when the Birmingham Society for Scientific and Literary Improvement elected their Committee using new rules invented by one of...Posted 26 Nov 2019
Time is nearly out to register to vote. Don’t be silenced this electionThe election is fast approaching: and it’s time to bring the ‘missing millions’ currently not on the electoral roll into the fold. If you aren’t on the register, your voice won’t be heard. With only...Posted 25 Nov 2019
What happens at the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland?On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October, The Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland kicked off at the Grosvenor Hotel in Edinburgh, with one hundred people from across the country meeting for the first time. The Assembly...Posted 25 Nov 2019
It’s time we stopped arguing about the TV debates – and guaranteed real choice for votersTonight’s first round of television debates has been mired in controversy. Not over policies – but the format, with the SNP and Lib Dems mounting an unsuccessful legal challenge to being excluded. It’s not necessarily...Posted 19 Nov 2019
We should be scrutinising candidates and policies. Instead the talk is of tactics and pactsJudging by the first week of the general election campaign, it seems likely that the remaining month will see a lot of focus on ‘tactical’ issues. We’ve already seen electoral pacts, or parties standing down...Posted 13 Nov 2019
What is tactical voting and why is it bad for democracy?In a Westminster election, tactical voting takes place when a voter chooses a candidate whom they wouldn’t normally support, in order to prevent another candidate from winning. For example, if you want to vote for...Posted 12 Nov 2019
What is a hung parliament?Across the country, a total of 650 Members of Parliament are elected to the Commons, with one per constituency. Under Westminster’s first past the post electoral system each MP doesn’t need to be supported by...Posted 06 Nov 2019
Three issues that need tackling this General ElectionLet’s use this election as a chance to re-build democracy on stronger and fairer foundations As the UK prepares for its next general election in December, it is important to revise what needs to be...Posted 05 Nov 2019
Could social media warp the next General Election?Facebook recently triggered a major public debate by changing its rules on posts by political campaigners. Previously these had been open to ‘fact-checking’ by trusted organisations. However, the new decision means the site will not...Posted 29 Oct 2019