What is proportional representation? Parties from across the political spectrum are lining up against Westminster’s voting system and calling for proportional representation, but what does that term mean? There are lots of different ways to decide who gets to... Posted 06 Dec 2019
What can we learn from Canada’s Leaders’ Debate Commission? This election’s televised leaders debates have taken place against a backdrop of endless rows over who should be allowed to take part, in what has become a recurring feature of our election campaigns. Arguments over... Posted 04 Dec 2019
Is this the ‘hold your nose’ election? Record-breaking numbers set to vote tactically Polling from BMG research for the Electoral Reform Society has revealed that a record-breaking 30% of the public plan to vote ‘tactically’ in the next General Election. Tactical voting occurs when voters choose the best-positioned... Posted 04 Dec 2019
Time is nearly out to register to vote. Don’t be silenced this election The 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
It’s time we stopped arguing about the TV debates – and guaranteed real choice for voters Tonight’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 pacts Judging 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
How do you register to vote and when do you have to do it by? Whilst registration statistics have gone dramatically up since the date for the next general election became official, arguably the level of first-time registration may be being overstated. The statistics we are given tell us the... 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 Election Let’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