The Reformer

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Much like in the UK, the First Past the Post style Electoral College can crown the wrong winner
Electoral Reform in Westminster

Could Trump lose the popular vote for the third time but secure a second term as President?

Before the last US Presidential election, in 2020, we asked whether it was possible for Donald Trump to again lose...

A democratic mandate would mean better legislation in the long run
House of Lords

The Commons versus the Lords: What’s the difference?

Our parliament is made up of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, but do we really need...

A Citizens Assembly is a group of people put together like a jury to think about an important issue
Citizens' Assemblies

What are the benefits of Citizens’ Assemblies, and should they be used more?

At the ERS, we’ve long campaigned for more involvement of citizens in the decisions that affect them. For politics to...

while some parties are champions of electoral reform, others prefer the stagnant status quo
Electoral Reform in Westminster

Which UK political parties support proportional representation?

The results of the 2024 election are just the latest indicator of our broken electoral system, with a troubling mismatch...

“If we want fairer elections where votes truly matter, we need proportional representation”
Electoral Reform in Westminster

How does proportional representation work?

Proportional representation (PR) is not a voting system in itself. Instead, it’s the idea that seats in parliament should reflect...

The extension of transparency requirements is a welcome addition to political campaigning
Campaign Regulation

Digital imprints: what are they and why are they useful?

This general election will be the biggest we’ve seen yet for online campaigning. It’s an area where the ERS, along...

A government defeat in the Lords can be all smoke and no fire
House of Lords

What happens when the Lords defeat the Government?

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, allowing deportations to Rwanda for certain migrants who arrive in the UK...

MPs and Peers recognise the benefits of STV when they are the voters
Electoral Reform in Westminster

Where is Single Transferable Vote used in the UK?

Whilst First Past the Post is used for Westminster elections in the UK, it’s not the only way we elect...

We have long held up the Single Transferable Vote (STV) as the gold standard for proportional representation
Electoral Reform in Westminster

Who invented the Single Transferable Vote?

The Electoral Reform Society has long held up the Single Transferable Vote as the gold standard for proportional representation. It’s...

Electing the second chamber doesnt itself lead to more conflict
House of Lords

Why an elected second chamber won’t lead to gridlock

Looking across the Atlantic at America’s Senate, it’s clear why concerns are often expressed that an elected second chamber may...

First Past the Post has often failed to live up to its supporters promises
Electoral Reform in Westminster

How many hung parliaments has the UK had?

Westminster’s First Past the Post (FPTP) system often results in some parties gaining far more seats than their vote share...

A Senate of the Regions and Nations could provide a far stronger voice for the whole of the UK
Devolution

What is a Senate of the Regions and Nations?

Over the years many parties and groups have suggested ideas for reform of the House of Lords. Recently, the Labour...