Elections are a fundamental component of representative democracy – without them, a country cannot be democratic. For many countries, elections are the main way citizens can influence the programs and policies that affect them. There are a … [Read more...] about Explainer: The Tradeoffs in Different Electoral Systems
Electoral Reform
Should long-term emigrants be allowed to vote?
In January of this year, to relatively little fanfare, the UK Government extended voting rights to people who no longer live in the UK. In secondary legislation putting into effect the 2022 Elections Act, the previous 15-year time-limit on overseas … [Read more...] about Should long-term emigrants be allowed to vote?
The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (PPERA) 2000
On Thursday, voters will head to the polls in the Rochdale by-election. They’ll be voting to replace Sir Tony Lloyd, the late Labour politician who spent a remarkable 36 years as an MP, including seven representing Rochdale. It was expected … [Read more...] about The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (PPERA) 2000
The case for compulsory voting in the UK
British democracy is based on the principle of representation. Our governments must command the support of a majority of the House of Commons, which, because it is directly elected by universal suffrage, is regarded as representative of the public. … [Read more...] about The case for compulsory voting in the UK
Elections change is largest in almost a century
As an election observer, I am used to observing elections in the UK and outside it with the election observation organisation, Democracy Volunteers. Following our observations, we make recommendations to election authorities about how to improve … [Read more...] about Elections change is largest in almost a century