How a landmark bill could enhance democracy in the US The 2020 US presidential election and down-ballot races were a success for democratic participation. The presidential race saw a record number of people – over 158 million US voters – turn out to vote and... Posted 16 Feb 2021
An independent Electoral Commission for Ireland – A step forward for democracy While in the UK the government has recently threatened our independent elections watchdog with abolition if it cannot be ‘radically overhauled’, across the sea, the Irish government has recently set out plans for establishing an... Posted 12 Jan 2021
A small change has the potential to make a big difference to Australian elections In 1918, a seemingly ordinary by-election in the Australian electoral division of Swan changed Australian federal politics forever. The conservatives left Labor in the dust with almost double the vote. Unfortunately for them, there were... Posted 08 Jan 2021
These US states voted to make elections fairer In the past two weeks, the flaws of the US electoral system have become plain for all to see. As the dust slowly settles, it’s worth looking at some results that aren’t the presidential race.... Posted 13 Nov 2020
In both the US and Britain, millions are silenced by a broken electoral system First published in the i newspaper While President Trump looked hopefully at a path to re-election on Tuesday night, one fact offered a little consolation to Democrats: they were winning the popular vote. But in... Posted 06 Nov 2020
Papers, please: Why the UK must think again before importing US-style voter ID to Britain Voting is a key cornerstone of any democratic system. Just as important are the principles underpinning it: that every vote should be equal, and every vote should count. The US elections have brought these principles... Posted 03 Nov 2020
When it comes to fair votes, the US Senate is ripe for reform If seats are ever to match votes in America, the US will need to look at the distorted Senate. While all eyes are firmly fixed on the race for the White House and, if you’re... Posted 02 Nov 2020
Four ways of electing a president – ranked from worst to best America’s presidential election is the most famous presidential election in the world. The antiquated American system of choosing a president via an electoral college is also one of the worst methods for choosing a national... Posted 02 Nov 2020
How the US’ warped Electoral College means millions of votes make no difference In the last five US elections, two presidents have been summoned to office whilst obtaining fewer votes than their opponent. For example, in 2000 George W. Bush won with four hundred thousand fewer votes than... Posted 02 Nov 2020
Could Trump win the Presidency and lose the popular vote again? There have been two ‘wrong winners’ in UK general elections over the last 70 years. In 1951, Labour got more votes than the Conservatives but the Tories won more seats. In February 1974, the position... Posted 30 Oct 2020