Voters in Northern Ireland demand more transparency in politics New research by the Electoral Commission has shown the public in Northern Ireland wants to see more transparency in politics. The research, conducted by Ipsos Mori through a series of online focus groups, asked people... Posted 05 Mar 2021
This loophole is letting lobbying go under the radar in Scotland A major loophole in Scotland’s lobbying register is undermining transparency – with voters left in the dark about lobbying during the pandemic. Posted 04 Mar 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
Is the government’s Online Harms Bill fit for purpose? By Akash Thiara, a Placement Student with the Electoral Reform Society from the University of Nottingham. After a long delay, the government has finally released plans to tackle ‘online harms’. The online harms bill, which... Posted 04 Jan 2021
Building a better democracy – 2020 and the Electoral Reform Society It’s hard to think of a more troubling year in living memory. But the public health crisis has, perhaps counter-intuitively, put issues of democracy at the forefront. The election may feel like a distant memory,... Posted 07 Dec 2020
MPs in joint call to ‘protect and strengthen’ the Electoral Commission, 20 years after its foundation This week marks 20 years since the Electoral Commission was founded. It’s a time for celebration of its successes but also a time to look to its future. That’s why former Digital, Culture, Media and... Posted 04 Dec 2020
Happy birthday to the Electoral Commission – now let’s give it the powers it needs This Monday marks 20 years since the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 received Royal Assent. It was an act which set up the Electoral Commission, the UK’s independent elections watchdog – and tackled... Posted 30 Nov 2020
Why we need transparency around the political use of personal data In recent years, we’ve talked a lot about the rise of online political campaigning and the impact this can have on our democratic processes – the ERS has been at the forefront of calling for... Posted 26 Nov 2020
20 years since the Electoral Commission was founded, our watchdog needs more clout Monday 30th November marks the 20th Anniversary of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act. In 2000, just 30% of people had internet access at home. Facebook was years from conception. Today, campaigners spend millions each election... Posted 25 Nov 2020
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