News and Comment

The latest news and commentary from the Electoral Reform Society.

Around the World | Current Affairs Commentary | Developments at the ERS | Your Questions Answered | Case Studies

Does the House of Lords have any power?

This July, the King’s Speech outlined the government’s intention to remove hereditary seats from the House of Lords. This is a positive step toward reforming parliament’s second chamber, as it signals the beginning of the...

Posted 28 Aug 2024

The real winner from votes at 16 is democracy

With the new Labour government’s commitment to extending the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds in their manifesto, many an argument has been levelled against the plan. Most arguments against measures that would improve our democracy...

Posted 27 Aug 2024

Coming into contact with politics in our formative years is crucially important for the future of our democracy

How big donors fund our political parties

Nearly a month back, at a time when candidates were still fighting for their seats, we reported on donations made to political parties during the first 3 weeks of campaigning for the 2024 general election....

Posted 13 Aug 2024

Over the years the landscape of UK part financing has been shifting.

Powys: Have your say on fairer elections

Powys County Council have just taken the next step of their journey towards fairer elections by launching a consultation on changing the voting system at local elections. The consultation comes following the passing of a...

Posted 12 Aug 2024

Powys- Have your say on fairer elections