The top 5 most-read ERS articles from 2022

Every year we have a look through the stats to see which of our articles were the most popular with readers in the year coming to a close. So if you missed them the first time around, here are our top 5 most-read articles of 2022.

5. Does proportional representation lead to higher turnout?

Britain has one of the lowest turnout rates in the West and is the only country in Western Europe to use First Past the Post. So, could a switch to proportional representation encourage more people to go to the polls?

4. The UK’s biggest union just passed a motion in support of proportional representation

Back in June, delegates at UNISON’s National Delegate Conference backed a motion calling on the UK’s biggest union to ‘reject First Past the Post’ and for the adoption of PR for UK general elections. This decision had a huge impact later in the year at Labour conference.

3. Should I rank all the candidates in the Scottish council elections?

In the run-up to May’s local elections in Scotland, we wanted to debunk the myth that there is any advantage in not ranking a candidate in an STV election.

2. Labour Party conference backs proportional representation

In September, Labour Party Conference delegates voted to call for a manifesto commitment to proportional representation for general elections.

This was a massive moment for democracy in the UK. Now all major parties, bar the Conservatives, are united on the need for electoral reform and committed to delivering a fair electoral system where every vote counts.

1. Voter ID list gives few options for younger voters

In November, the long-awaited details of the government’s voter ID scheme were finally released, including details of which IDs will be accepted at the polling station.

The list includes passports and driving licences and a range of travel cards – predominantly those held by older people. We have long warned that unequal access to identification would lead to unequal access to polling stations.

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