Voting systems and electoral reform

The UK predominantly uses a First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system for general elections. Under FPTP, the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins a seat in the House of Commons.
Proportional Representation (PR) is an alternative system used in some UK elections, such as for the European Parliament (prior to Brexit), the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly elections. PR aims to distribute seats in proportion to the number of votes each party receives overall.
Under the Alternative Vote (AV) system, used in some mayoral elections, voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the least popular candidate is eliminated and their votes redistributed until a candidate has a majority.
Single Transferable Vote (STV) allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference in multi-member constituencies. This system is used in Northern Ireland for local, Assembly and European elections.
In the Additional Member System (AMS), used in elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly, voters cast two votes: one for a specific candidate and another for a party list.

FPTP is simple and easy to understand, leads to single-party majority governments, maintains a strong link between MPs and their constituencies, and allows for quick and decisive outcomes.
However, FPTP leaves many votes ‘wasted’ (i.e., they don’t contribute to the outcome), can lead to skewed results (a party can win a majority of seats without a majority of votes) and fails to represent smaller parties effectively.
PR systems ensure a more proportionate distribution of seats to votes. They give minor parties a greater chance of representation and tends to lead to coalition or minority governments, which can allow for broader representation of views.
However, PR can result in more fragmented and unstable governments, weaker constituency links, and can be complex for voters to understand.
AV, STV and AMS are hybrid systems aiming to balance the benefits of both FPTP and PR. They offer voter choice and proportionality, while maintaining constituency links.

The push for electoral reform in the UK stems from the perceived weaknesses of FPTP and a desire for a more democratically representative system.
Critics argue for reform towards a more proportional system to more accurately reflect the political opinions of the electorate.
The 2011 AV referendum was a significant event in the UK’s electoral reform debate. The proposition to change the voting system for general elections to AV was rejected, with around 68% voting to keep FPTP.
Supporters of FPTP argue that it provides strong and stable majority governments, provides clear electoral outcomes, and maintains the strong constituency link.
Calls for electoral reform continue, particularly from minor parties that struggle for representation under FPTP.

The impact of the electoral system on political parties is significant. FPTP generally benefits larger parties and can discourage the formation of new parties.
PR systems can result in a greater number of smaller parties as they provide a better chance of achieving representation.
PR systems can also lead to coalition governments, requiring parties to negotiate and compromise on policies.
Electoral reform could significantly change the UK’s party political landscape by redistributing power and influence.

Methods of electoral reform could involve a shift towards PR or a hybrid system like AV, STV or AMS.
Changes could also be made within existing systems – for instance, redrawing constituency boundaries to make them more equal.
More radical reforms could include a move to compulsory voting, lowering the voting age, or introducing online voting.