Election-day registration in Britain: an idea whose time has come?

Earlier in the month the Labour Party suggested that we should consider election-day registration in the UK.  This is something that I have thought would make a good evidence based policy.  This week I have published my thoughts on Eastminster and the Democratic Audit this proposal.You can also view my evidence to the parliamentary select…Read more Election-day registration in Britain: an idea whose time has come?

Labour announces good news for British elections?

Voter registration is a problem in the UK.  Approximately one in five citizens are not on the electoral register.  When it is reported that only 65% of registered people voted at the 2010 general election, we forget those people who are not on the register in the first place.The Guardian is today reporting that Labour…Read more Labour announces good news for British elections?

Five things that you may (not?) know about voter registration on National Voter Registration Day

Bite The Ballot have made Wednesday 5th February 2014 National Voter Registration Day. This is a great initiative.  There have been citizen-led projects to increase voter registration in the USA for decades.  The UK is only now catching onto the importance of this topic. Here are five things you might may not know about voter…Read more Five things that you may (not?) know about voter registration on National Voter Registration Day

Political Leaders are facing challenging times

I recently convened a Political Studies Association workshop on political leadership at the University of East Anglia.  Below, I reflect on some of the lessons learnt. Political leaders are facing challenging times. International financial austerity has had dramatic consequences for leaders around the world. Leaders have often had to campaign for (re)election and govern with…Read more Political Leaders are facing challenging times

A blueprint for fixing elections? The Presidential Commission on Election Administration publishes its report

The US Presidential Commission on Election Administration has today published its report on how long-running problems with American elections can be fixed.  It has claimed that: 'problems that hinder the efficient administration of elections are both identifiable and solvable. The whole report can be downloaded here.  Here were my suggestions:  https://www.supportthevoter.gov/2013/10/24/what-the-presidential-commission-can-learn-from-the-united-kingdom-about-improving-elections/

Voter ID in Britain? A Note of Caution from Academic Research

Voter ID in Britain is being put forward to fix the problem of voter fraud.  Toby James claims that there is little evidence of widespread voter fraud.  Rather, research shows that voter identification requirements might restrict turnout unevenly across British society and is the policy option that is likely to be considered strategically by the…Read more Voter ID in Britain? A Note of Caution from Academic Research

Prisoners to vote in the UK?

Prisoners to vote in the UK? A cross-party Committee (to be be precise, The Joint Committee on the Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) Bill), has just published its report on prisoner voting.  It recommends that: 'the Government introduce a Bill at the start of the 2014–15 session, which should provide that all prisoners serving sentences of 12 months or less should…Read more Prisoners to vote in the UK?

A new blog that I am editing….

The University of East Anglia has recently launched a new politics blog called Eastminster.....and I am editing it. During the last week we have had posts from my excellent colleagues on issues as diverse as Nelson Mandela, e-voting in the UK, interest in politics under the Coalition government and the effects of anti-terrorism legislation. If…Read more A new blog that I am editing….

John Bercow to consider the case for internet voting in the UK. Is it a good idea?

E-voting is back on the political agenda in the UK.  The Guardian is reporting that: 'The Commons Speaker, John Bercow, is establishing a rare independent commission on digital democracy, including the prospect of introducing electronic voting at elections.' You might be surprised to know that internet voting has been used in the UK before.  Between…Read more John Bercow to consider the case for internet voting in the UK. Is it a good idea?