Examples of errors and incompetence in the organisation of elections can now be readily found in many democracies around the world. Consider:In the UK 2010 general election, a number of polling stations run out of ballot papers or had queues which meant that citizens were unable to cast their vote.A recent report on the running…Read more Why are failures of electoral management everywhere?
US Supreme Court to further ignite the politics of election administration?
Voting rights rally in New York, 2011The US Supreme Court could today set in motion the process of striking down Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This rules that jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination need to get permission from the federal government before enacting changes to voting procedures. It was…Read more US Supreme Court to further ignite the politics of election administration?
How could the PCC elections have been better run?
The UK is having its first elections for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) tomorrow, (Thursday 15th November). Citizens will have the chance to elect an official who will have the powers to:appoint and dismiss chief constablesset out a five-year police and crime plan determine local policing prioritiesTeresa May has claimed that they will 'be a voice…Read more How could the PCC elections have been better run?
Was Tony Blair a great prime minister?
Earlier in the summer, there was some speculation that Tony Blair may yet dramatically return as Prime Minister.When asked by the Evening Standard whether he would want another term he said 'sure'.Some British Prime Ministers have returned to office after leaving power. These include Lord Palmerston, Benjamin Disraeli, William Gladstone, Lord Salisbury, Stanley Baldwin, Winston Churchill and Harold Wilson. Most recent leaders,…Read more Was Tony Blair a great prime minister?
Election 2012 shows that problems with US election administration remain
Barack Obama has been re-elected as President of the United States. Thankfully, there is a winner with a significant margin meaning that there is not a repeat of 2000. Twelve years ago the result was decided by the US Supreme Court after the controversy over 'hanging chads' and 'butterfly ballots' in Florida.However, had the election…Read more Election 2012 shows that problems with US election administration remain
NFK-NOP publish report on improving electoral registration
The UK Cabinet Office published a report last week on the attitudes of under-represented groups towards electoral registration and individual registration. It was written by the consumer marketing company NFK-NOP.Legislation to change the way that UK citizens register to vote is working its way through Parliament. Registration rates have been falling dramatically in the UK.Some…Read more NFK-NOP publish report on improving electoral registration
Is online registration a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
Online voter registration was in the news last week.In the US state of Washington citizens will be able to register to vote via Facebook. This will use a piece of software developed specially by Facebook and Microsoft.Meanwhile, in Britain, it was reported that Harrow has become the first local authority to allow online re-registration for those already on…Read more Is online registration a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
Why did the electoral system favour Labour?
In the 2010 general election, the electoral system was said to have heavily advantaged the Labour party. Sounds unfair? Perhaps. This very useful video explains why.
Is UK electoral registration ‘improving’? If not, why not?
The UK Electoral Commission has just published a new report detailing the results of the performance standards for electoral registration officers.This is an annual report. The standards have been in place since 2008. The standards arose in 2006 after there were concerns that not all local authorities were not doing everything that they could to…Read more Is UK electoral registration ‘improving’? If not, why not?
New Research on Individual Electoral Registration – Policy Implications
Most discussion was about the House of Lords reform following the Queen's Speech last week. However, the government also introduced the Electoral Registration And Administration Bill into Parliament. Amongst other things, the bill intends to introduce individual electoral registration (IER) for elections in England, Wales and Scotland. At almost the same time, I am about to…Read more New Research on Individual Electoral Registration – Policy Implications
Toby S. James 