Topic updates
‘Third strike for Westminster’s voting system’
21st August 2017
The Electoral Reform Society has published their report on the June 2017 General Election.
It will come as little surprise to critics of the First Past The Post electoral system that the 2017 General Election has once again led to millions of wasted votes. According to the ERS, 68% of votes had no impact on the result – in other words, 22 million votes were wasted this election.
0.0016% of voters choosing differently would have given the Conservatives a majority, while the election saw rise in very marginal seats: eleven seats were won by fewer than 100 votes.
First Past the Post is exaggerating divisions in the UK – Labour secured 29% of South East vote but got just 10% of seats, while Conservatives won 34% of the North East vote but got just 9% of seats. Meanwhile, the SNP continue to be over-represented in Scotland, as is Labour in Wales
You might also like
Labour leadership election - How the Alternative vote works
7th September 2015
Voting reform
Study Notes
First Past The Post Explained
31st October 2016
Seven Ways to Look at Election Data
29th August 2017
Voter Turnout in the 2017 General Election - "Dial Up" activity
Quizzes & Activities
Referendums and Parliamentary Democracy
18th July 2018
The cost of living crisis and the red wall
31st January 2022
Teaching Activity: 'Maybe, Prime Minister' (Political Campaign Simulation)
Teaching Activities