In the UK (and US), we use a First Past The Post (FPTP) election system. Unfortunately, this often leads to a majority of voters feeling unsatisfied with the results.
For example, look at the results of the 2024 UK election when analyzed by total electorate support (not just those who turned up to vote):
| Party | Electorate Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Labour | 20.13% | Winner |
| Conservative | 14.16% | |
| Reform UK | 8.54% | |
| Lib/Dems | 7.29% | |
| SNP | 1.50% | Scotland only |
| Independent | 1.17% | |
| Sinn Fein | 0.44% | N. Ireland only |
The stark reality is that the party which won the election was NOT voted for by almost 80% of the UK electorate!
Should we adopt a Proportional Representation (PR) voting system?
I think it makes sense, but there are dangers. We must remember that extremist elements can gain footholds through PR systems (historically, the rise of the Nazi party in 1932 was facilitated by a PR-style parliamentary system). We would need safeguards against an extremist government taking power.
However, we WILL get that extremist government eventually if we continue with FPTP.
The Problem of the Non-Voter
The 40% of non-voters have a massive impact. Why don't they vote? I asked around, and these were the common responses:
- "It doesn't make any difference; they are all the same."
- "I live in a 'safe seat' so my vote won't make any difference."
- "It's too difficult to get out to the polling station."
- "I have to produce an ID and don't have one."
- "I couldn't be bothered."
- "I know I can get a postal vote but the nearest post box is a mile away."
- "I've lived here most of my life but I'm not a UK citizen so can't vote."
🚩 Fact Check: The "Safe Seat" Myth
The 2024 election proved that "safe seats" are often an illusion. Staying home because you think the result is a foregone conclusion is a mistake.
- History Breakers: Seats like Banbury (Conservative since 1922) and Cities of London and Westminster (Conservative since its creation) voted Labour for the first time ever.
- Giant Majorities Vanished: Former PM Liz Truss lost her seat despite having a massive majority of 26,000 votes.
- The Reality: Unless you live in Liverpool (which currently holds 3 of the top 5 safest seats in the UK), your constituency might be far more marginal than you realize.
👉 Check how close your local vote actually was on this Interactive Map
How do we fix this?
Here are some suggestions for increasing engagement and fairness:
1. Franchise for Long-term Residents
If someone has lived in the UK for 10 years, worked, paid taxes, and has every intention to remain, shouldn't they be entitled to vote on matters that affect them?
My proposal isn't actually that radical. New Zealand lets permanent residents vote after just one year, and Chile after five. Even here in the UK, Scotland and Wales already allow foreign residents to vote in local and parliamentary elections. Yet, in a General Election, a Commonwealth citizen who arrived yesterday can vote, while a tax-paying resident of 10 years cannot.
Yes, they could apply for citizenship, but the process is arduous and expensive. Most UK citizens wouldn't pass the test! (Details - See here)
2. The "Apathy" Vote
If people are not concerned enough to vote for change, how about counting them as a "half vote" for the current incumbent or party? It sounds radical, but if they don't like that idea, it might motivate them to vote!
3. Digital Voting
We live in a digital age. Shouldn't voting be digital too? We could vote online securely using a code mailed to us on a voter card. Such a system is possible and arguably more secure than paper ballots. Critics worry about digital fraud, but given that there is currently very little in-person voter fraud to begin with, the risk is often overstated compared to the benefit of higher turnout. For those not online, voting could still be done at libraries. For the digital majority - No queues, and the weather wouldn't affect the election.
☔ Mythbuster: Does Rain Stop Voting?
Actually, no. Research from the University of Reading and election experts shows that rain has almost no impact on UK voter turnout.
In fact, the "wettest election" on record (2019) had a higher turnout than many dry ones (like 2001 or 2005). The reason people don't vote isn't the weather outside—it's the feeling that their vote doesn't matter.
Snow can have an effect though so it's best to NOT have elections in the middle of winter.
What are your thoughts?
