The term ‘the electoral system’ isn’t something that sparks interest among us, young people. As a matter of fact, many young people have no idea what it is. So, let’s discuss it. What is the electoral system?
Let’s start off by simplifying the term. The electoral system, also known as the voting system, is es- sentially used in politics to elect the government. The more technical definition is: ‘a set of rules that determine how elections and referendums are con- ducted and how their results are determined.’
Right, so we have a definition. We understand what it means so here comes the next step, how does it work? Well, let’s break it down into 6 straightforward steps:
- In an area a series of candidates, most repre- senting a political party, however there are cases of independent candidates, will be running, compet- ing against each other to win, and become the MP of that area.
- The area is called a constituency. There’s a total of 650 across the UK, each consisting of roughly 60,000- 80,000 voters.
- The amount of constituency equates to the num- ber of seats available in the House of Commons.
- The candidate with the most votes wins the con- stituency they were running for, as well as a seat in the House of Commons.
- The political party which has won a majority of constituency and thus the most seats wins the general election.
- Each party has a leader. The leader of the win- ning party becomes the Prime Minister- the head of the UK government.
This method of voting is called first-past-the-post.
Okay, so we’ve defined the system and explained how it operates. But the electoral process is com- plex, so let’s clear a few things up:
So, what happens on polling day?
Polling day. The biggest day in politics and the most anxious days for candidates and their par-
ties. So long as you’re registered in the electorate, you will be given a destination local to your home where you are designated to cast your ballot.
All you’re required to do is pick between a list of candidates within your constituency, the one you believe is best suited to be your MP and represent your issues in parliament. Easy, simple, and quick!!!
But how do I decide what candidates to vote for?
In the run up to an election, candidates alongside their party need to campaign to convince voters
to vote them in. This is done through handing out leaflets, speaking publicly in debates and door to door visit where they speak about what they are going to do once voted in. Parties standing for election publish a declaration called a manifesto, stating their intentions if they’re voted in govern- ment. So, there’s plenty of information accessible to aid your decision!
How frequently do general elections happen?
Every 5 years typically, however exceptions do occur.
So how many seats does a party need to have in order to win?
Well, there are 650 seats in total and seeing as the winning party must have a majority, they need to have won 326 seats or more.
How do I become a voter?
There are 4 simple requirements:
- Be registered to vote. This can be done by get- ting on the electoral register through filling out your details on Gov.uk, in 5 minutes.
- Be 18 or over on the day of the election.
- Not be legally excluded from voting.
- Be a resident at an address in the UK (or a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years).
Conclusively, the electoral system is used to create our government, done through the method first- past-the-post. Despite how complex and uninter- esting it may seem, it has a truly remarkable nature, is straightforward and quick to understand and participate in.
