UK Voting Systems Unpacked: A Guide to How We Vote

The Bench Report

Explore the diverse voting systems used across the UK, moving beyond First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). Since 1997, various systems like Additional Member System (AMS), Single Transferable Vote (STV), and Alternative Vote (AV) have been introduced for devolved and local elections. Learn where each system is currently applied, such as FPTP for UK Parliament, STV in Northern Ireland and Scotland, and AMS in Scotland and London. We delve into their strengths and weaknesses, considering proportionality, the constituency link, and simplicity, highlighting the ongoing debate about which system best reflects voter wishes and delivers stable governance.

Key Takeaways:

• FPTP is used for UK Parliament elections and local elections in England and Wales. Mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner elections also reverted to FPTP from May 2023, though proposed legislation aims to reinstate Supplementary Vote.
• The Single Transferable Vote (STV) system is used for Northern Ireland Assembly and local council elections in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
• The Additional Member System (AMS) is employed for elections to the Scottish Parliament and the London Assembly.
• The Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament) will switch from AMS to a closed list proportional system for its elections from May 2026.
• Different systems involve trade-offs between proportionality, constituency link, simplicity, and outcomes/accountability.

Important Definitions and Concepts:

• First-Past-The-Post (FPTP): A system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, regardless of whether they achieve over 50%.
• Proportionality: The degree to which the number of seats won by a party reflects its share of the votes cast.
• Constituency Link: The connection between elected representatives and a specific geographical area or electorate, allowing for local representation and accountability.

Discussion and Reflection Question: Considering the various strengths and weaknesses discussed, how do you think different electoral systems impact voter engagement and trust in the democratic process in the UK?

Source: Voting systems in the UK
Research Briefing
Published Friday, 11 July, 2025

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Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.