The case for change our system to STV

A Welcome and intermission

Sep 23, 2024

Welcome to My Substack on the Single Transferable Vote (STV)!

After a few weeks of working behind the scenes, it’s time to open the doors and invite you all in!

What’s this all about?
The purpose of this Substack is simple: to make the case for changing the UK’s voting system to the Single Transferable Vote (STV). Along the way, I explore the history, present some alternative systems, and explain why STV could be the answer to the UK’s democratic needs. This is a work in progress, and I may soon invite guest writers to contribute their expertise.

The Benefits of Subscribing

Well it’s free - and you’ll be sent an e-mail when I publish a new post!

The Nerdy Labour of Love:
Underpinning the broader case for reform, I’m also presenting a detailed solution for dividing the UK into STV constituencies with the minimum amount of disruption—using the 2024 election constituencies as a starting point. While this project may appeal to my fellow map-and-numbers enthusiasts, I understand that most people will want to focus on their own region. That’s fine! I’ve structured the posts to make it easy for you to jump straight to your area of interest. Oh, and don’t miss out on my themed musical interludes as you browse!

In reality, I know that a switch to STV would likely trigger a fresh boundary review, but my aim here is to show that it doesn’t have to be a complex or disruptive process.

Where I’ve Covered So Far:
Right now, as I start to publicise these pages, I’ve already explored STV solutions for Scotland, the North of England, and the West Midlands. Up next? It was going to be Wales but I’ve divided to replan there, so its likely to be East Midlands next.

On my Predictions

On each regional page, I offer suggestions on how an STV election might have played out in 2024. However, these predictions come with a significant caveat: one of the main advantages of STV is that people will vote differently, free from the need for tactical voting and able to express second and third preferences. So, please take these predictions as a bit of guidance—and a bit of fun!

What’s Next?

Once I’ve covered the whole UK and added more posts about the case for reform, this Substack may evolve into a broader political journal—we’ll see where the journey takes us!

Join the Conversation:
Feel free to leave comments on any post! I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas. If you’re new here, start with the Introduction to STV, or jump straight to your area with the links below:

Also, please do subscribe - Its free and it will mean you will be alerted to my future posts.

The Discussion Posts : More to come

These are currently in the order posted; I may re-order thematically later

My original introduction
A personal statement - Like who the hell am I?
FPTP and STV : Whats the difference?
Who should Electoral Reforms be for?
How does STV work?
The 2011 Referendum
In the USA : The Electoral College
List Systems
The Conservative Leadership Election
Across the sea - A brief Look at the Irish Election
The ‘Call another Election’ petition

The regional solutions

London is only first in alphabetical order - I’m planning it post it last! Yorkshire & Humberside was first, because I live there