Elections and Referendums

Questions relating to elections and referendums are currently at the heart of political reform debates in the UK and around the world. How can low levels of voter participation in elections be addressed? How can electoral institutions best be adapted in response to voters’ changing expectations? Do referendums contribute positively to a healthy democratic system? Could referendums be run differently to improve their operation?

The Constitution Unit’s research in this area is led by Dr Alan Renwick and falls into these primary areas.

Research

A Northern Ireland Border Poll

The Constitution Unit is planning a project to address the questions a 'border poll' in Northern Ireland would raise, with partners from both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Doing Democracy Better

Research into how we can improve the quality of information that is available during election and referendum campaigns and help voters to access it.

The Mechanics of a Further Referendum on Brexit

A report and series of blogposts examining whether a further Brexit referendum is feasible, how it might be triggered, what the question could be, how it should be regulated, and when it could take place.

Independent Commission on Referendums

A Commission of senior figures established to review the role of referendums in British democracy and consider how the rules and practice could be improved.

Electoral Systems in the UK

Research into how the UK electoral system is performing, what changes might be desirable, and what the likelihood is that such changes will take place.

Discourse and Voting in Referendums

Ongoing research into the quality of debate during referendum campaigns and whether anything can be done to enhance that quality.

Electoral Reform Around the World

Research into the circumstances in which and the processes through which electoral systems change, and the nature of the changes taking place around the world today.

Elections and Referendums

Research

A Northern Ireland Border Poll

Doing Democracy Better

The Mechanics of a Further Referendum on Brexit

Independent Commission on Referendums

Electoral Systems in the UK

Discourse and Voting in Referendums

Electoral Reform Around the World

Project Archive >

Recent Publications

Elections and referendums on the blog

A Northern Ireland border poll

Monitor 71 — Brexit: the constitution under strain

Doing democracy better: a positive blueprint for the future

Holding a border poll in Northern Ireland: when does it need to happen and what questions need to be answered?

Election petitions remain important to the integrity of UK elections, but reforms are urgently needed

The Constitution Unit blog in 2018: a year in review

Could a citizens’ assembly break the Brexit impasse?

A second Brexit referendum looks increasingly likely: what key questions need to be addressed?

Monitor 70 — Brexit: the uncertain road ahead

How did people’s expectations of the consequences of Brexit affect their vote?

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