THE ELECTORAL Reform Society (ERS) is calling on the residents of Gwynedd to take a historic step in shaping the future of local democracy, as a key consultation heads into its final week.
Gwynedd County Council is currently holding a consultation on changing the voting system used at local elections. By participating, voters have the chance to share their views on whether to change the voting system from First Past the Post to the Single Transferable Vote.
The current system (First Past the Post) is the same as the one used at Westminster elections and the proposed change would mean switching the system used to Single Transferable Vote (STV) which allows voters to rank their choice of candidates in order of preference for as many candidates as they like. As a result, this system has a much more proportional outcome where voices of the local community are reflected more accurately in the council chamber.
This system has been used in Scotland since 2007 and the results of their local elections have been much more reflective of the votes cast. What’s more, the number of seats with just one candidate has reduced significantly, and parties now work much more collaboratively to solve local issues.
This a change which can only improve local democracy. So, ERS is now urging voters to share their views on the change before the deadline on 15th of September to demonstrate the need for a fairer and more democratic voting system.
Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, said: “This is a huge chance for Gwynedd to lead the way towards a brighter, more representative democracy in Wales.
“The recent general election highlighted the deficiencies of the Westminster First Past the Post system, which often leaves voters without a voice. Here in Wales, the Labour Party gained over 84% of the seats despite winning just 37% of the vote.
“These issues spill over into our local democracy too. At the 2022 local elections, an astonishing 41% of Gwynedd councillors were chosen without a single vote being cast due to there being just one candidate on the ballot paper, meaning over 30,000 voters lost out – a problem exacerbated by the First Past the Post system.
“By having your say we can move away from this archaic, chaotic and undemocratic system. This is not just about changing how votes are counted; it’s about making every vote count and ensuring that your council chamber truly reflects how people voted and the diverse voices of your community. So please take this opportunity to have your say.”
