Electoral reform

A change in the voting system could have significant implications for women's involvement in democracy.

Despite the historic election of 120 women MPs at the 1997 General Election, and the 118 women MPs elected in 2001, women still remain under represented in UK politics and there is evidence that a change in the voting system would help improve women's representation in parliament.

The first-past-the-post system is also failing women voters in the UK. Many women voters dislike the agressive style of politics in the UK and often feel that their views are being ignored. There is some evidence that a change in voting system could bring about a change in the style of politics practised.

Fawcett believes electoral reform is failing voters in the UK because: 

• It does not reflect the votes cast
  
  
• It does not encourage the selection of women candidates
  
  
• Where you live determines how much your vote counts
  
  
• Most votes do not count
  
  
• Elections are decided by a few voters in marginal constituencies

Fawcett is a member of Make Votes Count, which campaigns for a more proportional voting system. To visit this campaign's page, click on the link in the box on the right hand side of this page.