{"id":27775,"date":"2024-03-13T09:51:25","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T14:51:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/2024\/03\/13\/electoral-reform-and-direct-democracy\/"},"modified":"2024-10-23T17:02:41","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T21:02:41","slug":"electoral-reform-and-direct-democracy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/electoral-reform-and-direct-democracy\/","title":{"rendered":"5. Electoral reform and direct democracy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Free and fair elections are a critical element of a healthy democratic system<\/a>. And in many of the 24 countries surveyed, reforming how elections and the electoral system<\/strong> work is a key priority. People want both large-scale, systemic changes \u2013 such as switching from first-past-the-post to proportional representation \u2013 as well as smaller-scale issues like making Election Day a holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people link these changes to greater citizen representation, whether it\u2019s because they allow people to vote more easily or because their votes can be more readily and accurately converted into representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But some people take it even a step further, arguing for their country to have more direct democracy<\/strong>. Particularly in France and Germany, where direct democracy is the second-most suggested change, people want to have more chances to vote via referenda on topics that matter to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electoral reform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Changing the electoral system appears in the top five ranked issues in seven of the 24 countries surveyed. In Canada, Nigeria and the UK, the issue ranks second among the 17 substantive topics coded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In six countries, those who do not<\/em> support the governing party or parties are more likely to mention electoral reform than those who do support such parties. In the UK, for example, where electoral reform is ranked second only to politicians, 17% of those who do not<\/em> support the ruling Conservative Party mention electoral reform, compared with 6% of Conservative Party supporters. (For more information on how we classify governing party supporters, refer to <\/em>Appendix D<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in the U.S. and Israel, this pattern is reversed: Those who do<\/em> support the governing parties are more likely than those who do not to mention electoral reform as an improvement to democracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cPeople should have the right to choose their leaders through a free and fair election.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 20, Nigeria<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Across the countries surveyed, people want to see a wide range of electoral reforms. Some of these focus on the logistics of casting votes \u2013 how and when people vote<\/strong>, and who is eligible<\/strong>. Others focus more on changing the electoral system<\/strong>, referencing issues like electoral thresholds and gerrymandering. And some emphasize the need to ensure free and fair elections<\/strong>. In Nigeria and Brazil, people who are not confident that their recent national elections were conducted fairly and accurately (as asked in a separate question in Brazil, Kenya and Nigeria) are more likely to bring up electoral reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Logistics of casting votes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Some of the calls for electoral reform center specifically on how ballots are cast. For example, some see benefits to electronic voting options<\/strong> over paper ballots, especially as a tool to protect elections: \u201cUse modernized technology to help in security of the voting system,\u201d said one Kenyan woman. Others see electronic ballots as an issue of convenience, particularly if it means one can vote from the comfort of their own house. As one Canadian man put it: \u201cI think people should be able to vote electronically, using the internet and telephone instead of going to a polling station. It makes it more convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, in some places that have electronic voting, respondents raise concerns about this method. \u201cEnd the electronic ballot box,\u201d said a Brazilian woman. A man in India expressed his preference for paper ballots<\/strong>: \u201cThe use of electronic voting machines should be stopped and bring paper ballots back so that transparent democracy will be seen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some Americans, increased access to absentee or mail-in voting<\/a> is a specific electoral change they want to see: \u201cMaking vote-by-mail standard in every state, giving voters time to vote at their convenience, rather than having to miss work. It also gives them the time to research candidates at their leisure.\u201d Others in the U.S. oppose mail-in voting<\/strong>: \u201cStop voter fraud! Go back to voting on Election Day. Enough with this all-month voting and mail-in votes,\u201d wrote one American woman. \u201cStop mail-in ballots unless for military or another exempt person,\u201d echoed a man. There are large partisan divides in U.S. views of voting methods<\/a>, and more Democrats cast absentee votes than Republicans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When people vote<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

People also see the need to change the frequency of elections<\/strong>. Some request fewer elections so that officeholders spend less of their term campaigning for reelection: One Australian man wanted to \u201clengthen the period between federal elections to five years.\u201d Others want to see more elections, like a Canadian woman who said, \u201cDo not have an election every four years; it should be every two years,\u201d or a Nigerian woman who wanted her government to \u201cconduct elections every two years, or frequently.\u201d One South African woman went so far as to say, \u201cElections should be held every year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some in the U.S. (where national elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November) call for making<\/strong> Election Day a holiday<\/strong>. The U.S. is one of few advanced economies<\/a> that does not hold elections over the weekend or designate the day a national holiday. For example, one American man said, \u201cCreate a national voting holiday to ensure every American has a chance to vote.\u201d Another person said, \u201cEliminate voter suppression. Make Election Day a national holiday. Make voting as easy as mailing a letter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who gets to vote<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Making changes to who<\/em> is allowed to participate in elections is another means people see to improve their democracy. For example, some want to alter the age at which citizens become eligible to cast their votes<\/strong>. For those who want to lower it, the argument centers around allowing more young people to participate in elections: \u201cLowering the voting age to 16, now young people have more stake in the game,\u201d suggested a Canadian man. An American man had a similar opinion, saying, \u201cI think lowering the age for voting would help democracy, because many teens as young as 16 already have views about policies in the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all are in favor of lowering<\/em> the voting age, however. As one Swedish man put it: \u201cRaise the voting age. People at 18 need to take their electoral mandate more seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cThere should be a voter\u2019s license, and voters should take a civics test. Informed voting is the crux of democracy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 76, Italy<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Others feel voters need to pass a knowledge test<\/strong> in order to cast a vote. \u201cThe right to vote should be bound by educational attainment,\u201d said a man in Hungary. An Italian man said, \u201cThose who want to vote should pass a test of general culture before the elections.\u201d And a woman in Sweden was specific on this policy: \u201cOne should know what you\u2019re voting for, a little mini test so you know what you\u2019re voting for. A driver\u2019s license to vote.\u201d (For more on perceived citizen responsibility, read <\/em>Chapter 4<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some countries, though, there are calls to protect people\u2019s existing right to vote<\/strong>. In the U.S., where voter suppression<\/a> has become an electoral issue, several people were vocal about protecting the right to vote. \u201cAbolish state laws that restrict voters\u2019 rights,\u201d suggested one American man. An Australian man focused specifically on protecting voting rights for Aboriginal people: \u201cEnsure Indigenous voters have the opportunity to vote in all circumstances.\u201d Certain respondents even want to enfranchise new types of voters: \u201cOpen the right to vote to all permanent residents, such as all Europeans who live in France,\u201d said one French woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mandatory voting<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cTo oblige every citizen to vote and influence according to law.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 68, Israel<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Respondents in some places went as far as suggesting that voting in elections and referenda be required<\/strong> as a means to improve democracy. One Greek woman said, \u201cAll citizens should be forced to vote on very important laws and decisions for the country.\u201d A man in the Netherlands saw mandatory voting as a way to improve voter turnout: \u201cCompulsory voting should be reintroduced. For provincial council elections, turnout is only 50% to 60%. Introducing compulsory voting could improve this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, not everyone who lives in a country that has mandatory voting approves of it. \u201cDon\u2019t make it compulsory to vote for someone. That way, the people who really care will have their vote and those who don\u2019t care won\u2019t just pick the first person on the sheet or the one with the best name with no idea who they are voting for,\u201d said one Australian woman. Another Australian shared a similar view: \u201cI would like to see the scrapping of compulsory voting, as this will mean political parties will need to work harder for votes.\u201d And, in Argentina, where voting is mandatory for most citizens, some respondents called for its overhaul \u2013 \u201cthat voting is not compulsory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changing the electoral system<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cElection law reform. Stop voting by region and switch to a national election where one can choose the winner based on the highest number of votes nationwide.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 63, Japan<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

People also call for a different style of voting than they currently have. For example, some focus on implementing a first-past-the-post<\/a> voting system (in which people vote for a single candidate and the candidate with the most votes wins). As one Australian man put it: \u201cIntroduce first-past-the-post voting<\/strong>, dispensing with preferential voting, as the minor parties are making every government difficult to operate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other people value proportional representation<\/a>, a system where politicians hold the number of seats proportional to their party\u2019s support in the voting population. \u201cReintroduce the proportional representation<\/strong> voting system and ensure accountability by elected officials,\u201d said a South African man. And a French woman said, \u201cAll representatives should be elected by proportional representation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some expressed frustration with<\/strong> ballots listing a choice of parties instead of specific candidates<\/strong>, as in the case of a Swedish man who said, \u201cDirect election of people, not parties. It is better to vote for a person, you know what they think.\u201d An Australian agreed: \u201cEnhancing the electoral process for Australians to vote for candidates, and less for their parties.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also calls for things like ranked-choice voting<\/strong><\/a> (\u201cRanked-choice voting would limit extremism.\u201d) and two-round voting<\/strong><\/a> (\u201cThe kind of two-round voting system would improve democracy.\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no one system necessarily satisfies everyone. In some countries that already have first-past-the-post voting, for example, there are requests to eliminate it: \u201cGet rid of first-past-the-post. The electoral system needs reform so that the representation by popular votes should have some weight,\u201d said one man in Canada. One Japanese woman said, \u201cAbolish the single-seat constituency system<\/a>,\u201d referring to a type of voting that includes first-past-the-post, where one winner represents one electoral district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electoral threshold<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cThe electoral threshold should be raised, there should be fewer and larger parties.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 82, Netherlands<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Changes to the electoral threshold<\/strong><\/a>, or the minimum share of votes needed for a candidate or party to provide representation, is suggested by some as a way to improve democracy \u2013 particularly among those who live in countries with low thresholds and fragmented party systems. In Israel, where the 3.25% electoral threshold<\/a> leads to many parties participating in each election, one woman said, \u201cSignificantly increase the electoral threshold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This sentiment is echoed in the Netherlands, where the 0.67% threshold is the lowest in the world<\/a>. One Dutch man said, \u201cI think a high electoral threshold would be good. This could lead to less fragmentation and speed up decision-making.\u201d Another Dutch man saw this change as a means to improve the overall quality of elections: \u201cRaise the electoral threshold, so that there will be more substance. That way not everyone can just start a party.\u201d The Dutch survey was conducted prior to November 2023 elections<\/a>, in which the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) won the most seats in the House of Representatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making all votes count \u2013 or count more<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Revising the borders of electoral districts<\/strong> is a reform some think could help increase voter representation. Gerrymandering<\/strong>, for example \u2013 a term coined in the U.S.<\/a> to describe the practice of drawing electoral district boundaries in a way that creates an advantage for one party over another<\/a> \u2013 is something that people in multiple countries flagged as a problem. For example, an Australian man said, \u201cIf we were to ban gerrymandering then each political group would have an equal chance to be elected.\u201d In the U.S., one man said, \u201cIt would help if we got rid of gerrymandering and the Electoral College and things that suppress the majority.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For others, voter representation is not just about physical electoral districts, but about correcting a perceived imbalance in the value of each vote<\/strong>. A 38-year-old Japanese man suggested \u201cequalizing the value of votes from young people versus those of the elderly. Young people should be entitled to two votes.\u201d This issue was also brought up in Spain: \u201cThe best thing would be one person, one vote. That is, that all votes were worth the same, that they were not counted by autonomous communities,\u201d said one man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The U.S. Electoral College<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The Electoral College<\/strong> \u2013 the process by which U.S. presidential elections are decided<\/a> \u2013 is a major focus of electoral reform for many Americans. One man\u2019s response summarized this stance: \u201cAbolition of the Electoral College to allow for direct representation of individual voters rather than allowing certain states to be overrepresented compared to their population size.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the U.S. respondents who mention the Electoral College are against the process, like one woman who said, \u201cWe need to do away with the Electoral College. It was a good idea, but now it doesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d For many, it\u2019s an issue of unequal representation: \u201cThe Electoral College should go away, and potentially change how senators are allotted. Sparsely populated areas have too much influence while tens of millions of city residents essentially have no say,\u201d said another woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free and fair elections<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cHave transparent voting and respect who wins. And the one who loses should help the one who won and move on.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 38, Argentina<\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

People also call for more election integrity<\/strong>. For example, some feel there should be more transparency: \u201cMore openness in general election, no corruption, collusion or nepotism,\u201d said a woman in Indonesia. Or, as a Nigerian man put it: \u201cLet us have a free and fair election with transparency.\u201d People are concerned about this issue in advanced economies as well, with one Canadian man saying, \u201cElection integrity needs to be improved, and no outside interference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others emphasize the importance of respecting election results<\/strong>. \u201cAccept when a candidate loses the election and when a candidate is elected,\u201d said a man in Brazil. An Israeli man put it simply: \u201cRespect the results of the elections.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cMonitor the processes more, so that there is no miscount.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 23, Mexico<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Improving electoral monitoring<\/strong>, or the use of unbiased observers to ensure that elections are free and fair<\/a>, is also a key change people want: \u201cSupervision over the counting of votes,\u201d as a woman in Israel said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Mexico, where President Andr\u00e9s Manuel L\u00f3pez Obrador has sought controversial election reforms<\/a> that many believe will weaken the country\u2019s National Electoral Institute (INE), there are specific calls to \u201cstrengthen the INE instead of wanting to destroy it,\u201d as one man said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Nigerian man expressed his wish for a better institutional oversight, saying, \u201cThe electoral commission should be independent and free from interference from the ruling party.\u201d Nigeria\u2019s electoral commission faced criticism during the February 2023 presidential election and was accused of delaying election results<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Direct democracy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
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\u201cConsult the French people more often through referendums about important issues, life-changing issues.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 49, France<\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For some, a form of government where the public votes directly on proposed legislation or policies<\/a> is a solution to fixing democracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This sentiment is particularly common in European countries: In France, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands, it appears in the top five topics mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most other countries, it is less of a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a handful of countries (Australia, Canada, France, Greece, the Netherlands and the UK), those who do not<\/em> support the governing party or coalition are more likely to mention direct democracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

French people stand out as particularly likely to mention direct democracy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In France, direct democracy is the second-most mentioned change people want to see. French people on the ideological left are more likely to bring up this topic than those on the right. Additionally, French adults who believe most elected officials don\u2019t care what people like them think (as asked in a separate question<\/a>) are twice as likely to mention direct democracy as those who say most officials care what they think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some in France specifically reference Article 49.3 of the French Constitution<\/a>, under which the government can push legislation through the National Assembly with no legislative vote: \u201cArticle 49.3, which had been established for certain situations, is being used to force through unpopular measures,\u201d said one man. The survey was fielded in France between February and April, a period during which Article 49.3 was used to implement controversial pension reforms<\/a>. Another French man criticizing Article 49.3 saw direct democracy as a clear solution, saying, \u201cTake into account the opinion of citizens in the form of a referendum. Ask for the citizens\u2019 opinions to avoid passing laws in the form of 49.3.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Swiss model<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Switzerland\u2019s political system<\/a> \u2013 in which the public is able to vote directly on constitutional initiatives and policy referenda \u2013 is perceived positively by others around the world, many of whom want their own country to emulate this model. For example, one Canadian woman said, \u201cIf people could vote on important issues like in Switzerland and make decisions on important laws, that\u2019s a true democracy there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cMore public participation on single important topics, just like the referendums in Switzerland.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 55, Germany<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

This viewpoint is particularly widespread across European respondents; many want their country\u2019s democracy to resemble Switzerland\u2019s. \u201cIt would be a good idea to go back and make decisions much more collegially, like the Swiss system,\u201d said a French man. And a Swedish woman said, \u201cMore referenda on nuclear power, sexuality, NATO and the EU. Like Switzerland, which has referendums on many issues.\u201d (The survey was conducted prior to Sweden joining NATO in March 2024.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Referenda<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Respondents in many countries highlight the benefits of more referenda<\/a>, or instances where the public votes directly on an issue. For some, a key factor is the frequency of voting<\/strong>. One Kenyan man responded, \u201cCitizens should have a referendum at least once in a while to decide on major issues that affect the country.\u201d And a German woman asked that \u201cmore referendums take place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cMore citizen participation in real decision-making. In other countries, referendums are held expressing opinions on different issues, not like here where they vote every four years.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 41, Spain<\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In other cases, referenda are seen as opportunities for the government to seek the public\u2019s approval<\/strong>. A Mexican man explained, \u201cBefore becoming legal, reforms should pass through a citizen filter and popular consultation.\u201d This sometimes includes ensuring that more marginalized voices get a chance to weigh in. For example, one Israeli man said, \u201cWhen enacting any law, there should be a referendum where all citizens vote, whether Arabs or Jews.\u201d And an Australian woman wished to see more perspectives reflected, calling for \u201cmore direct democracy, and more opportunities for influence by poor, multicultural and minority groups.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the UK, where a controversial June 2016 referendum resulted in the UK departing the European Union<\/a> (known as Brexit), some still express support for direct democracy. A British woman suggested, \u201cWe need to put down more questions more polls for the public to choose new policies, new laws.\u201d One British man even noted that a referendum could undo<\/em> Brexit: \u201cWe should have a referendum that is truly reflective about Brexit and rejoining the EU.\u201d But other Britons are more wary of direct democracy: One man said, \u201cWe should not allow the general public to make critical decisions. The general public should not be allowed to make economic decisions, for example, Brexit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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