Don’t Mention…Electoral Reform

Or: How Do You Turn a Respected but Arcane Policy Into a Relevant, Emotive Vote‑Winner? LDER Chair Keith Sharp discusses.

If you want to interest people in your solution, you first have to agree with them on what the problem is. And the problem, wherever you go, is that too many people no longer believe democratic politics is working for them.

Research consistently shows declining trust in politicians and political institutions. Campaigners hear the same concerns time and again on the doorstep: politicians don't listen, individual votes don't make a difference, and the system isn't delivering.

At LDER, we believe that this growing democratic disillusionment should shape how we campaign for a fairer voting system. Rather than starting with the mechanics of electoral reform, we need to begin with the question that matters most to voters: "Is politics working for you?"

That question is at the heart of our nationwide survey which has already attracted thousands of responses, with the overwhelming majority answering a vehement "no".

So that's the start – we've got common ground on what the problem is. But what about the next steps? In my latest Liberal Voices article, I explore what the national party should do to fix our moribund voting system and how that can help us be recognised for what we are: a party of positive change for disillusioned, struggling voters.

Read my article here.