Voting systems in the UK
This briefing provides an overview of the different voting systems currently used for elections in the UK. It also examines the pros and cons of different systems.

On Thursday 5 May 2016 the second cycle of elections (2012 being the first) for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) took place in England and Wales (excluding the Metropolitan Police, City of London and Greater Manchester). The 40 police areas each elected one PCC. The supplementary vote system was used for the elections.
Police and Crime Commissioner Election Results 2016 (2 MB , PDF)
On Thursday 5 May 2016 the second cycle of elections (2012 being the first) for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) took place in England and Wales (excluding the Metropolitan Police, City of London and Greater Manchester). The 40 police areas each elected one PCC. The supplementary vote system was used for the elections.
2012 and 2016 PCC election comparisons: All 2012 figures (for turnout, vote share, spoilt ballot etc) have been adjusted to not include the results for Greater Manchester in 2012. This is to allow direct like for like comparisons. For full detail on the results of the 2012 PCC Election which includes Greater Manchester please refer to the House of Commons Library Briefing Paper 12/73 Police and Crime Commissioner Elections 2012. |
Police and Crime Commissioner Election Results 2016 (2 MB , PDF)
This briefing provides an overview of the different voting systems currently used for elections in the UK. It also examines the pros and cons of different systems.
The Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill would allow for the alignment of rules on absent voting arrangements between reserved and devolved elections in Scotland and Wales.
Election rules state elections must be held using a set timetable. This briefing explains the timetable for by-elections to the UK Parliament.