CLH Discussions: Should Electoral Reform Be a Humanist Campaign?

Should Electoral Reform Be a Humanist Campaign?

Join us for a lively, informal evening of conversation as we explore one of the most debated questions in British politics:
Is it time to change how we vote? And should humanists take a stand?

Across the political spectrum, there are growing calls for electoral reform—from Proportional Representation to Single Transferable Vote, and beyond. Supporters argue these systems offer a fairer, more representative democracy. Critics warn of complexity, instability, or even voter disengagement. But what do humanist values have to say?

We'll be asking:

What do you want from a democratic voting system?

Which systems offer the fairest outcomes?

Aren’t there more pressing issues to worry about right now?

Expect an engaging group discussion—not a lecture. We’ll provide a short introduction to the topic, including an overview of the current “First Past the Post” system and alternatives like:

Proportional Representation (PR)
Single Transferable Vote (STV)
Additional Member System (AMS)
Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)

Together we’ll explore:

The relevance to humanist values like fairness, participation, and rational policy-making

The benefits and risks of reform

What a better democracy might look like

🎟️ Free to attend. Donations welcome.
👥 Newcomers and non-members very welcome!
💬 Come along, bring your thoughts—and your questions.

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Join us for open discussion on all these points. We will begin with a short presentation of the concepts and then open the floor to participants to have their say.

To allow for more free discussions, this type of event is never recorded
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Date: Thursday 10th July 2025
Time: 7pm - 8:30pm
Venue: Zoom (Link provided upon RSVP)
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References and Suggested Reading

History of electoral reform in the UK:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_reform#United_Kingdom

First Past the Post:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-past-the-post_voting

Proportional Representation (PR):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proportional_representation

Single Transferable Vote (STV):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_transferable_vote

Additional Member System (AMS):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Additional-member_system

Mixed Member Proportional (MMP):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed-member_proportional_representation

Common Criticisms of PR and Responses to Them by Fair Vote:
https://fairvote.org/archives/common-criticisms-of-pr-and-responses-to-them/

The Electoral Reform Society:
https://electoral-reform.org.uk/

Make Votes Matter:
https://makevotesmatter.org.uk/

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This event is free but if you would like to contribute to Central London Humanists' costs then please use the following details: bank transfer, pay Central London Humanist Group, sort code 30-94-25, account number 19143068; by Square please click here
(Suggested donation £3)

Central London Humanists is a volunteer-run community group. We aim to provide a safe space for the humanist community in London to come together for fellowship, learning and fun. We receive no financial support and are entirely funded by donations from our membership and event attendees.

Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

FAQ: https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Frequently-asked-questions-FAQs-f12313b9968042f9953016b1efb4f527

More information and our socials:
https://linktr.ee/londonhumanists