10.    The Electoral System

 

10.2.    Changing the Electoral System

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001 there are three ways to initiate a change of the electoral system:

• Council can resolve to change the electoral system to be used at the next two elections. This must be done not later than 12 September in the year that is two years before the year in which the next triennial general election is to be held;
• 5% or more of Electors can at any time demand that a binding poll be held on a proposal by those electors that a specified electoral system be used at the elections of the local authority and its community boards;
• Council can resolve that a poll be held on a proposal that a specified electoral system be used for the elections of the local authority and its community boards. This must be done no later than 21st February in the year immediately before the year in which the next triennial general election is to be held.

Once changed, an electoral system must be used for at least the next two triennial general elections, i.e. the electoral system cannot be changed for one election and then changed back for the next election. Council currently operates its elections under the FPP system. This system was last changed after the 2004 elections where the STV system was used. Council could elect to change its system for the 2019 elections. A resolution to change this would have to be made prior to 12 September 2017.