Demanding Representation That Represents the Voters

When a huge scandal over MPs' abuse of parliamentary expenses erupted in Britain this summer, supporters of electoral reform realised they had an unprecedented opportunity to change the British political system.

In June, a coalition of those supporters launched the Vote for a Change campaign, which is calling for a referendum on the electoral system for the House of Commons. Vote for a Change turned to Blue State Digital's London team to provide the technology and strategic expertise to mobilise a broad constituency of British citizens.

The coalition is demanding a new voting system that better captures the will of the people. As Vote for a Change puts it: Politics is too important to be left to the politicians.

Using BSD's campaign tools and strategic advice, Vote for a Change quickly managed to gather thousands of signatures on an open letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He wrote back, acknowledging their "wide and impressive representation" and offering to meet representatives of the campaign.

As Vote for a Change increased the pressure on political leaders to act, Brown announced that he would support a referendum that replaces Britain's existing "First Past the Post" system with the "Alternative Vote." This would ensure that MP candidates must get a majority of votes to be elected.

Unfortunately, this system ultimately may be no more proportional than the status quo and wouldn't happen until after the general election. So Vote for a Change still has a lot to fight for.

This week, BSD helped Vote for a Change launch a new campaign website to hammer home the need for decisive action in the Queen's Speech, when the government will outline its legislative programme for the year.

The campaign has a tough challenge -- but a unique opportunity to change the face of British democracy. BSD will be there to help them make the most of it.