Submission GILLIS-0584 (Online)
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| Submission By | Jim Gillis |
| Address | Comox, BC, |
| Organization | |
| Date | 20040608 |
| Category | Electoral system change |
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Abstract
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A number of seats should be set aside to
make the BC Legislature better reflect the proportion of votes cast
for each party. This would make the system more
inclusive and all voters will feel that their vote counts for
something. [2 pages]
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Submission Content
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A preliminary question to set the stage.
Why do we need a change in the method we elect our representatives
to the Legislature?
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The people are disenchanted with government because they feel
their vote does not count. So they vote by not voting. Each
election, less and less people are exercising their right to vote.
We are losing our young people and our future democracy.
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Usually, at each election, 50% or slightly more or less forms a
majority and the other 50% of the voters have no say in the running
of government. Their vote has no value.
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There is very little room for the little guy (ie Green Party,
etc) or opportunities to bring new concepts or different ideas into
our system. In our present system a vote for the Green Party is a
wasted vote. But the Green Party could and maybe does garner 5 to
10% of our provincial vote. Yet it has no seats at the Legislature.
No voice for 5% to 10% of the people who voted for them.
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Unfortunately majority governments do not create benevolent
governments. Majority governments in the recent past in Canada and
the Provinces bring the arrogance of power and power corrupts.
People more than ever, do not trust politicians. So they don't
vote. There is a growing need for better representation and the
modifying of power that does not have the voters mandate.
Therefore, I endorse the following:
Local Representation
In our province, that is so vast and inaccesible we have to have
local representation. If areas have to be rejigged to create better
local representation then make it happen.
Proportional Representation
A certain percentage of seats to be set aside to include equitable
representation by the percentage of provincial votes cast for each
party.
So my vote goes to the Mixed Proportional [MMP] system.
It should give better representation and with luck temper the 50%
majority governments that have been running our Province and
Country for so long. It is more inclusive and the people will feel
that their vote counts for something.
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