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Submission HESLOP-1020 (Online)

Submission By Daniel Heslop
AddressKamloops, BC,
Organization
Date20040810
CategoryCitizens' Assembly process, Electoral system change
Abstract
MMP leaves our current system of one local representative per riding intact, then achieves proportionality with the second vote for the preferred party. It is simple to understand and vote counting is straightforward and transparent. [1 page]

Submission Content
I think that a new electoral system needs to do a few things. First it needs to allow for the election results to be an accurate reflection of the will of the voters. Second it needs to be simple, so as to encourage voter participation. Third it needs to be transparent.

In my opinion the Mixed Member Proportional [MMP] system meets all of these requirements. MMP leaves our current system of one local representative per riding intact, then achieves proportionality with the second vote for the preferred party. It is simple to understand and vote counting is straightforward and transparent. It would be very easy to make the transition from our current system. Where MMP is in place in other countries, and increase in voter turnout has occurred, as well as increased representation by women, and minorities.

The "Single Transferable Vote" system on the other hand, is too complicated, is not truly proportional, and the complicated vote counting will make it less transparent. Complicated voting systems will lead to even lower participation in our democracy. If STV were put to a referendum it will be defeated because of this undue complexity. MMP on the other hand has widespread appeal among voters, and I suspect it would stand an excellent chance of passing in a referendum.

It is my understanding that thus far 70% of submissions to the Citizens Assembly have favoured MMP, and only 4% have favoured STV. Despite this, 3 of the 9 final presenters are STV advocates as well as being members of an organized advocacy group. Only two people are being allowed to speak for MMP and neither are experts. This concerns me deeply.

Given the submissions received, if the CA is truly to be an exercise in democracy, clearly the CA will be advocating the BC government hold a referendum on instituting MMP, and will not be advocating any other electoral system be put to referendum.

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