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Submission SCHMIDT-1173 (Online)

Submission By Jen Schmidt
AddressVictoria, BC, Canada
Organization
Date20040812
CategoryElectoral system change
Abstract
I support an MMP electoral system for BC. The current system results in a lot of people feeling that their votes have been wasted. I would argue for MMP over Single Transferable Vote [STV]. In my view, STV systems are problematic. [1 page]

Submission Content
I support a mixed member proportional [MMP] electoral system for British Columbia. The current system clearly fails to provide proportionality it results in a lot of people feeling that their votes have been wasted. A well-designed MMP system could remedy this.

I would argue for MMP over Single Transferable Vote [STV]. In my view, STV systems are problematic for a few important reasons. First, they are very complex, in terms of both how votes are cast and how votes are counted. Second, because of the complexity, there would have to be a greater waiting period before people know who was elected. Also, with greater complexity comes a greater possibility of human error in the counting process. Third, STV doesn't necessarily allow for greater proportional representation, which is a big problem in B.C.

Our last provincial election is a great example of the need for better proportional representation in our electoral system. With only 58% of the popular vote, the B.C. Liberal Party took 97% of the seats. With 22% of the vote, the NDP took only 3% of the seats. The Green Party, which had a little more than 12% of the popular vote, won no seats at all. These numbers, which came from the Elections BC website, clearly show that the choices of British Columbians are not being represented. The votes of just about everyone who didn't vote Liberal were wasted they didn't translate to representation in the legislature. How can we call this a representative democracy if our votes aren't represented in government?

An MMP system can't solve all the problems associated with elections, but it can give people a voice. It can increase minority representation. It can make sure that when British Columbians vote, their voices are heard and listened to.

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