I am very excited about the prospect of a change/improvement to
our electoral system.
My input is that I would like to see a government constitution that
more closely reflects the votes cast. In other words,
if 12% of the population votes for the Green Party, I believe the
Green Party should hold 12% of government offices.
The most common comment I hear from speaking to friends and family
at election times is "I would vote green, but I'm torn because I
need to vote NDP so the Liberals don't get in". This
voting for the lesser of evils to block the other lead party from
getting power is not a democratic vote, it is a strategic vote that
does not necessarily reflect a voter's values. An
electoral system should give a person the freedom to vote with
their head, heart, values, and the confidence that their vote will
make a difference.
I do not know what is the best electoral structure.
However after researching some options, I consider the Mixed Member
Proportional system to be superior to the system we currently
have.
This system allows me the opportunity to vote for the best local
candidate regardless of party, and also vote for the party that
most closely reflects my values.
I don't know the repercussions, however I do question the benefit
of having a party system at all. I have not seen any
information on this concept and if it is a form of government
anywhere in the world.
I believe that, if the future electoral system is party based,
there should be better restrictions on funding for
parties. My biggest concern is that parties are
directly, or indirectly supported through corporate
sponsors. In my opinion, that source of funding
corrupts our government by creating indebtedness to
corporations. I don't know how to eliminate this
practice, aside from having a ceiling on the money that can be used
for campaigning.
What I would like to see is a more level playing field at the
party level. I perceive that elite citizens and
corporate entities are running the government through their
donations etc. to political parties. I believe that
access to money results in a greater ability to promote and
spin-doctor one's political agenda. Consequently,
low-income and poor citizens, without the advantage of money, are
less adequately represented in government. Corporations
are not citizens.
In conclusion, I strongly support electoral reform.
I support Mixed Member Proportional system of the options I have
seen so far. I think MMP would restore voters
confidence and hope in democracy.
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