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Submission STRANG-0102 (Scanned document)

Submission ByDr R M Strang
AddressSurrey, BC,
Organization
Date20040301
CategoryDemocratic elections
Abstract
Balloting should be amended to allow voters to vote ‘No’ [None of the above] if they have no confidence in any of the candidates standing. [1 page]

Submission Content
You have invited suggestions for improving the electoral system now in force, and I thank you for the opportunity to comment.

I believe that balloting should be amended to allow electors who have no confidence in any of the candidates standing to vote ‘No’ and have that vote count. At present electors who are dissatisfied with all candidates can either abstain or deliberately spoil their ballots. Neither action conveys any useful message and there is no other option available at present.

Were a ‘No’ vote accepted and tallied it is quite possible that no candidate would amass 50% + 1 of all votes cast. In such a case the seat would be declared vacant and, after an interval to allow parties to reassess and modify their platforms and candidates, a by-election called. During the interregnum vacancy, governance would be carried on by civil servants on a status quo ante basis.

We need, and do not have, a way to say "a plague on both (all) your houses".

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