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Submission WELLER-1224 (Online)

Submission ByMr Michael Weller
AddressSurrey, BC, Canada
Organization
Date20040812
CategoryElectoral system change
Abstract
The electoral system should be designed to help electors choose a person who will best represent them, rather than a party. While first past the post conforms to this criterion, it could be modified by a preferential voting system [AV]. [1 page]

Submission Content
The primary function of an elected representative is to serve the electorate. All other functions, such as membership of a party, etc., are subservient to the primary function.

The electoral system should therefore be designed to help electors choose a person who will best represent them, rather than a party. Any system which enables a party to choose members after the election based on party voting would be contrary to the primary objective of ensuring that the representatives are directly elected.

While "first past the post" conforms to this criterion, it could be modified by a preferential system [AV] where electors list candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc.), with those not meeting a criteria of say 10% of the total votes being dropped and their 2nd preferences distributed, and if still no candidate has received 50%+1, then the lowest candidate on the list is dropped and their 2nd preference distributed until someone does receive at least 50%+1.

This system would most closely reflect the electoral viewpoint on the candidates presenting themselves.

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