Submission WELLER-1224 (Online)
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Submission By | Mr Michael Weller |
Address | Surrey, BC, Canada |
Organization | |
Date | 20040812 |
Category | Electoral system change |
Abstract
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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]
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Submission Content
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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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