I would like to describe a variation on Single Transferable Vote
(STV) that gives voters more opportunity to inform the electoral
process than any other common or popular system. I present this as
a point of reference for comparison with the other systems rather
than as a contender for adoption in BC.
The system could best be described as Single District STV. This was
briefly mentioned in another submission but the author dismissed it
as resulting in too many names on the ballot.
Single District STV would start with a preferential ballot
presenting the names of all candidates in the province. As a paper
ballot it would amount to a small booklet but if presented by a
voting machine or computer it would be simple for a voter to select
a number of candidates in order of preference. For those voters who
do not wish to select individual candidates or deal with so much
choice, the ballot would also contain a list of the political
parties that are contesting the election. In this way Single
District STV would offer the simplicity and proportionality of
Proportion Representation (PR). Counting would be handled as with
STV except that votes for parties would yield multiple seats for
the parties as with PR. Surplus votes for a party that can win no
more seats would be transferred as with STV. Voters could show
their preference for individual candidates and parties in any
order.
It is easy to see why such a system has not been used before. While
a recount of paper ballots would not be unreasonably difficult, you
would want the initial count to be done by computer.
Single District STV provides all the benefits associated with
several other systems.
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The degree of proportionality would be greater than that of
PR.
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No votes are wasted. Any ballot that shows a sufficient number
of preferences will be transferred until it rests with a candidate
or party that has won a seat.
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Voters could elect a single geographically based MLA. Any quota
of voters in an area no bigger than a present electoral district
could show preferences for a group of local candidates and one of
those candidates would be assured of winning a seat just as with
Alternative Vote or the present First Past the Post.
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A quota of voters could also form an ideologically based
constituency and select from a group of candidates to elect one of
the group.
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Voters who want PR could vote for their preferred party and
those votes would be translated into seats as with PR.
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Voters who want First Past the Post can limit themselves to a
single preference and will be no further behind than they are
now.
Considering the potential of Single District STV with both
political parties and individuals as candidates can give you an
idea of the ultimate potential for an electoral system. Comparing
it to other systems can help identify the failings of the other
systems.
The only disadvantage of Single District STV is that it would give
voters a large number of choices. Giving choices to voters is the
ultimate goal of any reputable electoral system and I have no
sympathy with anyone who would complain about having too many
choices. The challenge would be to present the choices as clearly
and equitably as possibly on the ballot or voting machine.
Please contact me if you wish. I expect contact info is available
through the Assembly office.
Thank you for your work as a member of the Citizens' Assembly and
good luck with your deliberations.
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