Submission FURLONG-1264 (Online)

I prefer a system where it becomes a meaningful to vote according to informed ideas rather than strategic avoidance. I do not favour a system where the value of votes is divided according to geography. [1 page]

Thank you for the hard work you have been doing all year and your commitement to reforming the current electoral system. I hope that it will be a positive catalyst for the reform of electoral systems accross Canada including our federal system.

I am writing today to express a preference for a system where all votes are represented, where it becomes a meaningful endeavour for all people to vote and members of the electorate can vote according to informed ideas rather than strategic avoidance.

Such opportunities should be afforded to rural and urban people alike. That is, I do not favour a system whereby the value of votes are divided according to geography. An STV system that retains the first-past-the-post system for rural areas while introducing proportionality in urban regions would do just this. Why should rural votes be lost? Are rural voters any more a homogeneous mass than urban ones? Do they not also represent a myriad of intersts and needs that ought to be expressed?

Thus, I urge you to select a system that brings proportionality to all areas of the province and thus encourages the representation of minorities and women while retaining a reasonable popular vote bar to gain representation in parliament.