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Submission GOLDSBERRY-1320 (Online)

Submission By Nancy Sunshine Goldsberry
AddressCoombs, BC, Canada
Organization
Date20040813
CategoryElectoral system change
Abstract
With MMP, we need to keep our ridings a reasonable size, require parties to run candidates in at least half the ridings, and ensure democratic election of list candidates by parties. Or, we could find ourselves less well represented. [2 pages]

Submission Content
Thank you all for hard work on behalf of us all. We certainly need some form of representation that works better than the first-past-the-post of present. Whatever will work to get more of the young people involved in at least voting would be an initial good start. And, over time, when a significant number of people feel unrepresented and unheard once a member is elected, something needs changing.

I, and my partner, were signature gatherers with the pro-rep process of several years ago. I talked with hundreds of individuals of all ages and political strips, and was surprised to find petitioners, like myself, were also from a broad spectrum of political groupings. These facts alone convinced me that a change was overdue in our representation in the legislature. And, working for Elections BC during the last election when people could register at the polling station, I was pleased to see more young people arriving to register and vote because, I felt, there were some smaller parties running candidates that perhaps reflected the beliefs of these new voters.

Far too many people have told me they don't bother to vote because it makes no difference. I certainly disagree, even when my personal choice does not get elected, but I do believe this often heard statement belies something deeper about our current system of representation (or lack of). Not all these issues can be resolved by a change in how we elect our MLA's as the adversarial system of present also does not reflect voter's attitudes. But, additional MLAs chosen by other methods would more likely contain elements which could lead to more coalitions, rather than a what often appears to be a two-party system (and the inevitable for/against simplicity of present). The occasional independent or single member of 3rd party has, I submit, brought new vitality and ideas to the whole for the betterment of all of us.

It is for these reasons that I would propose we utilize some form of Mixed Member Proportionality (MMP). Taking into mind the history of various MMP and STV ssystems internationally, the Law Commission of Canada's recommendations, and the Pro-Rep Society's evaluation of 2002 Initiative for Pro-Rep, I would agree that we need to keep our constiuencies a reasonable size, require parties to run candidates in at least 50% of constituencies, and ensure democratic election of "list candidates" by parties. Or, we could find ourselves less well represented.

Two thirds of our MLAs would be elected in our current fashion, and one third by "party lists" in a democratic fashion. MMP appears more understandable to voters, and it appears most likely to provide BC with a more stable government over time, rather than our current swings from one government group to another which is so wasteful and seems to give us extremes in policy and corruption (too much power leads quickly to corruption).

Since we need change, the voter needs to understand how it works before being ready to make a change. Lets not get too complicated in making that change nor allow MLAs to be further alienated from their constituents. A moderate change which will be more inclusive -- of women, the minority views of smaller parties often with good ideas, and of the young who may have very different ideas than the present voters.

Thank you again for your time and efforts on our behalf.

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