I would like to thank the Assembley for the opportunity to
expressing myself about this important subject. I sincerly hope
that the Citizens' Assembly decides that BC needs a new voting
system. I really feel like my voice is not heard or represented in
the government. I think that if election results have little to to
no relation to voter percentage, that it is just not fair. My MLA
does not see the world as I do and does not represent me. He cannot
or willnot take my concerns to Victoria. I would prefer that if
there wasn't somebody in my riding to represent me then at least
there would be someone at large in the province off of a party list
to further my views and concerns in government.
The FPTP system distorts how votes turn into seats. Because of this
Parties get too much or not enough power/say. Some none at all.
This leads to strategic voting, not a really a part of the
democratic ideal.
FPTP also leads to large swing in government, which I think
produces waste in time and money as new governments first must undo
what the previous regieme has done for the last several years. I
favour some sort of MMP system that would have a more diverse
representation in the house. I think this would also force elected
representatives to work together more, work with more concenses,
hammer out better legislation that works for more people (not the
narrow group currently important or in power). This could make our
government more stable.
I believe some sort of proportional representaion works quite well
in Europe, NZ, and other places. I think voter turnout will
increase with a new, fairer system. I would hope to see it's
positive effects here as well (the sooner the better).
BC could form its own version of MMP to serve our purposes. It
doesn't really matter to me how big the riding sizes are, or if the
number of MLAs increase - so long as we get some sort of
proportional representation. Parties can meet some mimimun
standards to qualify for a seat (run in certain number of ridings,
get certain amount of overall vote)
Thank you again for this great opportunity. Please take into
account what I have learned and my concerns. I eagerly look forward
to your findings.
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