Contact UsSearch
Click for Search Instructions
Home > Get Involved

Submission KIENE-0537 (Online)

Submission By Joe Kiene
AddressSechelt, BC,
Organization
Date20040601
CategoryElectoral system change
Abstract
I would like you to come up with a recommodation supporting some form of proportional representation [PR]. It is the only way that every ballot has meaning. [1 page]

Submission Content
I would like you to come up with a recommodation supporting some form of proportional representation [PR]. It is the only way that every ballot has meaning. Take the present federal election, our riding West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast. Any ballot other than for the incumbent is wasted. Those not voting for the incumbent might just as well stay home on voting day.

There is talk amongst you of some kind of transferable ballot. What would it accomplish? It would only allow the present 'Top' parties to stay on top, perpetuating themselves, never giving any upstarts an opportunity.

A good proportional system may need to have the riding boundaries redrawn, make them bigger, reducing the number of directly elected MLA's to make room for 'List-electeds'. Or the house will have to have more members, perhaps 10, or 15. So be it!

If we want a truly democratic system, we must allow, within reason, for every vote to count. Making me make second or third choices is not good enough.

The argument that a proportional system would lead to a fragmented legislature with no party commanding a majority is bogus. On the contrary, a house without constant majority governments will force strong leadership instead of bullyship. It will force cooperation instead of confrontation, balance instead of excess.

Always remember. your goal is to come up with a system for the electors, not he electeds, the established parties.

Thank you for your efforts.

© 2003 Citizens' Assembly on Electoral ReformSite powered by levelCMSSite Map | Privacy Policy