Editor,
Just as civic elections are behind us, we are now heading into another contentious and arguably more crucial campaign for votes. The electoral reform referendum will potentially cause a dramatic shift in the way we elect our provincial representatives. We are being asked to consider changing from an electoral system that has served us well, but not perfectly, since confederation. All electoral systems have pros and cons, but I will instead focus on the referendum process itself.
The secret ballot is the very cornerstone of a modern, democratic society. The principle behind it is the right, indeed the obligation of a voter to make a thoughtful and fully informed decision relating to the governance of one’s jurisdiction. So, as a litmus test, ask any person near you if he or she fully understands the three pro rep systems appearing on the ballot form.
Needless to say, the answer with most is predictable, and therein lies the fundamental flaw in this whole process. And regardless of how well informed one happens to be, the fact that new electoral boundaries, MLA numbers and exact voting details are chosen behind closed doors to suit an NDP/Green-dominated committee after the referendum essentially means that we are all making an uninformed vote. (I liken it to handing a car salesman a blank cheque and having him select my vehicle after giving only a vague idea of my preference.) And that, particularly for something so critical and far reaching, is fundamentally wrong.
[Premier] John Horgan and [BC Green leader] Andrew Weaver, while shamelessly hawking proportional representation, (their motivations understandable) are encouraging us to “take a leap of faith.” Well, as mentioned earlier, our current system isn’t perfect, but because proposed systems (note: two of those on the ballot have never before been used in any jurisdiction) are not put before the electorate in their final form, fully detailed and with complete clarity, then this whole exercise, regardless of the result is completely flawed and not in keeping with the above noted principles of the secret ballot.
How is one to thoroughly and critically judge its merits, fairness and viability with so many key details lacking before we vote? I respectfully submit that we send politicians the message that exercising our democratic right to vote should not be reduced to simply taking a leap of faith.
I will not, in good conscience, make such an uninformed vote and have thus chosen to stick with the simplicity, clarity and transparency of the existing system and have answered (only) the first question accordingly.
Steve Rose
Merritt
If people can’t be bothered to watch three short videos explaining the basics behind each electoral system proposed in the referendum, I’m not sure they would benefit from added information such as electoral boundaries and MLA numbers. But Steve’s points are well made — and regardless of preference, B.C. residents should understand the lasting impact this referendum could have on the province’s future. – Editor
