New referendum vote threshold proposed

Communities Minister Richard Brown wants a new threshold for a mixed member proportional representation win in an upcoming referendum.

On Thursday, Brown tabled an amendment to the Electoral System Referendum Act so the threshold for change isn’t tied to the number of people who vote in the general election. Brown said he heard criticism that spoiled referendum ballots would effectively count as no votes against change.

“I reviewed it and I’d have to concur with that,” he said.

As it stands, the bill before the legislature would require more than 50 per cent of voters in the general election choosing mixed member proportional on the referendum ballot for the electoral system to change. However, if the amendment and bill pass, the threshold would require two steps for change.

In the first, more than 50 per cent of referendum votes would have to be for mixed member proportional. For change, the referendum would also need at least 60 per cent of the electoral districts to have more than 50 per cent of referendum voters choosing mixed member proportional.

“I take this from the (Canadian) Constitution,” Brown said.

To make a Constitutional change in Canada, the support of seven provinces with a total of 50 per cent of the population is needed.

When Islanders voted in the electoral reform plebiscite in 2016, mixed member proportional was the winning choice in 22 of 27 districts, although there were five options on the ballot.

This referendum will feature a yes or no question asking Islanders if they want to change to mixed member proportional. Brown said his amendment would give a clear majority if voters choose change.

He also said the referendum is a vote on changing the province’s electoral system, which is like a Constitutional change.

“I feel that Islanders from across Prince Edward Island should have their say and their voice should be heard.”