Proportional representation ‘fairer form of voting’
Electoral Reform is a Simple Choice From October 29 to November 7, Islanders will vote in the electoral reform plebiscite, and it’s a rare opportunity. We have the chance to switch from our current flawed voting system, First Past the Post, to a fairer system that is used all around the world today: Proportional Representation.
On Wednesday, the Guardian wrote about a recent survey on electoral reform that asked Islanders if they think we should change they way we vote for politicians on PEI. With mixed results, 46% responded for the status quo, 39% for change, and 14% are still undecided.
There is clearly no consensus yet, and the plebiscite could go either way, but with over 5 weeks left before voting closes in November, there’s plenty of time for Islanders to make up their minds.
We don’t need to learn all the ins and outs of the five choices on the plebiscite, it’s much simpler than that. We just need to know the main difference between the two “families” of voting systems: Proportional Representation, and the winner-take-all systems like First Past the Post.
The two Proportional Representation options will both still give us locally elected representatives like we have today, but without all the wasted votes. In the current system, if your candidate wins, then you are lucky enough to be represented. If your candidate loses, well, good luck to you.
With First Past the Post, lots of people on P.E.I. are frustrated at the negativity and polarization that we see in the government under this current system.
Proportional Representation would lead to less negative campaigning during elections, more co-operation in government, and MLAs would be forced to actually debate and negotiate to get things done.
Proportional Representation is a fairer form of voting in a democracy that can, and should, be implemented in Prince Edward Island.
It’s fair, simple, and bring our province, and potentially our country, up to date with how the vast majority of democracies around the world today are electing their governments.
In the plebiscite this fall, if you want a change for better politics on P.E.I., vote for Proportional Representation.