Why we must have electoral reform

Re: Have we lost confidence in Hamilton council? (June 9)

Margaret Shkimba asks the question: ‘What does it take for council to do the right thing? How much civic outcry must be raised before councillors listen to the needs of the people of Hamilton and not just those of their donors ...’

I found this a very thought provoking article and in my opinion she actually answers her own question: ‘And it is a small circle of supporters. Voter turnout rates are shockingly low. Our councillors are voted in by a fraction of the population ...’

As long as politicians are allowed to be in virtually for life, what incentive is there for others to run? Why should voters bother going to the polls when they know who is going to win? Why should they get involved when the outcome is forgone conclusion?

We need election reform. We need to find ways of bringing back the voters to help strengthen our democratic system. Otherwise voters are just going to keep turning out politicians and the process.

Patrick Cook, Hamilton