Voice at the table

Typically, the winning political party gets a mere 40 per cent of voter endorsement yet receives the majority of the seats. This majority of the seats creates an unimpeded government agenda. Consequently, 60 per cent of people are unheard, creating a false majority mandate for the winning party. The safe riding I live in, Prince George-Mackenzie, always votes Liberal. Other ridings, say on the Island, may always vote NDP. Certainly when your vote never counts, election after election, voting is deeply discouraging. Why vote then?

Voter turnout is low from the non-white, younger than 50 demographic, I submit in part because their votes don’t contribute to the outcome. We really don’t want a society in which segments don’t participate. Eventually, lack of participation may lead to discontent. Do we want the existing first past the post voting system which discourages voting from so many sections of society?

Proportional representation means everyone is heard. All votes matter. Thirty per cent of the votes result in 30 per cent of the seats. It ensures cooperative decision making. For example, decisions advancing resource development will likely incorporate better environmental and labour protection just to pass in Parliament. Cooperative decisions will more readily consider social programs and school policy reflecting balanced perspectives.

The mail-in referendum first asks if you favour proportional representation. In my mind there are strong reasons to vote yes because all voters will be represented in Parliament. Additionally the second (optional) question asks you to rank three proportional representation systems. All three provide both a proportional percentage of seats to their party and give regional representation.

Given the tight remaining timelines, ballots can be submitted to Service B.C.

Everyone deserves a voice at the table. I urge you to vote yes, in favour of proportional representation in the mail-in referendum. Judy Thomas Prince George