With postal ballots for British Columbia’s electoral reform referendum being received by people across B.C., many are beginning to research and debate the differences between the current and proposed system.
Voters will be asked two questions: first, what electoral system should be used to determine election results – the existing first-past-the-post (FPTP) system or a proportional representation (PR) system; and second, what type of proportional voting system should be used if PR is chosen.
In the second question, voters will be asked to rank three proportional representation voting systems: dual-member proportional representation, mixed-member proportional representation, and rural–urban proportional representation.
It’s safe to say that unless you are sure you want to support FPTP, many people will be a little confused by the options.
That’s why two speakers will be in Quesnel Nov. 1.
Jay Sanders is the spokesperson for Fair Vote Prince George, and Peter Ewart is the spokesperson for Stand Up for the North Committee.
Both will present to attendees of a proportional representation information session, which will be held at the Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre in the lounge room, beginning at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday.
Sanders and Ewart are both pro PR, and Ewart says basic information will be presented, as well as the two speakers explaining why they believe people should vote for PR.
“In our opinion, [PR] will benefit rural areas in terms of making sure we always have a mix of both government and opposition MLAs, and that we will have a choice to vote for local MLAs as well as regional MLAs, rather than one party monopoly,” comments Ewart.
The pair have already presented similar sessions in Prince George, Mackenzie and Williams Lake. Ewart says everyone is welcome to attend the event on Nov. 1.
Referendum ballots should be received in the mail between Oct. 20 and Nov. 2. Elections BC must receive ballots back by 4:30 p.m. on Friday Nov. 30.
READ MORE: Voting set to start in B.C. proportional representation referendum
editor@quesnelobserver.com
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