Editor,
A really good example of false advertising can be found right now in B.C. newspapers. Over the past weeks, ads have appeared stating “Time to Say Farewell to Your Local MLA.” Like many others, I am determined to vote intelligently in the Referendum on Electoral Reform. I have carefully read the non-partisan information from Elections BC. It is not true that there will be no local MLAs. The three proportional representation choices guarantee at least one local MLA and usually multiple MLAs who will represent each electoral district or region. It is also not true that Vancouver MLAs will set the agenda for all of B.C. – that is an unsupported blanket statement.
I, for one, am excited to have an opportunity to change our electoral system so that I may elect and be represented by more than one MLA in my electoral district. Gee, maybe I’ll even be represented by an MLA that I have voted for – now there’s a novel thought.
I encourage readers to do their homework before filling out the ballot on Electoral Reform. Every household in B.C. was mailed a Referendum Voter’s Guide. The Guide covers how to vote and information about all four voting systems on the ballot.
Visit the nonpartisan Elections BC website for more information and videos, as well as translations of the Voter’s Guide in 14 languages. All voters have an opportunity to become informed and to make intelligent choices on the referendum ballot.
Anne Neave
Kamloops, B.C.