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LETTERS: Info available on electoral reform

If we’re afraid our government will fall prey to fanatics, we have to stop fanatics on the streets and in our schools with our everyday words and deeds.
14230138_web1_180606-SNM-T-Letters

If we’re afraid our government will fall prey to fanatics, we have to stop fanatics on the streets and in our schools with our everyday words and deeds.

Our silence and our failure to challenge fanatics consent to fear mongering and hate. Their takeover will not occur suddenly on an election day. It will grow out of our standing by while such weeds take root our democratic paradise.

Canada ranks number six of 19 full democracies identified by The Economist early in 2018. Sixteen of these vibrant democracies vote with a form of proportional representation. Increasing voter turnout is one of the identified benefits of proportional representation.

First-past-the-post and three versions of Pro Rep are all described in the pamphlet from Elections B.C. that was delivered to households across B.C. Anyone can go to the Elections B.C. website and find the same and more information about all systems.

How is that “not fair?” Pro Rep may get more independent candidates elected but still with FPTP or Pro Rep, nearly every candidate is nominated locally by a political party. Why is this suddenly a problem?

It isn’t hard to figure out how electoral districts can be paired or grouped into larger districts and “regions” for proportional representation. If you don’t already know who your “neighbours” are, you can find out. The B.C. Electoral Boundaries Commission reports for 2007 and 2015 demonstrate a foundation of research into geography, law, population and voter preferences built up over the years.

If we chose a two election-cycle trial of proportional representation, the electoral boundaries will be brought up to date with recent census numbers and voter preference identified by the referendum questions. An all-party committee will do this work: no cheating allowed.

Heather Phillips

Otter Point