An Exercise In Futility

On May 12, BC voters will be asked to choose between two voting systems: The current Single Member Plurality (SMP) system, or Single Transferable Vote (STV). This referendum was also conducted last election, with almost 60% in favour of a change to STV (the government decided this was sufficient support to hold the referendum again).

Last time around, i flip flopped on this since i did not fully understand the issues and i was swayed by people who i believed DID understand the issues. By referendum time i was mostly against STV, and in the end i did not even vote on it.

This year i have done more research into it and have solidified my stance: STV is not the best alternative to SMP, but it is a good alternative that will benefit most British Columbians. In fact, the only people who will ’suffer’ from a change to STV are those who feel that fringe or independent parties should not have an opportunity to win seats.

Very simply put: BC-STV is a system that provides better proportional representation in the legislature than the current SMP system.

Under SMP, a candidate will win the seat in their riding with anything more than 50% of the vote, which means that up to 49.x percent of the constituency would have no local representation at all. By having larger electorate deciding multiple seats, there is more opportunity to elect someone who represents you and your ideals. Which is better: having an MLA (who you would not vote for) who is “accountable to you” because you can drive to their office, or having an MLA sitting in the legislature who you DID vote for?

The choice is clear: Vote YES for BC-STV.