A two-step approach to electoral reform
In its haste to change the way we vote, British Columbia’s new government has created an unnecessarily short timeline.
While advocates for reform think the speedy process will help their cause, it’s more likely to result in another failed attempt at changing the way representatives are selected.
The government’s public consultation campaign on the referendum question for electoral reform, which included an online questionnaire, wrapped up on Feb. 28. This fall, British Columbians will participate in a mail-in referendum, which will require a 50 per cent-plus-one margin of support to be successful.
The primary question will be: Should B.C. keep its current first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system or adopt a system of proportional representation (PR)?