By the end of the week Surrey, Delta and Langley residents should have received their electoral reform ballots asking for their opinion on whether they support B.C’s current First Past The Post (FPTP) system or switching to a form of Proportional Representation (PR).
To help residents cast a more informed vote, Pulse Mornings welcomed Andrew Watson, Elections BC Director Communications to the show to explain the difference between the two voting systems.
“In general at a high level in First Past The Post you have one MLA elected per district by getting the most votes. In the legislature, a party’s seats is the same as the number of districts they win in the province. And First Past The Post tends to elect candidates from large parties that result in single party majority government.”
“In the proportional system, it’s normal for voters to elect and be represented by more than one MLA either in their district or region. A party’s share of seats in the legislature roughly matches its share of the province-wide popular vote so it’s proportional. And proportional systems tends to elect candidates from large and small party’s that often result in multi-party or co-coalition governments.”
Referendum voting started October 22nd and runs until December 7th.
To vote you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age and a B.C resident for at least six months by voting deadline.
If you haven’t received a ballot in the mail by Friday (Nov 2nd) call 1-800-661-8683 or visit the Elections BC website to request one.
More detailed descriptions of First Past The Post and Proportional Representation as well videos explaining each voting system can also be found on the site.
To listen to the full Pulse Mornings interview with Ian Power click here.