Will support referendum

Is it any wonder Canadians view politicians with disdain?  

A large part of the problem may have more to do with the voting system than the people we elect. Only about 60 per cent of eligible voters go to the polls, and so many ridings are “safe seats” their votes are worthless. 

Of those who make it to the polls, it requires only about 40 per cent or less to elect a majority government. 

Fifteen of our last 17 B.C. elections have produced a false majority, i.e. a majority based on less than half the vote. Since only 60 out of 100 voters cast a ballot and of those, only about 40 per cent elect the government of the day, about 25 voters out of 100 award absolute power the ruling party. 

That means the vast majority are left with a legislature that does not reflect their views.

First-past-the-post advocates point to the predisposition of the FPTP to produce majorities based on seat count rather than vote count, as though false majorities are the strength of the current system. 

Part of the resolution for low voter opinion is to make the seat count reflect the vote count. The legislature is not a true reflection of the wishes expressed in the ballot booth.

I will vote for a proportional representation system that respects all voters’ opinions.

Richard Pearen, Vernon