Why not give it a try?

With the electoral reform referendum quickly approaching, some clarification may be needed.

First past the post proponents appear to be misleading people into thinking that this vote will permanently change the way we elect. It does not. This referendum is asking the people of B.C. if they would like to temporarily try a different system of electing officials for two elections (eight years) using a form of proportional representation.

At that time, the people will have first-hand knowledge as to which of the two better serves British Columbians, and then through a follow-up referendum, the people will decide which of the two systems they wish to keep.

Nothing could be more fair, reasonable, and democratic.

This is not a bad thing that delivers dire consequences, as Andrew Wilkinson would have us believe. Rather, this is an opportunity for us to make an informed decision to not only make a better B.C., but to also make things better for ourselves.

Robert Brown, Cranbrook