Small crowd attends electoral reform meeting at KDSS Library

It was a small but inquisitive crowd that gathered at the Kincardine District Secondary School Library, Tuesday evening, to discuss electoral reform.



Many members of the public came equipped with thought-provoking questions and concerns about possible changes in Canada's election process. By the end of an informative session led by Tony McQuail (above), there was a show of hands, with three people willing to stay with the current First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system, five who were still undecided, and 26 wanting a change to some form of Proportional Representation (PR).

McQuail challenged the audience to consider the following fact: The FPTP system originated in a time-period when NOT ALL CANADIANS voted. Only men who owned land (not rented and worked, but actually owned) were eligible to vote. As the diversity of the electorate has grown, so have the socio-economic needs of that electorate, and the political interests that try to meet those needs.

Throughout his entire presentation, McQuail provided opportunities for the public to share input that tied in with concepts and concerns he was raising. After about 80 minutes, the group was then given an opportunity to share concerns and insights regarding some of the models that are being proposed.

The range of points demonstrates the diverse reasons why people are wanting change. In some cases, voters in the Huron-Bruce riding, who traditionally vote for the Conservative party, are feeling that their votes are not being represented well enough in both the Ontario Legislature (provincially) and the House of Commons (federally).

To some, a "Mixed-Member Proportional Representation" system appears attractive whereby the percentage of votes for a party is also tabulated and applied to the number of seats awarded, in addition to the votes for a local candidate. However, "Proportional Representation" is also something that voters of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Green Party prefer because they often feel their votes "don’t count" since the FPTP style has "favoured" the Liberals and Conservatives.



One important idea that was raised is the notion of "votes counting for something." Under the current FPTP electoral system, your vote still counts in terms of funding for the political parties for which you voted. That is an important consolation, especially when faced with the next issue that was on people’s minds: Changes in electoral riding size may occur if Canada changes to some form of PR.

In examining the various forms of PR, a key issue that was raised is the increased size of electoral ridings. There is a distinct possibility that an electoral riding may double in size if this country switches to some form of it. Some of those in attendance questioned how well-represented Huron-Bruce might be if it relies on candidates who are from a larger urban centre.

In some forms of PR, the candidate for a riding is not necessarily a local representative but is a person who is designated by the political party. Such a question of "feeling represented" is at the heart of the electoral reform process and is important to those looking for a process that is reflective of our growing diversity.

The issue came up of how ballots would be counted when it comes to more complex formats, such as Preferential Ballots (i.e. Ranked Ballots or Alternative Vote) and Open List Proportional Representation. It seems computers will be essential; at the very least, increased time and costs for those working with Elections Canada.

Everyone in the room agreed that there needs to be improved information on the options that exist. The meetings that have been occurring across Canada are certainly beneficial and it is important that more people, young and old, engage with this process and speak to friends and family about it. An informed public is key to an empowered society.



Audience members at the electoral reform meeting, Tuesday night, in the KDSS Library; photos courtesy of Watson Morris