Proportional Representation (PR)

The last few weeks talk of electoral reform have been on the lips of the media, with an upcoming vote by BC citizens to switch to STV (Single Transferable Vote) from first-past-the-post (FPTP) and McGuinty's upcoming Citizen's forum (or whatever it's called) to discuss Ontario's foray into this issue.

Various pundits have warned about the negatives about STV and other methods of PR as a possible tyranny of the minority. Some even advocate maintaining the status quo (what a surprise) or implementing Australia's mandatory voting. While that would certainly increase the voter turnout in practical terms, it dismays me that the right to be heard through a voting ballot has to be legislated and enforced by law doesn't appeal to my higher ideals about participatory democracy. To have to force people to vote, to me, seems kind of backward (removing the right and freedom to NOT vote) and kind of diminishes the ideals of the process of participatory democracy. The next argument I guess would be whether we should be concerned with ideals or practicality when speaking about increasing voter turnout, so I await the words to fly.

Now, I agree that there are different drawbacks to different forms of PR and that we should take our time in evaluating possible replacements, but I do believe that we need to look at alternatives. There are many minority voices out there that aren't being heard that deserve to be. While other countries have fractured into multiparty coalition governments, that does not necessarily mean it'll happen here. Looking at votes cast, most people vote for the 5 biggest parties anyways, and the easiest solution to ensure that no extreme fringe parties hold a lot of power is to require a minimum percentage of the popular vote to hold a seat in Parliament. 5 or 10%, whatever. That ensures that a decent amount of Canadians actually do want a particular party to represent them.

I think that a mixed PR and FPTP would work well in Canada as it provides minority voices and retains local representation to a degree (yes, it makes it a bit harder on the MPs, but at least people could go to a preferred MP about a problem). It is also better in that because our population is so spread out, local representation is very necessary to ensure local issues are dealt with. It's a compromise, which is probably what politicians will have to do more often if electoral reform happens as I think it should. Besides, this Martin government will give my generation of how minority government work well and doesn't work well. We and future politicians can learn from that

Do I think it'll solve the 'democratic deficit.' No. But that's a buzzword anyways. I think a mixed form of PR will give voices to innovative ideas, left or right, that may not be heard. With the way we're politicking, we're gonna need some innovative ideas soon. So take the time to shop around. I think in the end, we'll all be better for it.