The Editor,
Re. "Electoral reformers renew call for change" (The Tri-City News, Oct. 24).
Once again, after each election, the calls for electoral change are made, typically from the losing parties and/or its persons, or some left- or right-leaning think tank, or some special interest group that speaks as though speaking for the people.
Proportional representation is the most common of these calls. And without going into the often-repeated pros and cons of this (and there are many for both sides), I suggest that the one decisive issue regarding proportional representation that needs to be addressed is this: Is the likelihood of never having a majority government really what is in the best interests of its citizenry?
I suggest the answer is No — unless those who say Yes feel going to the polls regularly to the point of reaching the potential levels of nausea and ensuring governing bodies will forever virtually remain ineffective is the aim.
First past the post certainly has its flaws. Every voting program and platform has its flaws.
I have voted throughout my life proudly and, at times, the person I vote for doesn't win. OK, no problem. The person with the most votes moves on. And I have never, ever, considered my vote wasted as there are some who are quick to argue to the contrary. My vote counts — always.
Michael Sonntag, Port Coquitlam
