The Editor,
B.C.’s two main provincial political parties seem to be squared off on the electoral reform referendum.
Unfortunately, the media portrays proportional representation (PR) as a win-lose partisan issue and not what it should be seen as from the voters’ perspective.
We are all voters and that right to have some power to select — or cast out — those who govern us is fundamental to our democracy. This right is more important than loyalty towards and preference for any one party.
Voters know that the party that seems to best fit our views does not always hear, let alone debate in the legislature, many of our important concerns.
Change is needed to update a system built more than a hundred years ago. Clearly, change has always been an improvement in voters’ rights.
Only wealthy white, male property/business owners could vote when the system was built. Now, women, all people of colour, race, religion, renters and citizens in general have this right, as limited as it is.
And that is the point: proportional representation improves the limit of what our vote can influence.
Regardless of which exact model and its details is eventually adopted, all PR models will mean every vote will count towards improved and expanded points of view being heard and debated.
We are no longer a two-party province. A majority of people do not even bother to vote. Often, 60% of votes are wasted with no influence.
Do not fear change.
Proportional representation is simply a much needed improvement and better for all voters.
Bernie Archer, Coquitlam
