Filed under: Quality, Excellence & Design, Sustainable Living & Social Issues | Tags: BC, BC-STV, BCSTV, british columbia, democracy, election, equity, First Past The Post, FPTP, government, improvement, incremental improvement, May 12 2009, political, political parties, provincial election, quality, social responsibility, stv
I wrote about the BC-STV the other day. I continue to learn more good things about STV and am determined to do my part in informing other voters in my sphere of influence so they can make an informed choice on May 12th.
I heard some really compelling arguments in favour of the STV written by Arthur here: http://Ansak.blogspot.com
And today in the paper “Dave” from Castlegar BC offered a letter comparing First Past the Post (FPTP) with Single Transferable Vote (STV):
… First past the Post:
- Fails to accurately reflect voter’s choices (percentage of votes case is not accurately represented by seats in government)
- Allows a minortity of votes to elect majority governments
- Restricts new parties and independent candidates from fair competition
- Entrenches power in established political parties
- Narrows voter choice <not wanting to “waste votes”>
Single Transferable Vote:
- Accurately reflects voters choices by seats in government
- ensures that majority governements are not formed without a morjoity of voter support
- Allows new parties and independent candidates to fairly compete
- Increases voter choice.
As a footnote Dave went on to mention that in Ireland where STV is used, the politicians held two referendums in an effort to get rid of STV and both times the public voted to keep it. As more people become educated about STV, its support increases…
Vote with me on May 12 2009 to implement the “Single Transferable Vote” and redeem the opportunity of a lifetime to improve your democracy in a significant way.
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Quality In Life - Living Smarter... 
Thanks for a good explanation of STVs. Agree re the FPTP criticism. STVs bring their own problems but at least can stimulate (rather than stifle) proper debate. Personally, I’d like to see a box on every ballot paper that says “none of the above” so that those of us who want to register a vote – but not for any available candidate or party – can do so (and be counted!!!).
Comment by On the Money April 25, 2009 @ 6:17 pm[…] BC-STV British Columbia’s Single Transferrable vote – Take 2 […]
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