BC-STV in the News

Apr. 24th Articles

2009-04-25T00:53:00.000-07:00

Your vote goes exactly where you want it to
Nanaimo Daily News
Friday, April 24, 2009
by Devon Rowcliffe
http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/letters/story.html?id=50e05656-2f77-435d-a815-541cbb860348

BC-STV 'better' for voters: proponent
Abbotsford Times
Friday, April 24, 2009
by Christina Toth
http://www2.canada.com/abbotsfordtimes/news/community/story.html?id=da947bb9-7c2a-4174-aa67-b1c8a6044be3

It is time for our government to reflect who we are
Western Catholic Reporter
April 27, 2009 edition
by Joe Gunn
http://www.wcr.ab.ca/columns/joegunn/2009/joegunn042709.shtml

Learn more about the B.C. Single Transferable Vote
SPIN News Magazine (Sun Peaks)
April 24, 2009
http://www.sunpeaksnews.com/2009/Apr/240409_3.htm

BC STV: Bruce Hallsor, co-chair of the 'Yes' campaign, makes the case for supporting STV
Western Standard
April 24, 2009
http://westernstandard.blogs.com/shotgun/2009/04/bc-stv-the-yes-side.html

STV empowers voters
Abbotsford News
April 24, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/43644697.html

We should change how we vote to provide gender parity
Burnaby NewsLeader
April 24, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/43644312.html

STV campaign gears up for May 12 referendum
By Dan MacLennan
Courier-Islander
April 24, 2009
http://www.canada.com/campaign+gears+referendum/1528001/story.html

BC-STV - Selecting Candidates
By Ray Grigg
Courier-Islander
April 24, 2009
http://www.canada.com/Selecting+Candidates/1528014/story.html

Peer into alternate universe through new STV site
The Hook (The Tyee)
April 24, 2009
by Crawford Kilian
http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/BC-Politics/2009/04/24/SitePreview/

Apr. 23rd Articles

2009-04-25T00:51:00.000-07:00

The Incurably Elitist Logic of the Globe and Mail
Opinion 250 (Prince George)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
by Peter Ewart
http://www.opinion250.com/blog/view/12652/1/the+incurably+elitist+logic+of+the+toronto+globe+and+mail

Make every vote count
Peace Arch News
April 23, 2009
by Daryl Sturdy
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/peacearchnews/opinion/letters/43588502.html

BC-STV: Fair results and stable government
Surrey Leader
April 23, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/surreyleader/opinion/letters/43586162.html

Editorial - More choice offered with STV
Langley Times
April 23, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/langleytimes/opinion/43586687.html

STV webcast April 30
Surrey North Delta Leader
April 23, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/surreyleader/news/election/43583632.html

STV will clean up B.C. politics
Nelson Daily News
Thu 23 Apr 2009
Page: 7
Section: Editorial
Byline: Marty Horswill

To the Editor:

Last week I ended my letter about the upcoming referendum on changing BC's election system by saying, "I'm voting for BC-STV and all British Columbians fed up with BC politics as usual should do likewise."

I've had lots of positive feedback about that letter but my critics have said, "Whoa, hold on a minute Horswill, you can't toss out a sweeping generalization like 'British Columbians fed up with B.C. politics as usual' and not expect to be challenged to defend your charge with some evidence."

OK, I agree. That was a bit too glib a comment and deserves to be challenged. So here's my explanation.

First let me describe what I mean by "fed up with B.C. politics as usual."

I'm fed up with the childish, school-yard-bully type, name-calling that substitutes for reasoned debate in our Provincial Legislature. This ugly caricature of intelligent debate debases all the politicians involved in it and is a major contributor to the public's growing disrespect for politicians. Both sides play this game and are equally at fault.

I'm also fed up with the mindless polarization of B.C. politics that in no way reflects how British Columbians see themselves or how we want our province to be governed. Most of us are reasonable people willing to hear the other guy's point of view and we don't see why our politics can't be similarly civil and fair-minded.

I'm fed up with electing politicians to represent our needs only to see them cudgeled into silence by Party discipline as soon as they reach the Legislature. We need MLAs of every political persuasion who aren't afraid to speak up for their constituents' interests regardless of the impact on their party's policies or leadership.

I'm fed up with the gradual debasement of our elected representatives authority in the Legislature. I'm fed up with the Legislature's power being usurped by the Office of the Premier. I'm deeply worried that between elections our government is slowly sliding into a form of parliamentary dictatorship by the Premier's Office. Here again, no one party is solely responsible for this trend.

So how will reforming our electoral system change any of this? What will BC-STV achieve that our current first-past-the-post system cannot?

For starters, let's consider our general B.C. politics, mired in polarization -- how would BC-STV change that?

The three principal hallmarks of BC-STV are: 1) every political party's share of seats in the Legislature is roughly equal to its share of the province-wide popular vote; 2) each voter ranks all the political party's candidates on his or her ballot and all those rankings affect who gets elected; 3) the voters in each constituency determine which of each party's candidates are elected to the Legislature.

Under this system politicians will need to sharply alter their style of politicking; a) if they want to get elected in their own riding and; b) if they want their party to stand a chance of being involved in the government. Under BC-STV appealing only to your own narrow political base while ignoring or insulting other viewpoints won't get you elected. Since every voter will rank every candidate on their ballot and every voter's ranking will count in determining who gets elected, the successful politicians will be those with the broadest base of public support - i.e. non-partisan support.

Likewise, since each party's representation in the Legislature will be proportional to its share of the popular vote, the political parties that can actually form a government will be those that demonstrate their ability to cooperate and collaborate with other parties and who are able to seek the middle ground that the largest number of party's and elected MLAs can support.

To me, this sounds like the fair-minded, thoughtful, pragmatic approach to getting things done that we all apply every day to our own lives - a refreshing change from the ugly, counter-productive polarization we see in B.C. politics today.

The political realities of BC-STV will enforce this badly needed change on our politicians' behavior and, I suspect, the best of them will be the happier for it.

Marty Horswill

Nelson, B.C.

Making your vote matter
Nelson Daily News
Thu 23 Apr 2009
Page: 7
Section: Editorial
Byline: Harvey Armstrong

To the Editor:

Imagine if voting felt good and elections were fair...

I usually don't send out messages like this to my friends, but I am making this exception because on May 12 we will have an important second referendum opportunity to improve the way we vote and because I am confident that if you have a look at the facts, you too will want to vote for a fairer electoral system, for BC-Single Transferable Vote.

For detailed information, click on the links in this email or go to: stv.ca

The Citizens' Assembly chose BC-STV as the best system for B.C. BC-STV makes better government because it is proportionally fair, offers more voter choice and more accountability from MLAs with BC-STV your vote counts!

Currently, our First Past The Post system is alienating voters. Voter turnout is chronically low, people feel they must either vote strategically or risk wasting their vote. In BC in 1996, the party with the most votes lost the election. Then in 2001, the party which got 57.6% of the vote received 97.5% of the seats.

I have sent this to you in the hope that you will find STV important enough to forward this email to your BC contacts. This way we will encourage more voters to learn the advantages of BC-STV and to help make politics in BC better. In 2005, a large majority of 57% already voted FOR BC-STV. Only 3% more are needed to pass the referendum. We can do this!

Let's make history this time, vote for better democracy, vote for BC-Single Transferable Vote.

Harvey Armstrong

Kaslo, B.C.

NO STV releases Ipsos Reid poll showing both sides essentially tied in vote on Single Transferable Vote; releases TV ad
Bill Tieleman
Blog: Bill Tieleman
Thursday, April 23, 2009
http://billtieleman.blogspot.com/2009/04/no-stv-releases-ipsos-reid-poll-showing.html

Try BC - STV for the Constituency of North Vancouver
John Sharpe
Blog: North Vancouver Politics.com
Thursday, April 23, 2009
http://northvancouverpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/04/try-bc-stv-for-constituency-of-north.html

Conservation Voters of BC Endorse STV and
Chrystal Ocean
Challenging the Commonplace
Thursday, April 23, 2009
http://challengingthecommonplace.blogspot.com/2009/04/conservation-voters-of-bc-endorse-stv.html

Apr. 22nd Articles

2009-04-25T00:46:00.000-07:00

Mayor criticizes STV - says it's 'complicated'
Alfie Lau
Burnaby Now
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/burnabynow/news/story.html?id=743403cd-4293-48a4-91e4-48a8d9870496

Local candidates discuss BC-STV
Energeticcity.ca
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
http://www.energeticcity.ca/news/04/22/09/local-politicians-discuss-bc-stv

STV somewhat complex, but a great way to vote
Maureen Maier
New Westminster News Leader
April 22, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/43473257.html

Uncertain? Confused? No way
The Globe and Mail
Wed 22 Apr 2009
Page: A20
Section: Letter To The Editor
Byline: Anne-Marie St-Laurent
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090422.COLETTS22ART2016-6/TPStory/Opinion/letters

Uncertain? Confused? No way
The Globe and Mail
Wed 22 Apr 2009
Page: A20
Section: Letter To The Editor
Byline: Jill Reilly
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090422.COLETTS22ART2016-5/TPStory/Opinion/letters

STV offers benefits to the voters of B.C.
Victoria Times Colonist
Wed 22 Apr 2009
Page: A15
Section: Comment
Byline: Steven Hurdle
http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/offers+benefits+voters/1521452/story.html

STV demonstrations through mock elections
Victoria Times Colonist
Wed 22 Apr 2009
Page: A15
Section: Comment
Byline: Neil Paterson
http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/demonstrations+through+mock+elections/1521453/story.html

Put an end to partisan warfare by changing B.C.'s electoral system
The Delta Optimist
Wed 22 Apr 2009
Page: 9
Section: Letters To The Editor
Byline: Al Jaugelis
http://www2.canada.com/deltaoptimist/news/letters/story.html?id=bcd0bb76-2cdf-45a2-866e-6ff976a9e6c1

Not surprising youth strongly favour STV
Nanaimo News Bulletin
April 22, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/nanaimonewsbulletin/opinion/letters/43491407.html

What's not to like about STV?
Burnaby NewsLeader
April 22, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/43470692.html

You don't need in-depth STV knowledge to use it
North Shore News
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/northshorenews/news/letters/story.html?id=d218bef9-d0f1-4198-af75-9ea1800e0759

Test drive BC-STV online
North Shore News
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/northshorenews/news/letters/story.html?id=2be457b6-4273-46cb-98e7-6dfc12c9dda9

BC-STV and the Charlottetown Accord of 1992
Opinion 250 (Prince George)
By Peter Ewart
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
http://www.opinion250.com/blog/view/12643/1/bc-stv+and+the+charlottetown+accord+of+1992

Vote yes to STV
Smithers Interior News
Wed 22 Apr 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/interior-news/opinion/43366322.html

Sorry Mike, STV will make the legislature more accountable
Houston Today
Wed 22 Apr 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/houston-today/opinion/letters/43317172.html

STV more proportional, group told
Whistler Question
April 22, 2009
by Jennifer Miller
http://www.whistlerquestion.com/article/20090422/WHISTLER01/304229802/1030/WHISTLER/stv-more-proportional-group-told

STV's history worth a look
Penticton Herald
Wed 22 Apr 2009
Page: A7
Section: Letter
Byline: Harry Killick

Dear Editor:

We read letters (some of them quite polite) arguing the pros and cons of the Single Transferable Vote method of electing representatives to government.

But neither side seems aware that STV is not a new concept to British Columbia.

In 1952 the provincial election method was changed from FPTP to STV - no, sorry, I don't know why - and the result gave a minority-of-one government to W.A.C. Bennett's (right wing) Social Credit Party, with the CCF (left wing) as the official opposition.

Bennett, in 1953, decided to try STV again, and this time a majority was achieved, and Social Credit won the day with a walk-over, winning 28 seats to CCF's 14.

Premier W.A.C. Bennett then ditched the STV and reverted to FPTP for the 1956 election, winning another majority.

Prior to July 1958 the only way to get to Kelowna (then a small agricultural town) was by car ferry.

The Social Credit government then opened a new floating bridge to connect east and west.

The Minister of Highways, "Flyin' Phil" Gagliardi built or improved hundreds of miles of highways, and is reputed to have driven every one at high speed.

STV is not unknown or untried in British Columbia, and in fact worked very well for W.A.C. Bennett and the Social Credit party.

Harry Killick

Summerland

Confused? visit this site
Penticton Herald
Wed 22 Apr 2009
Page: A7
Section: Letter
Byline: Bob Horsman

Dear Editor:

Regarding Florence Barton's letter "STV system too confusing". After reading it I was confused and I'm sure other readers would be too if they weren't already. She doesn't seem to understand that only one vote is cast and that it will not be wasted. She should visit: http://citizensassembly.bc.ca/resources/flas/bc-stv-full.swf where she can watch a short video that should set concerned voters straight.

Bob Horsman

Penticton

Response to Globe Article on BC-STV
Mark Crowley
Blog: Fair Vote UBC
April 22, 2009
http://fairvoteubc.wordpress.com/2009/04/22/response-to-globe-article-on-bc-stv/

Battleground BC: STV, Drugs, Game Changers, Burnaby, and The Premier
Jordan Bateman
Langley Politics Dotcom
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
http://www.langleypolitics.com/2009/04/battleground-bc-stv-drugs-game-changers.html

STV: An example of electoral system abuse (bad example)
Young Liberal
Blog: Musings from the political youth corner
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
http://youngpeopleforchange.blogspot.com/2009/04/stv-example-of-electoral-system-abuse.html
and
http://www.bloggingcanadians.ca/LiberalBlogs/STV_An_example_of_electoral_system_abuse/

That other election: STV
by Marc Lee
Blog: The Lead-Up
April 22nd, 2009
http://bcelection.policyalternatives.ca/2009/04/22/that-other-election-stv/

More for Apr. 20th - 21st

2009-04-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

Apr. 21st Articles

2009-04-22T02:20:00.000-07:00

STV sparked by urge for fairness
Canwest News Service
April 21, 2009
by Rob Shaw
http://www.canada.com/sparked+urge+fairness/1517891/story.html

Delta-South candidates cover variety of topics
By Kristine Thiessen
South Delta Leader
Published: April 21, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/southdeltaleader/news/election/43377892.html

STV voting method effective elsewhere
Victoria Times Colonist
Tue 21 Apr 2009
Section: Comment
Byline: Chris Renneberg
http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/voting+method+effective+elsewhere/1518000/story.html

Vote for a better system
Chilliwack Times
Tue 21 Apr 2009
Section: Letters
Byline: Ejnar Iversen
http://www2.canada.com/chilliwacktimes/news/letters/story.html?id=3dbdf579-e082-446c-a80a-47b3b1ff0dff

BC-STV: Jaded editor gets it all wrong
Langley Advance
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Byline: Devon Rowcliffe
http://www2.canada.com/langleyadvance/news/letters/story.html?id=c0be97a1-af98-44b2-bcb9-b4d15889f78d

BC-STV: Direct democracy better
By Jordan Braun
Langley Advance
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/langleyadvance/news/letters/story.html?id=6be41e9a-4622-4d4d-9136-2ba9c6005dac

STV superior, delivers more proportionality
Penticton Herald
Tue 21 Apr 2009
Page: A5
Section: Opinion
Byline: Tom Hoenisch

Dear Editor:

On May 12, the voters of B.C. have an opportunity to change the way we vote.

BC-STV is far superior to our current first-past-the-post voting system. BC-STV delivers more proportionality and gives voters far more choices when they vote. Even voters who are strong supporters of a given party can rank that party's candidates in order of their effectiveness in representing that riding.

This is the incentive for MLAs to represent your wishes in the legislature and not just be a mouthpiece for their party in your riding. You will no longer be stuck voting for an ineffective candidate just because you support that particular party. Imagine the power that gives to voters; yes folks that means you and me and all the ordinary citizens.

It is no wonder that the established political elites (both the NDP and the Liberals) are against STV. Political parties do not like relinquishing control to the people. That would be too much like a real democracy!

Tom Hoenisch

Naramata

BC-STV speeding towards mediocrity
Bob Groeneveld
Bob Groeneveld’s blog – Langley Advance
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
http://communities.canada.com/VANNET/blogs/editorsnotes/archive/2009/04/21/bc-stv-speeding-towards-mediocrity.aspx

BC-STV poll pushes against 'Glen Clark's failed administration'
By Sean Holman
The Hook
April 21, 2009
http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/BC-Politics/2009/04/21/STV-poll-Glen-Clark-disadvantage/

STV supporters' poll found 65 percent favour voting system change
By Andrew MacLeod
The Hook
April 21, 2009
http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/Election-Central/2009/04/21/ReformPoll/

Mixed bag: criminals, cops, STV and a soldier's death
Dr.Dawg
Dawg's Blawg
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
http://drdawgsblawg.blogspot.com/2009/04/mixed-bag-criminals-cops-stv-and.html

Apr. 20th Articles

2009-04-22T02:17:00.000-07:00

STV system would be complicated and expensive
Ross Williams
The Tri-City Daily
April 20, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/43281397.html

Leave Mission as one electoral area
Lila Rauh
Mission City Record
April 20, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/43284892.html

What Is B.C.-STV? Find Out April 22
Westcoaster.ca
2009/4/20
http://www.westcoaster.ca/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=6581

Shoni Field: B.C.'s STV referendum is about voters
Georgia Straight
April 20, 2009
by Shoni Field
http://www.straight.com/article-215203/shoni-field-bcs-stv-referendum-about-voters

STV is a fairer system that makes more votes count
Cowichan News Leader and Pictorial
April 20, 2009
by Randy Granbois
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/43310837.html

We are ready for STV
Penticton Herald
Mon 20 Apr 2009
Page: A7
Section: Letter
Byline: Dorothy Redivo

Dear Editor:

In reply to Yasmin John-Thorpe's letter (Herald, April 15), I can understand that for her a switch from a one-party system to a two-party one was a big improvement towards democracy.

But in our generous, multicultural society this is not good enough anymore.

It may have served us well, but issues have become more complicated, people better educated and more outspoken. Look at all the 'wasted' voices in an election from people who can not vote for either the one or the other and choose a different approach to governing our beautiful province.

The two-party system is too controversial, yes/no, in/out, wrong/right, black/white. We have matured to a more democratic system, a system that can accommodate more than one idea.

Particularly for us immigrants from central Europe, who grew up in a multi-party system, we refuse to believe, that it is too complicated a system to be understood by our citizens.

Instead of getting lost in the nitty-gritty of its workings, we should first accept the main reason for it.

The reason for fairness. Yes, it will be more complicated and ask for more input and discussions and lead to consensus. This would lead to less reversals of quick decisions by a leading party and possibly be not onlyfairer but maybe even more economical in the long run.

Yes for STV, we are ready for it!

Dorothy Redivo

Penticton

Clip and save: The STV voting system, explained
By Greg Joyce
Blog: The Hook
April 20, 2009
http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/BC-Politics/2009/04/20/STV-Voting-Explained/

Thoughts On STV 4 — What The Critics Won't Say
Leonard
Stand Your Ground
Monday, April 20, 2009
http://forlifeandfamily.blogspot.com/2009/04/thoughts-on-stv-4-what-critics-wont-say.html

More for Apr. 16-19th

2009-04-22T02:14:00.000-07:00

STV system reflects voters' real wishes
Victoria Times Colonist
Sun 19 Apr 2009
Byline: Judy Gaylord
http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/system+reflects+voters+real+wishes/1511940/story.html

Why Kids in Canada Want Election Reform
Seattle Weekly
April 19, 2009
by Krist Novoselic
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2009/04/poll_74_per_cent_of_british_co.php

STV provides for fair results
Kamloops Daily News
Sat 18 Apr 2009
Page: A6
Section: Opinion
Byline: Dick McMaster

Once again you will all have the opportunity to change the way we vote. No longer will you have to hold your nose and vote for a candidate who may just be the best of a bad lot.

Once again, we have the opportunity to endorse the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform on May 12. This was a group of 80 men and 80 women with no political affiliations.

After 11 months of deliberations, the assembly identified three values that would resonate positively with most British Columbians, including greater voter choice; fairer results and accountable local MLAs.

In the 2005 election, 58 per cent of those who voted supported STV. However, the initiative required affirmation from 60 per cent of the voters. On May 12, we have one last opportunity to choose STV for BC.

What are the benefits of STV?

1. Greater voter choice.

2. Fairer results (in 2001 the NDP received almost 40 per cent of the vote but actually elected only two members in the legislature).

3. Depending upon the size and population of a riding, there may be as few as two or three MLAs or as many as seven or eight.

It will be absolutely essential for inter-party collaboration within the riding for the benefit of the regional population. Good government will trump party affiliation and all riding MLAs will be expected to work for their constituents.

DICK McMASTER

Kamloops

What price do we put on having a better voting system
Richmond Review
Fri 17 Apr 2009
Page: 11
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/richmondreview/opinion/letters/43203317.html

Votes will count with BC-STV
Nanaimo News Bulletin
Fri 17 Apr 2009
Page: 0011
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/nanaimonewsbulletin/opinion/letters/43195277.html

Votes will count with BC-STV
Nanaimo Bulletin
April 17, 2009
by Jordan Ellis
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/nanaimonewsbulletin/opinion/letters/43195277.html

Single Transferable Vote referendum a worthy cause
New Westminster News Leader
Fri 17 Apr 2009
Page: 7
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/greater_vancouver/newwestminsternewsleader/opinion/letters/Single_Transferable_Vote_referendum_a_worthy_cause.html

Another view on STV...
Prince Rupert Daily News
Fri 17 Apr 2009
Page: 4
Section: Opinion & Letters
Byline: Shoni Field

To the Editor,

Letter writer Roth's belief that the Citizens' Assembly was manipulated by the Fraser Institute or anybody else is wrong. We were 160 ordinary citizens with no vested interests, chosen randomly from the voters list, a man and a women from every constituency in the province. We spent 11 months studying electoral systems and listening British Columbians. Voters told us that they wanted a fair and proportional system, with more responsive local representation and greater voter choice. 95% of us voted to recommend BC-STV, because it was the system that best met BC's wishes. It is proportional; with 90 plus years of results from around the world, this fact is inarguable. But there are many proportional systems, Single Transferable Vote rose above them all because: Only STV provides voters with greater choice at the local level. Only STV makes local contests more competitive, and MLAs more accountable to their constituents. Only STV gives MLAs some leverage to champion important local issues with government. The Citizens' Assembly chose BC-STV in large part because it puts the voters in charge at the local level.

- Shoni Field

Former Citizens' Assembly member

Voting for reform
Vernon Morning Star
Thu 16 Apr 2009
Section: Opinion
Byline: Cara Brady
http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/vernonmorningstar/opinion/43138827.html

Time is now to change voting system
Prince George Free Press
Thu 16 Apr 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/pgfreepress/sports/43130607.html

STV vote urged
Vernon Morning Star
Thu 16 Apr 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/vernonmorningstar/news/43137957.html

A case for BC-STV
Prince George Free Press
Thu 16 Apr 2009
Page: 00A8
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/pgfreepress/opinion/43131252.html

If it's good enough for assembly...
Comox Valley Record
Thu 16 Apr 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/comoxvalleyrecord/opinion/letters/43140797.html

BC-STV voting system: how it works
Campbell River Mirror
Thu 16 Apr 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/campbellrivermirror/opinion/43122827.html

STV: a reason to show up at the polls
Dawson Creek Daily News
Thu 16 Apr 2009
Page: A7
Section: Editorial & Opinion
Byline: Greg Amos

Tuesday evening was one of the finest nights of the year so far, and it's quite possible that those who'd planned on attending the B.C. single transferable vote (BC-STV) forum at the Dawson Creek library blew off the plans in favour of some fresh air instead.

But it was still disheartening to see just one member of the public show up to an information meeting with big implications for democracy in B.C.

The proposed BC-STV voting system is a major improvement, plain and simple. It entirely eliminates the need to vote strategically. Voters can simply vote for who they want to represent them and stand a chance of seeing that person elected.

Federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May isn't out of line in calling this new voting system a "quantum leap," and it's no surprise that B.C.'s Green Party has picked up the mantle of STV as a major part of its election campaign.

The May 12 election will feature a head-to-head clash between the BC Liberal Party and the NDP. It's very unlikely that MLAs from any other party will get elected. What this means in essence is that B.C. has taken on a de facto two-party system. And it's been that way for years, whether the top parties bear the Social Credit, Conservative, NDP, or Liberal moniker.

This is a bad thing for democracy - when MLAs frequently win ridings with less than 50 per cent of the popular vote, it means a lot of voters aren't being represented in Victoria.

Under the first-past-the-post voting system, this two-party system is fairly well entrenched. Campaign spending gets results, and without being able to outspend the competition, candidates from minor parties have a slim chance of being elected.

Right now, there are only two parties with any real money in B.C. As reported on David Schreck's Strategic Thoughts blog, the 2005 election saw the two top parties spend most of the dough. BC Liberals spent a total of $7.76 million and the NDP spent $5.88 million, while the Green Party spent just $281,000. Yet the Green Party has consistently ranked as B.C.'s third most popular party, finishing with 9.2 per cent of the overall popular vote that year, and 12.4 per cent of the vote in the 2001 election.

So something's broken with the election system. Common sense dictates it should be fixed.

Gordon Campbell first called for electoral reform as leader of the opposition. To his credit, he initiated a process to seek out reform when he became premier in 2001. The BC-STV proposal, recommended by the Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reform, was made a referendum question during the 2005 election, and received 58 per cent support, just a little short of the 60 per cent popular support BC-STV needs to become established. For that reason, the question is being posed to B.C. voters one more time.

"A majority government based on majority support - that doesn't bother me," said Sandra Hoffman, a speaker for the Yes to STV campaign at the Tuesday night meeting. "But a majority government with 39 per cent of the popular vote - there's something wrong with that."

That scenario took place in 1996, when the NDP won power with that meager percentage of voter approval. 2001 also featured a weird result, when the BC Liberals won 97 per cent of the seats with just 57 per cent of the popular vote.

These strange scenarios are not possible under STV. The workings of it are slightly complicated, but it can be explained like this: current ridings are combined to form larger districts with multiple members. The total number of MLAs we elect in B.C. does not change.

On election day, voters can rank candidates in order of preference, numbering from 1, 2, 3, and so on. The voter can rank as many or as few candidates as they want to.

When it comes time to count the votes, a candidate wins a seat if he or she receives a certain number of votes, determined by a formula that depends on how many MLAs are in that multi-member riding. If a voter's first choice has already reached that magic number, that voter's ballot is transferred to his or her second choice candidate.

Under STV, the two-member district for the Peace would mean at least 68 per cent of voters can be guaranteed their votes will count for something.

BC-STV is not some system scrawled out on the back of a napkin. It's a well thought-out and effective system, but it's also undeniably more complicated than first-past-the-post. And it most likely will result in more minority governments. But minority governments can get things done, and a new voting system could usher in a paradigm shift that would turn B.C.'s legislature into something more productive than the partisan flame war it often turns into.

I've been writing about provincial politics for two years, and I still have a lot to learn. But I can guarantee the referendum is worth voting in favour of. By transferring power from political parties to voters, STV should result in a lot less voter apathy and a lot more real work getting done in the legislature.

Tues. Apr. 21st Article in need of response!

2009-04-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

Letter Writers for BC-STV – please respond to this article:
The editorial pasted below will appear in today’s Globe and Mail http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090420.weSTV21/BNStory/specialComment/) . They must be immediately deluged with letters and online comments refuting the article. Please add online comments immediately and try to get letters in before noon.
Letters to the editor should be less than 200 words, and must include the name, mailing address and daytime phone number of the writer. Submit them to: letters@globeandmail.ca
Online comments here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090420.weSTV21/BNStory/specialComment/

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

April 21, 2009 at 12:00 AM EDT

Rather than staging a rerun of the electoral-reform referendum of 2005, the government and legislature of British Columbia should have presented the voters in this year's election with a better plan for proportional representation, one that would balance proportionality with the need for effective and coherent government.

The intention of the rematch on the single-transferable-vote proposal, which in 2005 did not reach the required 60-per-cent approval, is that this time the people of B.C. are to be supplied with more information, partly because the two sides are being granted public money to get their messages across.

Though information may give the voters some help, STV is inherently bewildering. It is not only arithmetically complex, but it is also designed to weaken government through political fragmentation. The uncertainty and confusion felt by British Columbians in 2005 were symptoms of the scheme's own flaws, more than of referendum procedures.

Consequently, the politicians should have gone back to the drawing board; they should not have felt bound by the conclusion of the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform in 2004. Instead, they should have turned to the Citizens' Assembly's second choice, a mixed-member proportional system, which would provide for both strong riding representation and substantial reflection of the popular vote.

The extreme, lopsided results of the B.C. elections of 1996 and 2001 made a clear case against the current single-member plurality system, pejoratively known as “first-past-the-post.”

A purely proportional system would make majority government a rarity, yet there are times when the electorate itself wants a clear change of direction, which pure PR is highly unlikely to allow.

In 2007, Ontario voters were offered a mixed-member proportional option, which would have supplemented riding representatives with members from party lists, so that each party would end up with a shares of seats in the legislature equal to its share of the popular vote.

In contrast, a better, more balanced system would apportion the additional seats in proportion to the popular vote, but would only partly compensate parties for their riding-by-riding losses.

Both STV and purely proportional MMP are recipes for endless minority governments, and voters should reject them accordingly.

Eventually, a referendum ought to offer a system that allows for both fairness and effective government. It is worth taking the time to get electoral reform right.

Apr. 19th Articles

2009-04-20T00:51:00.000-07:00

STV pro: Ensuring real representation
Victoria Times Colonist
Sunday, April 19, 2009
by Bruce Hallsor
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=67cc86ad-c771-4b48-9fad-10cb103b2234

STV con: It just doesn't fit in B.C.
By Bob Plecas
Times Colonist
April 19, 2009
http://www.timescolonist.com/Sports/just+doesn/1511926/story.html

Wheezing B.C. vote system needs STV cure
The Province
April 19, 2009
by James McNulty
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Wheezing+vote+system+needs+cure/1511765/story.html
also at
http://www.canada.com/news/Wheezing+vote+system+needs+cure/1511765/story.html

Provincial election campaigns underway
By Andrew Mitchell
Pique Newsmagazine
April 19, 2009
http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/pique/index.php?cat=C_News&content=Bc+election+1616

Proportional Representation In B.C. Politics: The STV Referendum
Raphael Alexander
Blog: Unambiguously Ambidextrous
April 19, 2009
http://unambig.wordpress.com/2009/04/19/proportional-representation-in-bc-politics-the-stv-referendum/

Vote for your favourite pizza using STV and FPTP
Skinny Dipper
Blog: The Skinny
Sunday, April 19, 2009
http://skinnydips.blogspot.com/2009/04/vote-for-your-favourite-pizza-using-stv.html

Thoughts On STV 3 — Myths And Reality
Leonard
Blog: Stand Your Ground
Sunday, April 19, 2009
http://forlifeandfamily.blogspot.com/2009/04/thoughts-on-stv-3-myths-and-reality.html

April 18th Articles

2009-04-20T00:49:00.000-07:00

Embracing the power of plain language
By Wanda Chow
New Westminster News Leader
April 18, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/lifestyles/43199402.html

A crash course in everything STV
Cathryn Atkinson
ctvbc.ca
Sat Apr. 18 2009 18:47:07
http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090415/bc_stv_system_090415/20090417/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

BC-STV Referendum, what-if scenarios
Sacha Peter
Blog: BC Election 2009
April 18, 2009
http://bc2009.com/2009/04/18/bc-stv-referendum-what-if-scenarios/

Proportional Representation Is about to Pass in British Columbia
Larry Moran
Blog: Sandwalk
Saturday, April 18, 2009
http://sandwalk.blogspot.com/2009/04/proportional-representation-is-about-to.html

April 17th Articles

2009-04-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

Referendum: Bob doesn't understand
Langley Advance
Friday, April 17, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/langleyadvance/news/letters/story.html?id=58ea1a63-b17b-43ac-a0ce-0568802a80f4

STV serves up choice of MLAs
Langley Advance
Fri 17 Apr 2009
Page: 8
Section: Opinion
Byline: Matthew Claxton
Column: Painful truth
http://www2.canada.com/langleyadvance/news/opinion/story.html?id=075e11d1-6c26-4851-a648-313961b02a2d

BC-STV would be disastrous
B. Penner
Langley Advance
Published: Friday, April 17, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/langleyadvance/news/letters/story.html?id=684521ce-6bb5-42cb-9efc-573f53a94a8c

Less adersarial democracy
Abbotsford News
April 17, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/43200207.html

Why A Referendum on Electoral Reform
Campbell River Courier-Islander
Fri 17 Apr 2009
Page: A12
Section: Opinion
Byline: Ray Grigg
http://www2.canada.com/courierislander/news/opinion/story.html?id=24b5f7ce-27fd-474e-b44a-2f9690c3648b

Changing the system
Comox Valley Echo
Fri 17 Apr 2009
Page: A10
Section: Opinions
Byline: Jamie Deith
http://www2.canada.com/comoxvalleyecho/news/letters/story.html?id=bca525b2-0fb3-4dc8-ae6a-e1b77ec563be

BC-STV redefines game
Richmond News
Fri 17 Apr 2009
Page: 10
Section: Opinion
http://www2.canada.com/richmondnews/news/opinion/story.html?id=7786a4a2-28c0-422b-8fc6-da7a71abb1d2

Rallying for a voting change; BC-STV getting their message out
Chilliwack Times
Fri 17 Apr 2009
Page: 1 / FRONT
Byline: Mike Chouinard
http://www2.canada.com/chilliwacktimes/news/story.html?id=8eddab2c-5c08-4365-b29b-1ff397d64b44

Anti-STV campaign backers tell the story
Nelson Daily News
Fri 17 Apr 2009
Page: 7
Section: Editorial
Source: Nelson Marty HorswillDaily News

To the Editor:

Amidst the news about the political parties' start of their election campaigns on Monday, I heard a report on CBC about the referendum campaign on reforming BC's system of elections - i.e., do we stick with our current "first past the post" (FPTP) system or change to the "Single transferrable vote" (STV-BC) system. What interested me most in this report was hearing from the anti-STV-BC side of the debate for the first time.

I was surprised to learn that the two public spokespeople for the campaign opposed to adopting STV-BC are high profile New Democrats, Bill Tieleman and former MLA, Ann Edwards. As a former, long-time New Democrat myself, I was at first shocked that these individuals were fronting the anti-STV-BC campaign. But, when I reflected on why we are still saddled with the antiquated and unfair first-past-the-post electoral system anyway, then it made perfect sense. Politicians and political parties love the way we do things now.

In the last election New Democrats got 41.5% of the popular vote while the Campbell Liberals got 45.8%, a 4.3% spread. This 4.3% difference resulted in the New Democrats winning 34 seats in the Legislature and the Liberals 42 seats. It gave the Liberals a majority government with 100% of the power.

Mr. Tieleman and Ms. Edwards like our current system because they hope the New Democrats can take enough votes from the Liberal in this election to turn a similarly small percentage difference to the NDP's advantage so they can win 100% of the power.

This is how FPTP works, it produces grossly distorted electoral outcomes that create false majorities.

Ambitious politicians, passionately seeking power, are acutely aware that the FPTP electoral system, that usually allows one group of politicians to get 100% of the power with as little as 40% of the popular vote, is much more politician friendly than a system where they only get 40% of the power in return for 40% of our votes.

Voters on the other hand are far better off with a system that forces political parties to go into the Legislature with the same percentage of seats as the percent of the provincial popular vote they won in the election. STV-BC will give voters the kind of fair election outcomes British Columbians want.

For me the most important question in the up-coming election isn't: "Which group of politicians we want to take power." No, the real question is: "Do we want to change our electoral system to give real electoral power back to ourselves or do we want to continue to leave it in the hands of the politicians?"

I'm voting for STV-BC and all British Columbians fed up with BC politics as usual should do likewise.

Marty Horswill

Nelson, B.C.

BC-STV supporters putting up signs
Prince George Free Press
April 17, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/pgfreepress/news/43178282.html

Organizing some BC-STV knowledging
Russ Miller
Blog: nationalpolitick
April 17, 2009
http://nationalpolitick.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/organizing-some-bc-stv-knowledging/

Coun. Andrea Reimer says an STV win will thwart mixed-member proportional representation in B.C.
By Charlie Smith
Straight.com
April 17, 2009
http://www.straight.com/article-215043/coun-andrea-reimer-says-stv-win-will-thwart-mixedmember-proportional-representation-bc

Apr. 16th Articles

2009-04-20T00:43:00.000-07:00

Referendum’s vital to election
Alberni Valley News
April 16, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/albernivalleynews/opinion/letters/43114172.html

Debating BC-STV
By Kristine Thiessen
South Delta Leader
April 16, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/southdeltaleader/news/43131652.html

Backing BC-STV removes need to vote for the lesser of evils
The Vancouver Province
Thu 16 Apr 2009
Page: A19
Section: Editorial
Byline: Matthew Laird
http://www.theprovince.com/opinion/letters/Backing+removes+need+vote+lesser+evils/1501291/story.html

Push continues for STV
Peace Arch News
April 16, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/peacearchnews/news/43131137.html

Vote could transform B.C.’s electoral system
Penticton Western News
April 16, 2009
by Steve Kidd
http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/pentictonwesternnews/news/43139412.html

Reader gives STV the nod
Saanich News
April 16, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/43141982.html

David Schreck: Adopting STV could make B.C. politics worse
By David Schreck
Straight.com
April 16, 2009
http://www.straight.com/article-215019/david-schreck-adopting-stv-could-make-bc-politics-worse

BC-STV, Single Transferable Vote
Greg Byrne
Blog: NL-Outsidethebox [confederation]
Thursday, April 16, 2009
http://nl-outsidethebox.blogspot.com/2009/04/proportional-representation-bc-stv.html

Thoughts On STV 2 - Is It Really THAT Complicated?
Leonard
Blog: Stand Your Ground
Thursday, April 16, 2009
http://forlifeandfamily.blogspot.com/2009/04/thoughts-on-stv-2-is-it-really-that.html

STV
Blog: Calgary Grit
Thursday, April 16, 2009
http://calgarygrit.blogspot.com/2009/04/stv.html

BC-STV Puppet Show
Blog: Hell, Upside Down
http://hellupsidedown.blogspot.com/2009/04/bc-stv-puppet-show.html

More for Apr. 12-15th

2009-04-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

Referendum rally for electoral reform in Chilliwack
Chilliwack Progress
April 15, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/theprogress/news/43062012.html

Cast ballot for BC STV
Nelson Star
Wed 15 Apr 2009
Page: 9
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/nelsonstar/opinion/letters/43069102.html

BC-STV critics resort to 'phony arguments'
Nanaimo News Bulletin
Wed 15 Apr 2009
Page: 10
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/nanaimonewsbulletin/opinion/letters/43068112.html

Two thirds back BC-STV
Kitimat Northern Sentinel
Wed 15 Apr 2009
Section: Election
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/northernsentinel/news/election/43046767.html

Driftwood Editorial - BC-STV round 2
Gulf Islands Driftwood
Wed 15 Apr 2009
Page: A08
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/saltspringislanddriftwood/opinion/43042357.html

Single Transferable Vote concept advocated by ex-cabinet minister
Kelowna Capital News
Wed 15 Apr 2009
By Adrian Nieoczym
http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/kelownacapitalnews/news/election/43047852.html

Vote in favour of STV system
Castlegar News
Tue 14 Apr 2009
Page: 9
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/castlegarnews/opinion/letters/43054972.html

System would bring fair results
100 Mile House Free Press
Tue 14 Apr 2009
Page: A8
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/100milefreepress/opinion/43008867.html

STV referendum more important
Maple Ridge News
Tue 14 Apr 2009
Page: 1
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/mapleridgenews/opinion/letters/43004192.html

STV support increases after it gets in
Vanderhoof Omineca Express
Tue 14 Apr 2009
Page: 7
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/ominecaexpress/opinion/letters/42927307.html

Consensus democracy will work
Nanaimo Bulletin
April 13, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/nanaimonewsbulletin/opinion/letters/42922542.html

Vote yes to BC-STV system
Revelstoke Times Review
Mon 13 Apr 2009
Page: A7
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/revelstoketimesreview/opinion/42933612.html

A word on the single transferable vote system (STV)
Similkameen Spotlight
Sun 12 Apr 2009
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/similkameenspotlight/opinion/letters/42978687.html

Apr. 15th Articles

2009-04-17T00:34:00.000-07:00

Referendum rally for electoral reform in Chilliwack
By Robert Freeman
Chilliwack Progress
April 15, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/theprogress/news/43062012.html

B.C. Liberals pin campaign on economic leadership
CTV BC
Wed Apr. 15 2009
http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090414/BC_election_begins_090414/20090414?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

Elections BC Voting Instructions
Westcoaster.ca
2009/4/15
http://www.westcoaster.ca/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=6551

BC-STV
Sandra Hoffmann
Hudson’s Hope Bulletin
April 2009
http://www.dist.hudsons-hope.bc.ca/PDF/April2009Bulletin.web.pdf

Support For STV Strong
Opinion 250 (Prince George)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
http://www.opinion250.com/blog/view/12595/1/support+for+stv+strong

STV supporters on the stump
Single transferable vote system would allow voters to rank candidates in preferred order
Burnaby Now
Wed 15 Apr 2009
Byline: Christina Myers
http://www2.canada.com/burnabynow/news/story.html?id=505330a1-c3d7-41a2-9bbe-5508d23f83a8

Vote of support
North Shore News
Wed 15 Apr 2009
Page: 6
Section: Viewpoint
http://www2.canada.com/northshorenews/news/viewpoint/story.html?id=a2bb52c3-9446-44f9-be72-246ea9c08f41

STV is all about governance
Kamloops Daily News
Wed 15 Apr 2009
Page: A6
Section: Opinion
Byline: Nancy Bepple

Re: Group Uses 'Old Politics' (April 9).

The Kamloops Daily News article April 9 states that the YES BC-STV grassroots Kamloops group is advocating for a new way to do politics.

Actually, the referendum on May 12 on Single Transferable Vote is not about politics. It is about governance.

Whether or not B.C. votes yes to Single Transferable Vote, there will still be politics. Politics is the art of baby kissing, funding announcements just before elections and protests. Politics is about getting your message out and getting what you want.

Governance, as opposed to politics, is about how we make decisions. The strength in STV is that it recognizes that decision-making that includes different points of view is in the end better for everyone. STV is a form of proportional representations: it ensures a wider number of views have a voice in government.

We live in an extremely diverse society. Some of us have great strengths in business. Others understand the needs of children and seniors.

Many believe the environment is key in all decision making. Some have been in B.C. for generations. Others have just arrived. All these points of view need to be heard.

For me, the most important value in democracy is that everyone has a chance to be represented. The Single Transferable Vote allows this to happen far better than the current First Past the Post.

On May 12, I will be voting yes to STV.

Nancy Bepple

Kamloops

STV promotes democracy, says local activist
The Grand Forks Gazette
Wed 15 Apr 2009
Page: 3
Section: News
Byline: Jim Holtz
Source: The Grand Forks Gazette

Grand Forks resident David Pehota presented an overview of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system at a meeting at Grand Forks Secondary School last Wednesday evening. Adoption of the system will be decided in a referendum held at the same time as the provincial election on May 12. Pehota believes that the time for electoral change is now. "I have taken this on," Pehota said, "because I think that our democratic process as a whole is seriously dysfunctional. It is placing way too much power in the hands of the executive branch. We need to rebalance that equation; we need to hold accountable those people who wield political power."

The current system elects the candidate in a riding who collects the greatest number of votes; this number might only represent 40 per cent or less of the total votes cast. As a result, members of the legislature and indeed whole governments might be, and often are, empowered despite having more people voting against them than for them.

The main advantage of the STV system is that almost every vote would count. In the current system, if 60 per cent of voters split their votes between losing candidates, they get no representation at all. Under STV, they would still be able to elect a representative. The new riding in which Grand Forks would find itself would consist of three current ridings: Penticton, Boundary Similkameen and Westside Kelowna. It would elect three MLA's. Voters' ballots would contain all the names of all candidates running and voters would number their ballots 1, 2, 3, etc. to indicate their preference. Under STV a candidate in this riding would only need 25 percent of the total vote. Once that percentage had been achieved, that person would be deemed elected and the vote counting continued until the next person achieved 25 per cent. After all the first choice votes have been counted, if three candidates have not yet received 25 percent, then second choices are tallied, then third and so on. Every vote counts.

The STV system would divide the province into 20 electoral districts, each containing from two to seven members of the legislature, depending on the population of the district. A traditional party might run two or even three candidates, hoping that all would be elected. As Pehota pointed out, however, that might be risky.

"Of course, you don't want to run too many candidates because it may split the vote in a multi-member constituency." For more information visit STV.ca on the Internet.

The Coalition, BC-STV and next steps for the Left
By Dave Meslin
Blog: Rabble.ca
April 15, 2009
http://rabble.ca/news/2009/04/coalition-bc-stv-and-next-steps-left

Thoughts On STV - Why I Support It
By Leonard
Blog: Stand Your Ground
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
http://forlifeandfamily.blogspot.com/2009/04/thoughts-on-stv-why-i-support-it.html

Apr. 14th News Articles

2009-04-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Plenty of gaps on Greens' election map
By Jeff Nagel
Surrey North Delta Leader
April 14, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/surreyleader/news/43006922.html

STV allows us to take control of our political future
Kamloops This Week
April 14, 2009
by Grant Fraser
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/kamloopsthisweek/opinion/letters/42995702.html

It's in your interest to pay attention during this election
The Vancouver Sun
Tue 14 Apr 2009
Page: A18
Section: Editorial
http://www.vancouversun.com/your+interest+attention+during+this+election/1494319/story.html

Voters should support change to voting system
Nanaimo Daily News
Tue 14 Apr 2009
Byline: Dave Carter
http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/letters/story.html?id=0e8d63d5-c984-4d10-8f4f-1f3911fbf35c

STV backers ready for writ
Along with the provincial election comes an opportunity to vote on the voting system on May 12.
Langley Advance
Tue 14 Apr 2009
Page: 1 / FRONT
Byline: Heather Colpitts
http://www2.canada.com/langleyadvance/news/story.html?id=675ac5eb-d086-4518-a095-d89544123595

BC election writ drops; referendum campaigns underway
Wikinews
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/BC_election_writ_drops;_referendum_campaigns_underway?curid=124072

STV said as simple as 1, 2, 3
Supporter of proposed voting system that will be explained at meeting Wednesday night refutes criticism it's too complicated
Penticton Herald
Tue 14 Apr 2009
Page: A1 / FRONT
Section: News
Byline: John Moorhouse
Source: Penticton Herald

There's still a need for more public education about the single transferable voting system, says a backer of the Yes side in next month's referendum. Sheila MacDermott will address a public meeting on BC-STV at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Penticton United Church.

MacDermott, a former Penticton member of the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform, which was created prior to the 2005 referendum, acknowledged many electors still aren't familiar with the proposal.

"There's still confusion," she said, "but it really is a simple system to understand once you hear . . . how it works."

The assembly finished its work prior to the 2005 provincial election and has not been recalled since. However, a group known as Fair Voting B.C. (now British Columbians for BC-STV) has been formed and is actively campaigning for the Yes vote in the May 12 referendum.

On the flip side, the No BC-STV Campaign Society claims the proposed STV system is complicated and no better than the current first-past-the-post system.

The No supporters say the current system is easy to understand -- the winner is the candidate who receives the most votes. They claim STV turns that upside down with extremely complicated rules for counting the vote, in which some votes are redistributed (transferred).

MacDermott said organizers had hoped to set up a debate at Wednesday's forum, but it appears no one is available from the No side at this time.

The referendum, held in conjunction with the provincial election, asks the simple question:

"Which electoral system should British Columbia use to elect members to the provincial legislative assembly -- the existing electoral system (first-past-the-post) or the single transferable vote electoral system (BC-STV) proposed by the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform?"

During the 2005 referendum, 57.69 per cent of voters were in favour of STV. However, it failed to meet the 60 per cent threshold required to be implemented.

MacDermott said even though a referendum was held four years ago, many voters remain unsure of the details surrounding the STV proposal.

"I think people still need to learn more about it," she said. "There were people who we didn't get to last time who we certainly would like to help learn about the system and understand how it works."

MacDermott said there has been a steady decline in voter turnout in recent elections because many people feel their vote isn't reflected by who they see in the legislature.

"We need to find a system where people know that their vote really counts and really matters, and this is a system that can do that."

MacDermott refutes criticism that STV is complicated.

"It really is a very simple system to use. It's more fair in its results. It's more proportional," she said. "Presently, people can get elected with a percentage (of the popular vote) as low as 21 per cent," she said.

In most ridings, she said, the majority of voters do not want the successful candidate elected.

"The way STV works, more people can see their vote works to elect someone and they feel more represented," she said.

However, opponents to STV say in the proposed seven-MLA Capital region, a candidate would be declared elected with just 12.5 per cent of the vote, while in the Northeast, a two-MLA region, a candidate would be elected with 33.3 per cent of the vote.

The number of MLAs would remain the same as in the current system, although there would be fewer (20 compared to 85) and larger ridings, each of which would include two to seven MLAs. The proposed Okanagan-Boundary region would include three MLAs.

If approved by a majority of residents, the STV system would be implemented for the 2013 election. Both sides in the referendum campaign have been allocated $500,000 from the government to get their points of view across.

A rare opportunity
Cranbrook Daily Townsman
Tue 14 Apr 2009
Page: 6
Section: Opinion
Byline: Dave Carter

On May 12th, British Columbians will be given an opportunity (by referendum) to change our provincial voting system to the "single transferable vote" (STV) or stay with our current system "first past the post".

Ultimately the choice of voting systems on the referendum is as follows:

Current system -- "first past the post"

- Fails to accurately reflect voters' choices (percentage of votes cast is not accurately represented by seats in Government).

- Allows a minority of votes to elect majority governments.

- Restricts new parties and independent candidates from fair competition.

- Entrenches power in established political parties.

- Narrows voter choice.

System proposed by the Citizens Assembly --"single transferable vote"

- More accurately reflects voter‚s choices by seats in government.

- Ensures that majority governments are not formed without a majority of voter support.

- Allows new parties and independent candidates to fairly compete.

- Increases voter choice.

The single transferable vote (STV) is a voter empowering system. Do not expect a wave of support to come from our elected politicians in favor of STV. In Ireland where STV is used the politicians held two referendums in an effort to get rid of the STV system and both times the public voted to keep it. As more people become aware of the advantages of STV, the support for it increases.

Support this initiative for progressive change to our democratic system and vote for STV on May 12th.

Dave Carter

Castlegar

Apr. 14th Blogs

2009-04-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Try out BC STV
Bernard Von Schulmann
Blog: BC Iconoclast
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
http://bciconcoclast.blogspot.com/2009/04/try-out-bc-stv.html

Murky View : In response to David Schreck on BC-STV
Mark Crowley
Blog: Fair Vote UBC
April 14, 2009
http://fairvoteubc.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/murky-view-in-response-to-david-schreck-on-bc-stv/

STV lite would have been an easier sell--especially in rural B.C.
Mark Crawford
Blog: B.C. Policy Perspectives
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
http://markcrawford.blogspot.com/2009/04/stv-lite-would-have-been-easier-sell.html

THEY ARE OFF AND RUNNING
Jamie Lee Hamilton
Blog: Oldtown News
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
http://downtowneastside.blogspot.com/2009/04/they-are-off-and-running.html

Apr. 13th Articles

2009-04-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Gauging chance of success for STV referendum
Shane Bigham
NEWS1130
Monday, April 13th, 2009
http://www.news1130.com/news/local/more.jsp?content=20090413_131008_532

Try BC-STV voting online
Skinny Dipper
Blog: The Skinny
Monday, April 13, 2009
http://skinnydips.blogspot.com/2009/04/happy-post-easter-ior-try-bc-stv-voting.html

Test Drive BC-STV
Mark Crowley
Fair Vote UBC
April 13, 2009
http://fairvoteubc.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/test-drive-bc-stv/

Claim that STV is complicated simply not true
Nelson Daily News
Mon 13 Apr 2009
Page: 7
Section: Letters
Byline: Gusti Callis
Source: Nelson Daily News

To the Editor:

Re: Nelson Daily News STV article of March 23, 2009.

Bill Tieleman's claim that Single Transferable Vote (STV) is complicated couldn't be further from the truth. The truth is: STV is simple.

What the voter actually does is rank the candidates on the ballot in order of their preference, with 1 showing their first preference, 2 their second and so on. Any first grader could tell you which things of a list they like most and least, and that's all the voter has to do.

In regard to the vote counting process (which the voter doesn't really even need to understand), any person who can add, subtract, multiply, and divide; and is willing to give 10 - 15 minutes to understanding the process, can become an expert. Don't believe it? Give me a call: 250 825-9282. The Irish have been using STV since the 1920s, ranking their choices, and for years, working out the results with pencil and paper. Are they so much smarter than us; is this beyond our intelligence level? I don't think so.

As determined by the Citizen's Assembly for Electoral Reform (which was set up by the Liberal government in 2003), STV is by far the best choice for a voting system for BC. It meets the needs which BC residents expressed at public meetings which the Assembly held around the province. And be assured that the Citizen's Assembly extensively studied the voting systems used in the world today. I dare say that it won't be too many years before our current First Past the Post voting system (FPTP) is recognized as the archaic, undemocratic system that it is, and is abandoned by the four lonely countries that still use it.

Please don't waste this opportunity to give B.C. a voting system which puts the power of politics into the hands of the voters. Put the voter in the driver's seat on May 12 with proportional results, better local representation, stable governments without policy swings, and more voter choice. Vote for BC-STV, and against FPTP. These are our only two choices.

Gusti Callis

Nelson, B.C.

STV about governance, not politics
The Daily News (Kamloops)
Mon 13 Apr 2009
Page: A6
Section: Opinion
Byline: Nancy Bepple
Source: The Daily News

Re: Group Uses 'Old Politics,' (The Daily News, April 9). The YES BC-STV grassroots Kamloops group is advocating for a new way to do politics.

Actually, the referendum on May 12 on Single Transferable Vote is not about politics. It is about governance.

Whether or not B.C. votes yes to Single Transferable Vote, there will still be politics. Politics is baby kissing, funding announcements just before elections and protests. Politics is about getting your message out and getting what you want.

Governance is about how we make decisions. The strength in STV is that it recognizes that decision making that includes different points of view is better for everyone. STV is proportional representation; it ensures that more views are expressed in government. We live in a very diverse society and all these points of view need to be heard. For me, the most important value in democracy is that everyone has a chance to be represented. STV allows this.

Nancy Bepple

Kamloops

STV: How does it work?
The Daily News (Kamloops)
Mon 13 Apr 2009
Page: A4
Section: News
Byline: Ray Jones, David Schreck
Source: The Daily News

British Columbians will decide in a referendum May 12 if they want to stick with the current First Past the Post system of electing MLAs, or change to the Single Transferable Vote, or STV, method.

On Thursday, April 30, the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce will present an STV debate and forum at Forster's Conference Centre starting at 7 p.m.

Today's column -- written on the topic How The Single Transferable Vote Works -- is by Ray Jones.

Yes, STV is sophisticated: We can do it
by Ray Jones

The Single Transferable Vote, or STV, is used successfully in other countries in the world whose voters are no more sophisticated than we are. It involves some math -- fractions, actually -- something that we start learning about even earlier than Grade 4.

In our current system, a voter is given a choice of one candidate from each political party. The voter then chooses one candidate by marking an "X." There is one winner. Because we have more than two parties, often the winner is elected with less than 40 per cent of the popular vote, meaning that more than 60 per cent of the voters may consider themselves "orphaned," without representation.

BC-STV retains two important features of our current system: there is no increase in the number of seats in Victoria, and the ratio of voters to MLAs stays the same.

BC-STV differs from our current system by having fewer, larger electoral districts. Each district will elect between two and seven MLAs, the most frequent number being six representatives.

Multiple representatives is the hallmark of a proportional-representation voting system, which means the number of MLAs for a party in Victoria will be very close to the percentage of the popular vote received by that party. A 40 per cent popular vote, then, will translate into 40 per cent of the seats, give or take a seat or two.

A ballot will have the names of the candidates listed, in alphabetical order, under a party heading. The voter will indicate preferences by marking "1" for his or her first choice, "2" for a second choice, and so on. The voter may choose as few or as many preferences as he or she wishes.

To win a seat in the legislature, a candidate must receive a minimum number of votes, called the quota. This quota is determined by a formula that is, roughly, the number of votes divided by the number of MLAs to be elected. In the Cariboo-Thompson electoral district, the five MLAs will have to win the support of about 17 per cent of the district's voters.

The first step, after all votes are in, is to count first-preference votes. Any candidate reaching the quota is declared elected. Then the magic happens:

Instead of being ignored, any votes above what the elected candidate needed are transferred to the second preferences on all votes received by that candidate. A second round of vote-counting and transfers then occurs, and a third, until the desired number of candidates have reached the quota.

If, on any round, no candidate reaches the quota, then the candidate with the lowest vote count is eliminated, and his or her votes are transferred, at full value, to the next preference marked.

The result is that, in a six-member district, over 90 per cent of the voters help elect someone.

That's it. It is sophisticated, and it must be in order to give us the proportional results we want.

Best of all, preferential voting promotes inclusion, co-operation and consultation among candidates, since a candidate would find it works against his or her interests to indulge in demeaning other candidates. How? This would lessen his or her chances for being considered for a voter's second or third choices, if he were to demean that voter's first choice.

To see this process simply presented, go to stv.ca or citizensassembly.bc.ca, and click on the flash animation.

Ray Jones is a member of Kamloops for BC-STV. This column was written in conjunction with Dan Carroll and Les Goddard.

Yet more Apr. 6-10th

2009-04-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

A chance to change B.C. politics
Quesnel Cariboo Observer
Fri 10 Apr 2009
Page: 9
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/quesnelobserver/opinion/letters/42782167.html

STV beats current system
Quesnel Cariboo Observer
Fri 10 Apr 2009
Page: 9
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/quesnelobserver/opinion/letters/42782257.html

'No' side of STV scaremongers
The Daily News (Kamloops)
Fri 10 Apr 2009
Page: A6
Section: Opinion
Byline: David Denbigh
Source: Daily News

With all due respect to Mr. Bill Tieleman, his article stating the negatives of BC-STV is scaremongering and full of inaccuracies.

Mr. Tieleman suggests that STV will increase the power of political parties. Quite the opposite. With STV, political parties will still be important, but they will have to be more accountable to the voter, because the voter will have a wider choice.

Yes, the ridings will be larger than currently exist, but they closely replicate the existing federal ridings. Those ridings are represented by one MP. The provincial ridings will have as many as five MLAs as your representation in the House in Victoria. That gives you, by my calculation, a 500 per cent better ratio of MLA to voter than the current federal system. To say you won't have local representation nor accountability as a result, is, in my humble opinion, nonsense.

Members of the No campaign suggest they would prefer some form of Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system. There was a reason the Citizens Assembly in 2004 rejected that idea. MMP means just that. Some MLAs are "elected," others are "selected."

If we reject STV on May 12, we will lose a golden opportunity. That opportunity is not likely to return for a very long time. There is too much at stake for the political parties in future governments to give the electorate that chance again.

To his credit, Premier Gordon Campbell initiated the Citizens Assembly and realized that the vote to change was very close in 2005. His government has given us a chance to try again. On May 12 we get a unique opportunity to be leaders in electoral reform in this country.

Change is at times scary, but to not change a system that is unfair and undemocratic is ludicrous.

David Denbigh

Kamloops

Electoral reformers leading on-line pack
Kitimat Northern Sentinel
Thu 09 Apr 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/northernsentinel/news/election/42745017.html

Why STV is A-OK
Chetwynd Echo
Thu 09 Apr 2009
Page: 30
Section: Viewpoint
Byline: Max Fawcett
Column: The View From Here
Source: Chetwynd Echo

Generating interest in a complicated electoral system is difficult at the best of times. It's nearly impossible when you're competing with Guitar Hero and hot mini-donuts, as was the case at this past weekend's trade show for the advocates of the Single Transferrable Vote system, or STV, that will be on the ballot in the May 12 provincial election. But while Peace FM and the mini-donut man were the most popular exhibits, the BC-STV booth that had the misfortune of being placed between them was the most important.

STV is the alternative to the First-Past-The-Post electoral system chosen by the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform that was convened after the 2001 election. After 11 months of delegations, presentations, and conversations, the 160 ordinary citizens drawn randomly from the voters list settled on STV as the best alternative to the existing system. In the 2005 election it fell just short of ratification, coming within two per cent of the requisite 60 per cent support, and two constituencies shy of the 79 needed with over 50 per cent support.

That STV sounds more like something a careless sailor might pick up on shore leave than an important improvement to our democratic system doesn't help its marketability, but what it lacks in style it more than makes up for in substance.

Most importantly, it ensures that every vote will count, and every voter's input will matter. Unlike the existing First-Past-The-Post system, which consistently creates artificial majorities, the STV system will produce a provincial legislature that corresponds to the popular vote. In other words, there would be no repeats of 1996, in which the NDP formed a government despite earning fewer votes than the BC Liberal Party, or of 2001, in which the BC Liberal Party won 97 per cent of the seats despite winning only 57% of the popular vote. The First-Past-The-Post system exaggerates majorities, meaning that a party can win 40 per cent of the votes, 60 per cent of the seats, and 100 per cent of the power. STV eliminates this dangerous and undemocratic distortion.

Equally important, STV changes the nature of voting from an exercise in binary thinking to a more nuanced process. Rather than being forced to pick a horse and run with it, voters can assign preferences to each candidate. This eliminates the need for "strategic voting"," wherein a voter casts a ballot for a candidate other than their preferred choice in order to block the candidacy of a third, and other such perversions of democracy common to the First-Past-The-Post system. It will also make every ballot meaningful, alleviating the frustrations of voters who run against the crowd in stronghold ridings like our own.

As in 2005, those driving the BC-STV campaign have to meet a very high threshold of public support. In addition to attracting at least 60 per cent of the overall vote, they must earn at least 50 per cent in all 79 ridings in British Columbia. Let's do our part for democracy and the future of our province and ensure that the riding of Peace River South says yes to STV.

Local group forms committee to support BC-STV
The Daily News (Prince Rupert)
Wed 08 Apr 2009
Page: 3
Section: Local News
Byline: George T. Baker
Source: The Daily News

Primary goal is to allow public to make an informed vote.

Dale White, 57, of Prince Rupert has thrown his weight behind the BC-STV vote. Well who the heck is Dale White?

He's one of millions of British Columbians who will have the opportunity to cast their vote on whether or not to choose the new voting system based on the Single Transferable Vote (STV).

White has also become a local advocate for changing the way British Columbians vote and believes Rupertites should support the voting system.

"People are often afraid of voting for someone who could be seen as a wasted vote,' said White.

White argues that too often the voter chooses for a candidate of lesser evil rather than the candidate of choice.

"Often people say, well I like a candidate but I don't like his or her party and so don't vote for the person they like," said White.

White decided to become an advocate for the voting system after showing up to a meeting held by Andre Carrell the BC-STV pro campaign. He said that talk convinced him that the STV voting system, which allows people to vote for candidates on a sliding scale, would greatly benefit voters and smaller parties.

The fact that only 13 people showed up to hear Carrell speak about the virtues of STV perhaps suggest that locals either remain ill-informed or uninterested in the subject. Given that they will have the opportunity to decide for themselves whether they are in favour of the new system or not, White feels its important for both sides of the issue to ensure voters are well informed before they have to decide.

Hence, White will be hosting an information booth at the Rupert Square Mall this Sunday to let people in on how STV works and why it might be a good idea to accept.

Both sides have been funded with $500,000 each to promote their side, a change from 2005 when a lot of the confusion was responsible for the vote dying by a mere 2 per cent - 58 per cent of voters supported STV but the electoral reform requires 60 per cent.

Two examples that are often floated as choices are the countries of Malta and republic of Ireland, which both use STV to elect national governments.

But those examples have become as much a part of the criticism of STV as it has been a part of the proposal.

Under the new system of voting, MLAs would be grouped in larger voting districts. The North Coast would be included in a riding that would include the Skeena and Stikine riding, with a territory the size of the federal riding of Skeena-Bulkley Valley.

Voters would elect three candidates by ranking all the candidates first-to-last.

Critics have said this style of voting would make life more challenging for smaller parties, not help them, and believe that the proposed voting system would make it less likely that voters would have effective representation.

White wasn't sure what success STV would have this go around. He said its been difficult getting a sense of how people will vote. "I have no idea. A lot of people say they can't even remember that the [STV] vote ever happened," said White.

Single-transferable vote means choice
The Daily News (Kamloops)
Wed 08 Apr 2009
Page: A6
Section: Opinion
Byline: Grant Fraser
Source: The Daily News

Re: STV System Is A Recipe for Disaster.

Mr. Tielman's column encourages us to keep a bad electoral system because a coalition of political insiders doesn't want to change to a system that gives them less power.

BC-STV was designed by British Columbians who have no political affiliation.

One hundred sixty people were selected at random, one man and one woman from each riding. After a year of learning about political systems around the world and several public hearings, they designed a voting system for us, the voters.

Remember that half of the Citizens Assembly members were from rural ridings and they favored STV over MMP.

When you first look at a map of the proposed riding, it seems large.

When you look closer, you realize that most of the riding is uninhabited forest and that people live along the highway.

In fact, the combined Cariboo-Thompson riding is about the same size as the existing North Coast riding, which is mostly ocean and smaller than the existing Skeena-Stikine and Peace River North ridings, which are also mostly forest. The people up north have been proving for years that it's not impossible to run an election in a large riding.

STV is about voter choice. The No side insults the voting public by suggesting that they are incapable of making a choice that isn't spoon fed to them by party insiders. Let's put an end to safe seats and strategic voting and let's change to the system that gives the power back to the voters.

Grant Fraser

Kamloops

STV not complicated
Comox Valley Record
Tue 07 Apr 2009
Page: A27
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/comoxvalleyrecord/opinion/letters/42635847.html

Voters can make a difference
Penticton Western News
Tue 07 Apr 2009
Page: 7
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/pentictonwesternnews/opinion/letters/42631427.html

Vote for change with new system
Salmon Arm Observer
Tue 07 Apr 2009
Page: 6
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/salmonarmobserver/opinion/letters/42640757.html

Do you know about BC-STV?
Dawson Creek Daily News
Tue 07 Apr 2009
Page: A7
Section: Editorial & Opinions
Byline: Sandra Hoffmann

In addition to an upcoming provincial election on May 12, there will be a referendum question on electoral reform. In 2005, BC-STV received 58 per cent support, just two per cent shy of passing.

The referendum question will ask which electoral system should B.C. use to elect MLAs: the current system of First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) or BC-STV (Single Transferable Vote). BC-STV is the proportional type of electoral reform recommended by the Citizens' Assembly. It satisfied all three of their top criteria: near proportionality, better representation, and more voter choice.

Under BC-STV, the current ridings would be combined to form larger districts with multiple MLAs, resulting in greater competition between candidates. Locally, the Peace River North and the Peace River South would be combined to form a two MLA district, giving all voters an additional MLA to turn to. The number of MLAs for our area will not change under BC-STV and the total number of MLAs would also remain unchanged.

Rather than marking an X by a single candidate, in a multi-member district one can rank as many or as few candidates as desired. They can stay within party lines or go beyond. It is the voter's choice. If your first choice has more than what is needed to be elected, the portion that is surplus is transferred to your second choice. If your first choice has been eliminated, because they have the fewest number of votes, then your vote is transferred at full value to your second choice. This transfer process continues, considering further preferences, until the necessary number of MLAs have been elected. Under BC-STV there are fewer wasted votes as a result of this transfer process.

I urge people to learn more about BC-STV in order to make an informed decision on May 12. Attend an upcoming presentation, listed at http://bc-stv2.blogspot.com, or visit http://stv.ca. A short but very informative video is also provided at http://stv.ca/watch. Contact Wilf Chelle at 772-5607 or Sandra Hoffmann at stvnorthernvoice@yahoo.ca for further information or to find out how you can make a difference.

Sandra Hoffmann,

Fort St. John, BC

STV, pro not no...
Prince Rupert Daily News
Tue 07 Apr 2009
Page: 4
Section: Opinion & Letters
Byline: Dale White
Source: The Daily News

To the Editor,

In the Letters to the Editor (No to STV, Apr.3), the correspondent uses the example of Ireland to project outcomes for B.C. if we vote to change our current system of electing MLAs.

Making these types of predictions is impossible because voting systems are only one factor that shape a society. We only have to look at the differences between B.C. and other regions of Canada to realize that our current First Past the Post system does not guarantee similar political cultures.

As well, the writer makes reference to the Gini index and infers that Ireland does poorly on this equality index because of its voting methods. While it is true that Ireland scores worse than its European neighbours (most of whom have some form of proportional representation) it is also true that Ireland does better than Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. who do not. (www.cia.gov)

All of this, however, is beside the point. Making predictions is guesswork. Both sides have their best and worst case scenarios.

What we do know is that STV allows voters a wider choice of candidates and results in a legislature that more accurately reflects the proportion of the votes that each political party receives. It is fairer and more representative.

- Dale White

Learn about STV option
Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Mon 06 Apr 2009
Page: A12
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/opinion/letters/42549247.html

Apr. 11th-12th Articles

2009-04-13T02:10:00.000-07:00

STV: an opportunity to change our provincial voting system
Golden Star
April 12, 2009
by Dave Carter
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/42876007.html

Sudden-death comes to NHL — and to our ballot boxes
By Christopher Foulds
Kamloops This Week
April 11, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/kamloopsthisweek/opinion/42842182.html

Does B.C. want its STV? Electoral reformers open big social media lead
By Derrick O'Keefe
Rabble.ca
April 11, 2009
http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/rabble-staff/2009/04/does-bc-want-its-stv-electoral-reformers-open-big-social-media-l
also in
Blog: The Progressive Mind
April 11, 2009
http://www2.islandnet.com/~mikezimmer/theprogressivemind/?p=13895

Fairer results with BC-STV
Richmond Review
April 11, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/richmondreview/opinion/42821982.html

Several opportunities to learn more about STV
The Delta Optimist
Saturday, April 11, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/deltaoptimist/news/story.html?id=c967cf5c-1b5a-4ae9-bb5e-f10ca1909635

BC-STV gaining momentum
By Jason Morris
Blog: Gauntlet.ca
Saturday, April 11, 2009
http://www.gauntlet.ca/2009/04/bc-stv-gaining-momentum.html

THE GREAT STV DEBATE: PILON VS. ISITT, PART TWO: ‘Transferable vote not the same as STV,’ Dennis Pilon, T-C letter to Editor, Holy Saturday, 2009
CCC BLOG
April 11, 2009
http://gregoryhartnell.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/the-great-stv-debate-pilon-vs-isitt-part-two-transferable-vote-not-the-same-as-stv-dennis-pilon-t-c-letter-to-editor-holy-saturday-2009/

More for Apr. 7th-10th

2009-04-13T02:03:00.000-07:00

More for April 6th

2009-04-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

Multiple votes for multiple voices
Prince George Citizen
Mon 06 Apr 2009
Section: Opinion
Byline: Jennifer Greenwood
http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/20090405185359/opinion/letters/multiple-votes-for-multiple-voices.html

Group starts campaign for electoral reform
Nanaimo Daily News
Mon 06 Apr 2009
http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=2a4f06db-f1c0-4f53-ba50-bfc4e9631a4e

STV and the provincial election
Cranbrook Daily Townsman
Mon 06 Apr 2009
Page: 6
Section: Opinion
Byline: Mike Redfern

In a matter of weeks now we will be voting in the provincial election. The actual 28-day electoral period hasn't quite started yet but the political rhetoric certainly has. Ads, interviews, and submitted articles have been appearing in the local press over the past few weeks as Liberal and NDP candidates jockey for position in each electoral district while candidates from other parties speak brave words in a fruitless attempt to persuade us that voting for anyone other than Liberal or NDP can put our candidate of choice in the legislature.

And there's the rub. Many of us have not been entirely happy about the past eight years of monolithic right wing government in this province and are not anxious to continue it in its present form. At the same time, we were even less thrilled with the performance of the previous NDP government, a performance that led to the massive support for Mr. Campbell's Liberals in 2001, and the pronouncements of the present opposition in the legislature have not yet restored our faith in the NDP's ability to govern more wisely in the future. Is it any wonder that so many of us are cynical about the present political process in B.C. that is guaranteed to return to power one or the other of these two parties with a majority?

Although we have heard little or nothing about it in the mainstream media, B.C. voters will again have an opportunity this May to vote in a second referendum to change the electoral system from "first past the post" to the single transferable vote (STV) system. A majority of B.C. electors voted in favour of the STV system in the 2005 referendum, but the number in favour fell just short of the required percentage to make it law. If a few more frustrated electors vote in favour of STV this time around we could reach the magic number required and move away from the present outdated and unrepresentative "first past the post" system. This would mean that in 2013 voters could return to the legislature candidates representing a range of political parties, not just the Liberals and NDP. We could actually have MLAs in the legislature who represent the range of electors' political beliefs and who could speak to alternative positions on policy.

And if voting by the STV system in 2013 led to a minority government which had either to form a coalition with another party or to take into consideration the policies of the other parties in order to pass legislation, then surely that would be a good thing.

Because the STV system requires larger electoral districts returning more than one representative to the legislature, electors would be able to consider the merits of all the candidates on the ballot and place them in their preferred order, pretty much guaranteeing that at least one of their favoured candidates will be elected to represent them.

It seems to me that voting for STV in the referendum this May will actually be more important in the long run than voting for a candidate in the election. If enough of us disenchanted electors think likewise and get out to vote for STV, we could make a little history and help usher in a brighter political future for this beautiful province.

Fearful of the autocracy
Penticton Herald
Mon 06 Apr 2009
Page: A7
Section: Letters
Byline: Roy Roope

Dear Editor:

I am normally not a fearful person, but I must admit I am experiencing chills over recent events in our province in the realization that we are in deep peril.

There is irrefutable proof we are creeping towards an autocracy in our system of government by the clear evidence of recent events.

Autocracy is technically defined as "government in which one person possesses unlimited power" and we are witnessing the existence of this more and more in the standard operating procedures in Victoria.

A conscious strategy that employs suppression of information, secrecy, intentionally short notice and the intent to rubber stamp vote it into law in the legislature would not have been out of place in Soviet-era Kremlin politics, yet this recently happened here.

We came within a whisker of having the government employ these tactics to pass the Recognition and Reconciliation Act in the legislative session just ended.

This act would have altered British Columbia in a "seismic shift" way to use the government's own words, but they never released the wording of the act and provided only a sketchy outline to selected groups and individuals; kept their own party members in the dark, but announced they intended to slam-vote it into law with short notice.

All this because of the decision of one man, the autocrat Gordon Campbell.

Although this act would have had momentous consequences to the province, it would have undergone no democratic process; it would have become law-by-decree. Their rush to draw up the legislation ran out of time, which is the only thing that saved it from being law today.

But we still have tomorrow to worry about.

Our current system has proven itself downright dangerous by these events and it is up to all of us to stand up and vote for change.

The Single Transferable Vote (STV) provides a more balanced system, a free-vote legislature and true democratic debate on issues before they become law.

You have little time to verify the truth of what I am saying here and make up your mind.

Roy Roope

Summerland

More for Apr. 1st-5th

2009-04-13T01:51:00.000-07:00

Get out and vote, and vote, and vote
Prince George Citizen
Sat 04 Apr 2009
Section: Opinion
Byline: Brian Harding
http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/20090403185154/opinion/letters/get-out-and-vote-and-vote-and-vote.html

Voters to rank candidates if BC-STV given approval
The Delta Optimist
Sat 04 Apr 2009
Section: Opinion
Byline: Nick Loenen
http://www2.canada.com/deltaoptimist/news/opinion/story.html?id=577143f3-c0ce-4fe5-9eb6-64a2b3c7b533

It's very simple: STV makes perfect sense
Nelson Daily News
Fri 03 Apr 2009
Page: 7
Section: Editorial
Byline: Brian D'eon

To the Editor:

Our present, traditional, "first-past-the-post" system has many problems. It encourages negative campaigning, extreme partisanship, strategic voting, and a feeling of apathy and despair among those whose vote "doesn't count."

Under the BC-STV proposal, all votes will count. In a riding like ours, where there will be four elected representatives, I can vote first for a candidate who represents my preferred party, while at the same time voting for another candidate who shares my special interest in education issues (vote #2). I can even vote for an incumbent, who although of a quite different political stripe, has been very responsive to local issues and deserves to be re-elected (vote #3). No more need for the mind-numbing notion of strategic voting.

BC-STV doesn't guarantee my first choice will be elected. But if not, my second choice is a strong possibility, and if not my second, my third is almost a certainty. Ninety per cent of voters under the STV system will see at least one of their chosen candidates elected.

The most common objection to the BC-STV proposal is that the vote counting system is complicated. So is the internal combustion system of my car, but I'm quite confident it will start in the morning, and don't feel I must know exactly how it works. This very counting system has worked flawlessly in Ireland since 1922. Similar systems are found in Australia and New Zealand and dominate European democracies. Is there any reason to fear it wouldn't work here?

The present "first-past-the-post", "winner-take-all" system may do well in a hockey arena but, in the complex world of interlocked global economies, it is dangerously out-dated. We must nourish a vision of government that sees parties working together on establishing policy, not vying to "score points" during question period. In war time Britain a government in crisis invited members of the Opposition to take important cabinet posts. Why? Because it was imperative that the best people be put in the most important jobs no matter what their political affiliation. What a refreshing scenario that would be! Surely the worldwide economic meltdown and the threat of massive climate change are enough reason to call for a similar response today.

For me, the most compelling argument in favour of the BC-STV proposal is that it was recommended overwhelmingly in 2004 by BC's Citizens' Assembly. This assembly, made up 160 men and women from every walk of life, spent eleven months evaluating the testimony of experts from around the world. I cannot imagine a greater exercise in pure democracy in recent memory. Much more than the recommendation of any politician, much more than even my own personal preference, I have faith in the informed and sober judgement of this assembly of my peers.

Frankly, I don't think it much matters which party wins the next provincial election, but if we choose the BC-STV option, it may no longer be necessary to enter the polling booth holding our noses, and all of us may claim a victory.

Brian d'Eon

Nelson, BC

STV in focus at special forum as opposing forces rally
Surrey Now
Friday, April 03, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/surreynow/news/story.html?id=d180b834-3d66-479b-af91-162b49ce32c0

We need STV to kick start reform
Richmond Review
April 03, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/42448072.html

Do you know about STV?
Chetwynd Echo
Fri 03 Apr 2009
Page: 31
Section: Public Forum
Byline: Brad Morrison
Source: Chetwynd Echo

In addition to an upcoming provincial election on May 12th, there will be a referendum question on electoral reform. In 2005, BC-STV received 58% support, just 2% shy of passing.

The referendum question will ask which electoral system should BC use to elect MLAs: the current system of First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) or BC-STV (Single Transferable Vote).. BC-STV is the proportional type of electoral reform recommended by the Citizens' Assembly. It satisfied all three of their top criteria: near proportionality, better representation, and more voter choice.

Under BC-STV, the current ridings would be combined to form larger districts with multiple MLAs, resulting in greater competition between candidates. Locally, the Peace River North and the Peace River South would be combined to form a 2 MLA district, giving all voters an additional MLA to turn to. The number of MLAs for our area will not change under BC-STV and the total number of MLAs would also remain unchanged.

Rather than marking an X by a single candidate, in a multi-member district one can rank as many or as few candidates as desired. They can stay within party lines or go beyond. It is the voter's choice. If your first choice has more than what is needed to be elected, the portion that is surplus is transferred to your second choice. If your first choice has been eliminated, because they have the fewest number of votes, then your vote is transferred at full value to your second choice.. This transfer process continues, considering further preferences, until the necessary number of MLAs have been elected. Under BC-STV there are fewer wasted votes as a result of this transfer process.

I urge people to learn more about BC-STV in order to make an informed decision on May 12th. Attend an upcoming presentation, listed at http://bc-stv2.blogspot.com, or visit http://stv.ca. A short but very informative video is also provided at http://stv.ca/watch. Contact Wilf Chelle at 772-5607 or Sandra Hoffmann at stvnorthernvoice@yahoo.ca for further information or to find out how you can make a difference.

Forum aims to explain STV system
Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Thu 02 Apr 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/news/42362167.html

STV: how will this new system work in B.C.?
Alberni Valley News
Thu 02 Apr 2009
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/albernivalleynews/opinion/42338177.html

Yes vote on STV helps the planet
Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Thu 02 Apr 2009
Byline: Richard Boyce
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/lifestyles/42362632.html

STV is needed
Langley Times
Thu 02 Apr 2009
Page: 9
Section: Opinion

Editor: I believe STV is a very needed system here in BC. I do not believe that the voters are ever truly represented by their area MLA, or even the local councils for that matter.

It always seems that the polls are never far-reaching enough, the studies are too flimsy and short-sighted, and the public are not given time or avenues to truly consider any or most proposals, such as the Mufford overpass. It seems that things are passed before we ever get a chance to thoroughly examine the bright ideas that are put forward.

No matter what the public has to say, things are always pushed through or spin doctored to try and convince voters this is right. Often there are outside interests in the background.

The issue passes almost every time, because it has already been decided beforehand.

STV would be beneficial in eliminating the wasted votes. Every vote would count, you would know you actually helped improve something in the system, and more people would be likely to cast a ballot. Do you believe you are effectively represented, municipally or provincially?

Ken Witt,

Aldergrove

With STV, your vote can count, even if your candidate 'loses'
By Brad Bird
Oceanside Star
Thursday, April 02, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/oceansidestar/news/story.html?id=d54f9f9e-793b-42d2-86de-c3510ee0e03f

STV editorial proved timely
Penticton Herald
Thu 02 Apr 2009
Page: A7
Section: Letters
Byline: Marjorie Murton

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your timely editorial of Wednesday, April 1.

You are quite right that there needs to be more interest in the matter of Single Transferable Vote (STV) being on the ballot of the provincial election on May 12.

We don't think folks will ignore the question as you state as there is still time to get informed.

The public is invited to attend a presentation on this issue and also ask questions on Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. at the Penticton United Church sanctuary at 696 Main Street. (Please use the chapel entrance for use of the elevator.)

The event is hosted by the church's Peace, Justice, Environment and Outreach Committee as a service to the entire community.

Marjorie Murton

Penticton

Houston forester joins STV debate
Houston Today
Wed 01 Apr 2009
Byline: Todd Hamilton
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/houston-today/news/42202652.html

What is the STV?
Penticton Herald
Wed 01 Apr 2009
Page: A10
Section: Opinion
Source: Penticton Herald

When the average British Columbia resident likely isn't even aware there's an provincial election on the horizon (maybe everyone is still electioned-out after a municipal election coming on the heels of a federal election), we can't imagine that there's tremendous interest in the new Single Transferable Vote issue.

In case you haven't heard, this is going to be on the ballot again this May and it could change the way we elect our MLAs.

Several of the parties and individual candidates are going to make this an election issue.

Unfortunately, there hasn't been a lot of hype or excitement about this. More people around the water coolers or on Facebook are talking about who's going to win American Idol than the future of democracy in B.C.

Maybe the reason is that STV is incredibly complicated, hard to understand and even more difficult to explain.

STV would replace the existing "first past the post" system with mutliple MLAs in larger ridings. Voters would rank candidates in order of preference and any votes not required by the top candidate to be elected would be redistributed to the other candidates in order of voter preference.

In the 2005 provincial election, a referendum on STV fell just short of its goal. While a 57 per cent majority voted in favour of the new system, it had to be approved by 60 per cent of the voters province-wide and by a simple majority in 48 of the 79 ridings to pass.

One would have thought over the past four years, an ongoing educational campaign would have been launched to bring everyone up to speed on the proposal and more comfortable with its impact.

This hasn't happened. While undoubtedly a lot of work was done behind the scenes, the vast majority of voters today are just as confused about STV as they were in 2005. Now with just over two months to go until the election, a late campaign is being launched.

There is a movement afoot from the 'yes' side and you will undoubtedly hear more as Election Day draws nearer.

Too little, too late. You can count on the vast majority of voters either ignoring the question or being woefully ill-informed on the STV as they go to cast their ballots in May.

Loose ends from March

2009-04-13T01:42:00.000-07:00

STV puts power in voter's hands
Maple Ridge News
Tue 31 Mar 2009
Section: Letters
http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/mapleridgenews/opinion/letters/42222802.html

Learn about STV - B.C.'s proposed new voting system
Surrey North Delta Leader
Tue 31 Mar 2009
Page: 1
Section: Election
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/surreyleader/news/election/Learn_about_STV__BCs_proposed_new_voting_system.html

Don't be fooled by smoke and mirrors
Nelson Daily News
Tue 31 Mar 2009
Page: 7
Section: Editorial
Byline: Sjeng Derkx

To the Editor:

The NDN of Monday March 23, calls Bill Tielemans' small group of former party hacks 'the no side' in the upcoming referendum, but voting 'no' is actually not one of the options.

On May 12 we can vote either FOR the 'Single Transferable Vote' (STV) or FOR the current 'First Past the Post' (FPTP) system.

Tielemans' group has been given half a million of our tax dollars to promote voting for FPTP, but they realize that they cannot successfully defend that outdated system. Instead they attack STV and try to make you believe that if you vote for FPTP, you don't vote for FPTP, but for some imaginary future 'better' voting system.

Unfortunately, that's just not how things work. If you vote for FPTP you vote for keeping false majorities, wasted votes, strategic voting, ever lower voter turnout and minimal political accountability.

No voting system is perfect, but a vote for STV supports maintaining local representation, fair, proportional election results, and greatly improved voter choice.

Don't let Tielemans' smoke and mirrors confuse you. If FPTP wins the May 12 referendum, we will be stuck with that broken system for the foreseeable future. If you want positive democratic change, your vote should go to STV.

Sjeng Derkx,

Nelson, B.C.

BC-STV will be incremental step backward
By David S. Dunaway
Nanaimo Bulletin
March 30, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/nanaimonewsbulletin/opinion/letters/42152487.html

Should we vote yes or no
Vanderhoof Omineca Express
Mon 30 Mar 2009
by Bill Phillips
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/ominecaexpress/news/election/42157437.html

STV education campaign pushed
Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Mon 30 Mar 2009
Byline: Neil Horner
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/news/42148577.html

Lake open house to promote May 12 single transferable vote
Lake Cowichan Gazette
Mon 30 Mar 2009
Byline: Doug Marner
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/lakecowichangazette/community/42160712.html

No need to fear STV system
Nelson Daily News
Thu 26 Mar 2009
Page: 7
Section: Editorial
Byline: Alan Dodsworth

To the Editor:

I was surprised when I opened up the March 23 edition of the Nelson Daily News and read a headline on page 3 that stated: "STV would be a disaster." Was this a news story, or an editorial statement? While I read on, I'm sure many didn't. "STV not the system" proclaimed the headline on page 11.

Having read the article, I am left with the impression that the NO side's biggest concern is that the STV is confusing and complicated. Electoral reform, like the world we live in, is a complex issue. It is an issue we could argue about for the next 20 years. In the meantime, the "first past the post system" continues to allow ideology to trump the interests of our own and future generations.

I guess when we've finished messing up the planet, we'll just have to explain to our grandchildren that we were just too confused to do anything about it.

Alan Dodsworth,

Nelson, B.C.

Current system lets voters down
Richmond Review
Thu 26 Mar 2009
Page: 11
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/richmondreview/opinion/letters/41853172.html

Peninsula News Review
Thu 26 Mar 2009
Page: 0007
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/peninsulanewsreview/opinion/letters/41923112.html

Reasons for voting 'yes'
Prince George Free Press
Thu 26 Mar 2009
Page: 00B8
Section: Election
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/pgfreepress/news/election/41937737.html

An advocate of STV...
Prince Rupert Daily News
Thu 26 Mar 2009
Page: 4
Section: Opinion & Letters
Byline: Heather Sones

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your articles increasing awareness of the May 12th BC-Single Transferable Vote referendum. It is time for a system that promotes greater voter choice, fairer results, and MLA's with more incentive to represent constituents. That is why 58 % of British Columbians voted for BC-STV in the 2005 referendum, just 2% short of the 60% needed.

BC-STV will allow the legislature in Victoria to better reflect the political diversity of the province. For years BC has been subject to huge policy swings every time the government has changed. BC-STV will create greater stability. Politicians will need to do more consensus building for the common good.

While increasing stability, BC-STV will also allow more rapid change when necessary. Voters will not feel compelled to choose between the two parties traditionally mostly likely to win. They can vote for the candidate they truly wish to vote for, without worrying their vote will be wasted. If their first choice isn't elected, their vote will automatically go to their second choice, and so on.

Northern voters should realize the north's level of representation in Victoria will not change relative to the level in the south. BC-STV does require the clumping of ridings into multi-MLA districts, however. Because northern ridings are geographically larger, there will not as many ridings per clump (district) as in the south. Our new BC voting district will be the size of our federal riding (currently represented by only one MP in Ottawa, Nathan Cullen). Our district will be able to elect three MLA's to the legislature Victoria, however, not just one.

For those wanting clarification of the vote counting process, there is a helpful animation on the website stv.ca. STV has been used in Ireland since the 1920's, so the process is quite manageable. Twice the Irish have voted by referendum to keep the system they love.

Most of the top twenty democratic countries, as rated by the Human Development Index, have some form of proportional representation. BC-STV is one form of proportional representation, recommended by 147 out of the 160 members of the Citizen's Assembly in 2005. Both the Liberals and NDP supported appointment of the Assembly, consisting of 160 randomly selected British Columbians. These people spent 11 months learning about different voting systems and listening to people throughout the province. "Rural" members were slightly more in favour of BC-STV than those from the lower mainland.

Politicians do not usually wish to change the system by which they were elected, so this referendum is a rare and precious opportunity.

- Heather Sones, Fair Voting B.C. volunteer

Referendum is more important that election
Nanaimo Daily News
Tue 24 Mar 2009
Page: A10
Section: Ours & Yours
Byline: Jordan Ellis
http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/upfront/story.html?id=0091f10f-fab0-4e2a-92c2-140e96b2843b

Be informed about STV
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Times
Tue 24 Mar 2009
Page: 8
Section: Opinion
http://www2.canada.com/mapleridgetimes/news/opinion/story.html?id=faf49602-2482-451c-afb6-ba45d4a526c3

Learn about STV voting system
Comox Valley Echo
Tue 24 Mar 2009
Page: A10
Section: Community
http://www2.canada.com/comoxvalleyecho/news/community/story.html?id=5b6afe1a-4116-47f8-be35-6ee03aebefd9

More information on STV is needed
by F. H. Horner
PQB News
March 23, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/opinion/letters/41704222.html

If the Liberals are the majority, what's stopping them?
New Westminster News Leader
Fri 20 Mar 2009
Page: 7
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/greater_vancouver/newwestminsternewsleader/opinion/letters/41604857.html

News Items April 8 - 10

2009-04-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Prince George Free Press: Examining BC-STV (Opinion)
by Victor Bowman
April 10

As well as sorting through the claims and platforms of the various candidates and parties, voters are being asked if they wish to change the system of electing members of our provincial legislative assembly.
Read more...

Terrace Standard: All Candidates' Meeting April 28
April 10

LOCAL RESIDENTS get their chance Tuesday, April 28 to listen to and then question the candidates for the Skeena riding in the May 12 provincial election.
Read more...

Vernon Morning Star: Meetings Shed Light on Referendum
April 10

Local residents will have a chance to learn more about possible electoral reform.
Read more...

North Shore News: Representing the conservative philosophy
by Benjamin Aldritt
April 10th

Eddie Petrossian believes he offers the voters of West Vancouver-Capilano the choice to vote for "a real conservative" in the upcoming provincial election.
Read more...

Globe and Mail: B.C. voters to tackle electoral reform once again
by Justine Hunter
April 09

VICTORIA — Superheroes, Smarties, Stanley Cups. The link? They've all being deployed to explain a proposed new system of voting in B.C.

On May 12, voters who head to the polling booth in the provincial election will also be asked to vote in a referendum on electoral reform.
Read more...M

New Westminster News Leader: Bby-NW STV information talks
April 09

A series of public talks are being held locally to inform voters about the BC single transferable vote system. The Burnaby-New Westminster BC-STV group is holding the talks in advance of the provincial referendum held on May 12.
Read more...

Salmon Arm Observer: STV expert to speak on April 15
April 08

Why change our voting system?

British Columbians for BC-STV will hold an information session at Okanagan College to explain the BC-Single Transferable Vote.
Read More...

Blog Items - April 7th

2009-04-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Island Lens: Voting "Yes" for STV May 12th, 2009, Will Help The Environment
by Richard Boyce
April 2nd

As individuals we can effect a great deal of change on the world around us but the number one way we can effect change for the environment is by voting. This is due to the fact that every level of government sets the laws and regulations that all individuals and corporations are expected to follow.
Read more...

Citizen Smith: Yessirree the STV
April 7th

Yessirree the STV - scroll down to the April 6th post, and it gives you a good idea of how the system works, and what follows comes straight from the Citizen's Assembly on Electoral Reform - the STV experts for BC:
Read more...

Abandoned Stuff By Saskboy: BC votes May 12, 2009 to change to STV
April 3rd

Here’s a bit about how BC-STV works, and what a ballot would look like if British Columbians vote to change away from First Past the Post ballot counting.
Read more....

News Items - April 7

2009-04-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

CKNW: STV supporters are back again
VANCOUVER/CKNW(AM980)

The campaign to change how British Columbia votes kicked-off Sunday.

Supporters of the Single Transferable Vote system are hoping the May 12th election will mean an end to the first past the post system. The system involves a preferential ballot, where voters would pick their top three choices.
Read more...

Georgia Straight: Lack of civic education leads to political apathy: Kwantlen political scientist
By Pieta Woolley

B.C. high schools barely teach students about the province’s political system, according to Gregory Millard, a Kwantlen Polytechnic University political science instructor.
Read more...

Nelson Star: MLA hopefuls cast ballots
By Darryl Pollock
April 6th

This election, voters will cast their ballots choosing not only MLA’s, but also how future ballots should be cast.
Read more...

Alberni Valley News: Smarties, pucks fly in STV battle
by Tom Fletcher
April 6th

Another election campaign is getting underway in B.C., one where the politicians are likely to stay out of the way.
Read more...

In Kamloops This Week, the Parksville Qualicum News and the Cariboo Quesnel Observer this week, readers heard from spokespersons on both sides of the debate: Nick Loenen of British Columbians for BC-STV, and David Schreck of Not to BCSTV. Here is the editorial debate:

David Schreck: STV makes politicians less accountable
April 4th

Changing how we vote for MLAs won’t change politics for the better — and it might make it worse.
Read more...

Nick Loenen: No wasted votes under system
April 4th

In 2004, the B.C. legislature, with all-party consent, unanimously created a Citizens’ Assembly, consisting of one woman and one man from each constituency, to recommend to British Columbians whether to keep our voting system or accept a new way of electing MLAs.
Read more...

Barriere Star Journal: BC-STV: Fair results and stable government
This article also appeared this week in the Salmon Arm Observer.
Op-ed article by Nick Loenen
April 6th

On May 12, British Columbians will keep the old system or accept BC-STV, a new way of electing MLAs as proposed by the Citizens’ Assembly. The assembly was guided by three basic values: Fair Results, Effective Local Representation, and More Choice. How does BC-STV yield fair results?
Read more...

Blog Items - April 6th

2009-04-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Support the Vote: BC-STV and No BC-STV April Events

April 6th

Don’t forget that on May 12 there will also be a referendum to choose whether to adopt the new BC Single Transferable Vote system, or to keep our current voting system. If you’re still confused, the BC-STV and No BC-STV will be holding events around the Province.
Read more...

Fair Vote UBC: Why BC-STV is Simpler than FPTP, Two Words, Strategic Voting

by Mark Crowley April 3rd

Strategic voting is one of the things people like to complain about most in our current electoral system. I wrote about strategic voting during the last federal election and how it has led to creative voting solutions like vote swapping. Strategic voting is a natural response to an unfair system, if you don’t vote strategically under FPTP then you are not really accepting how your vote is counted.
Read more...

News Items - April 5 - 6

2009-04-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Sun: BC-STV launches campaign for electoral reform

by Denise Ryan, April 5th

VANCOUVER — With $500,000 in provincial government funding behind them, and a new website, www.stv.ca, British Columbians for the Single Transferable Vote launched their campaign for electoral reform Sunday.
Read more...

Vancouver Sun: Group wants electoral reform on the table

April 5th

A grassroots campaign is about to begin to encourage voters to endorse a plan for electoral reform when they go to the polls next month, says one of the parties involved.
Read more...

The Province:Voters get chance to change electoral system

by Andy Ivens April 6th

A grassroots campaign is about to begin to encourage voters to endorse a plan for electoral reform when they go to the polls next month, says one of the parties involved.
Read more...

Blog Items - April 5th

2009-04-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

Murky View » Blog Archive » How with they count the votes under BC ...
By chrisale
How with they count the votes under BC-STV? One of the most common concerns or questions you hear when it comes to BC-STV is how the votes are counted and whether the extra math needed will make it take much longer. ...
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I fail to see how BC-STV will solve the real problem - voter turnout. Make it mandatory, and then I will consider other models.
Posted in epic fail on April 4th, 2009 by langlands (kevin langlands). I fail to see how BC-STV will solve the real problem - voter turnout. Make it mandatory, and then I will consider other models. This entry was posted on Saturday, ...
twitter is fail - http://fail.naterkane.com/

April 5th - News Items

2009-04-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

Ghosts of elections past still haunt B.C.

Ben Islitt: Victoria Times-Colonist, April 5th

A look back at the elections of 1952, 53.
read more...

Blog Items - April 4th

2009-04-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

Murky View: In Response to David Schreck on STV

Posted April 3rd by Chris Alemany

STV supporters testing messages in poll (in Election Central)

Posted April 3rd by BC Vote

News Items - April 3rd

2009-04-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Kwantlen Community Debates Electoral Reform

Surrey- North Delta Leader

In anticipation of the May 12 provincial referendum on electoral reform, the Kwantlen Polytechnic University political science department hosted a debate on electoral reform at its Surrey campus to raise awareness and encourage community discussion.

read more...

April 3rd am: Letters to the Editor

2009-04-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

To Surrey Now: The STV Referendum (Mis)Information Office

To Williams Lake Tribune:Gag law part of a disturbing trend

Apr. 2nd Articles

2009-04-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

Citizens subsidize single transferable vote fight
By Matthew Burrows
Straight.com
April 2, 2009
http://www.straight.com/article-210665/citizens-subsidize-stv-fight

Apr. 1st Articles

2009-04-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

STV vote a chance for change
By Irene Giesbrecht
Richmond News
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/richmondnews/news/community/story.html?id=6075ccd5-38e3-41ae-8416-8ccd1038473a

Thanks for help in understanding STV
By Ken Witt
Aldergrove Star
April 01, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/42293877.html

Another for Mar. 26th

2009-04-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

B.C.'s referendum on proportional representation
By Mike Laanela
CBCNews.ca
March 26, 2009
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/bcvotes2009/story/2009/03/26/bcv-stv-referendum.html

More for Mar. 31st

2009-04-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

How the Citizen’s Assembly On Electoral Reform Arrived at BC-STV
by nmboudin
Blog: Canada’s World
March 31, 2009
http://canadasworld.wordpress.com/2009/03/31/how-the-citizens-assembly-on-electoral-reform-arrived-at-bc-stv/

BC-STV: In 100 words or less
by: Frédéric Van Caenegem
Blog: Everybodies Wrong But Me
Mar. 31st, 2009
http://blog.vancf.net/2009/03/31/bc-stv-in-100-words-or-less/

COPE Hosting Yes/No Debate on BC-STV
By Mark Crowley
Blog: Fair Vote UBC
March 31, 2009
http://fairvoteubc.wordpress.com/2009/03/31/cope-hosting-yesno-debate-on-bc-stv/

Mar. 31st Articles

2009-03-31T22:11:00.000-07:00

Fort St. John meeting on BC-STV vote
Energetic City News
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
http://www.energeticcity.ca/news/03/31/09/local-meeting-bc-stv-vote

More for Mar. 29th

2009-03-30T23:01:00.000-07:00

MLA ready to start 'bucket list'
By Tom Fletcher
Houston Today
March 29, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/houston-today/news/MLA_ready_to_start_bucket_list.html?disqus_reply=7650300#comment-7650300

March 30 Articles

2009-03-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

COPE to host debate on single-transferable-vote and first-past-the-post voting systems

COPE is hosting a debate on Wednesday (April 1) on electoral reform featuring leading campaigners on both sides.

At 7 p.m. at Creative Individual Studio (#110 60 East 5th Avenue), Bill Tieleman of the "no" committee will square off against Antony Hodgson of the "yes" committee.

Get the full story at www.straight.com

Michael Ignatieff speaks in Victoria

Video highlights here

http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/03/29/ignatieff-in-victoria/

April - Magazine Articles

2009-03-29T21:59:00.001-07:00

Ten reasons for STV
By Guy Dauncey
Common Ground
April 2009
http://www.commonground.ca/iss/213/cg213_guy.shtml

You, me and STV
Common Ground
April 2009
http://www.commonground.ca/iss/213/cg213_stv.shtml

Mar. 29th Articles

2009-03-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Haggis, Neeps and Liberalism #3
by Fraser Macpherson
Website: Liberal Democrat Voice
March 29th, 2009
http://www.libdemvoice.org/haggis-neeps-and-liberalism-3-12982.html

BC-STV: tell your friends & family
By Julien Lamarche
Blog: Canadian Election
March 29, 2009
http://www.canadian-election.com/2009/03/29/bc-stv-tell-your-friends-family-2/

Mar. 28th Articles

2009-03-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

What would your FPTP push poll say?
By Mark Crowley
Blog: Fair Vote UBC
March 28, 2009
http://fairvoteubc.wordpress.com/2009/03/28/what-would-you-fptp-push-poll-say/

More for Mar. 26th

2009-03-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Commentary: New system won’t fix politics
By David Schreck
Maple Ridge News
March 26, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/41945062.html

Mar. 27th Articles

2009-03-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Elections: STV simply better
By James Roy
Langley Advance
Friday, March 27, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/langleyadvance/news/letters/story.html?id=a9407b14-9e9d-497c-9cbf-aa14680f2b05

ELECTIONS BC Changing they way citizens vote
Quesnel Cariboo Observer
March 27, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/41998942.html

STV won’t solve our problems
By Gary Nelson
Richmond Review
March 27, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/42021282.html

Mar. 26th Articles

2009-03-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

STV provides more accountability
By Nick Loenen
Aldergrove Star
March 26, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/aldergrovestar/opinion/letters/41922232.html

BC-STV: fair results and stable government
by Nick Loenan
Williams Lake Tribune
March 26, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/williamslaketribune/opinion/41878277.html

Single Transferable Vote
by Norman Jaques
Vernon Morning Star
March 26, 2009
http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/vernonmorningstar/opinion/letters/41945412.html

Mar. 25th Articles

2009-03-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

BC-STV Up for Debate Tonight
Blog: Opinion 250
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
http://www.opinion250.com/blog/view/12390/1/bc-stv+up+for+debate+tonight

STV gives more say to voters
By Neil Smith
Richmond News
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
http://www2.canada.com/richmondnews/news/community/story.html?id=c7377175-83e8-4133-9ed2-27ea9022493b

March 24th Articles

2009-03-25T00:41:00.000-07:00

STV debate to be held at UNBC
Prince George Citizen
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/20090324183033/local/news/stv-debate-to-be-held-at-unbc.html

BC-STV: It Depends Where You Live
By Aaron Ginsberg
Blog: All Politics is Local
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
http://localgrit.blogspot.com/2009/03/bc-stv-it-depends-where-you-live.html

Mar. 23rd Articles

2009-03-24T00:17:00.000-07:00

Bruce Strachan: The single transferable vote—or how to get elected without really winning

By Bruce Strachan

Straight.com

March 23, 2009

http://www.straight.com/article-207403/bruce-strachan-single-transferable-vote%3F%3For-how-get-elected-without-really-winning

Shoni Field and David Wills: Why the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform chose STV

By Shoni Field and David Wills

Straight.com

March 23, 2009

http://www.straight.com/article-207404/shoni-field-and-david-wills-why-citizens-assembly-electoral-reform-chose-stv

Fair Vote Canda AGM

Blog: Fair Vote Saskatchewan

March 23, 2009

http://fairvotesask.blogspot.com/2009/03/24-days-to-victory-bc-stv-referendum.html

Liberals' law-slamming proves the need for the STV system

Roy Roope

The Vancouver Sun

March 23, 2009

http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/letters/Liberals+slamming+proves+need+system/1417777/story.html

Mar. 21st Articles

2009-03-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

New system more fair for B.C. voters

Iain Macanulty

Burnabynow

March 21, 2009

http://www2.canada.com/burnabynow/news/community/story.html?id=a712a7db-8af7-474f-b4de-866c07a4e3b6

STV for weekend

Jayne Garry

KBS Radio

2009-03-21

http://www.kbsradio.ca/node/897171

More for Mar. 16-19th

2009-03-24T00:13:00.000-07:00

Yes and no camps vigilant on STV

By Adrian Nieoczym

Kelowna Capital News

March 19, 2009

http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/kelownacapitalnews/news/41546827.html

Vote could change electoral system

Nelson Bennett

Richmond News

March 18, 2009

http://www2.canada.com/richmondnews/news/story.html?id=4c2615d3-e606-4986-aba6-d7cb64069984

How the STV proposal came to be

by John Hill

Flyingshingle.com

Monday, March 16 2009

http://www.flyingshingle.com/cgi-bin/coranto/viewnews.cgi?id=20090316211260830978

Mar. 20th Articles

2009-03-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

STV system not that simple

By D.B. Anderson

Langley Advance

March 20, 2009

http://www2.canada.com/langleyadvance/news/letters/story.html?id=68b088a0-c1ef-4203-8f2e-8fd46909660e

Proponent of voting change speaks up

By Jennifer Smith

Vernon Morning Star

March 20, 2009

http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/vernonmorningstar/news/41606662.html

Give STV a chance

By Mary Gradnitzer

Quesnel Cariboo Observer

March 20, 2009

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/quesnelobserver/opinion/letters/41587702.html

STV votes more powerful

Byline: Nick Loenen

Richmond News
Fri 20 Mar 2009
Page: 10
Section: Opinion
http://www2.canada.com/richmondnews/news/letters/story.html?id=bb294219-dfb6-4632-a737-2daafbc8de14

STV would have 'civilizing effect' on politics, says forum speaker

Byline: Sandor Gyarmati

Surrey Now
Fri 20 Mar 2009
Page: 18
Section: News
http://www2.canada.com/surreynow/news/story.html?id=0e3512a4-f0d0-4981-a54a-6fabe059cbb0

More for March 17th-19th

2009-03-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

We need to perfect social democracy

By Herb Nakada

Williams Lake Tribune
Thu 19 Mar 2009
Page: 0005
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/williamslaketribune/opinion/letters/41480762.html

BC-STV:Fair results and stable government
By Nick Loenan

Maple Ridge News
Wed 18 Mar 2009
Page: 1
Section: Election
http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/mapleridgenews/news/election/41460337.html

This vote counts
Richmond News
Wed 18 Mar 2009
Page: 10
Section: Opinion
http://www2.canada.com/richmondnews/news/opinion/story.html?id=56cf3685-5016-42e7-a29e-50c5c29435ce

A ‘No’ vote for STV

By John Amon

Quesnel Cariboo Observer

March 17, 2009

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/100milefreepress/opinion/letters/41449517.html

Editor:

By Anna Rankin

Quesnel Cariboo Observer

March 17, 2009

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/quesnelobserver/opinion/letters/41403629.html

Aiming for voting change

By Jennifer Smith

Salmon Arm Observer
Tue 17 Mar 2009
Page: 2
Section: Election
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/salmonarmobserver/news/election/41419544.html

BC-STV provides opportunity to rethink election
Sicamous Eagle Valley News
Tue 17 Mar 2009
Page: 0004
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/eaglevalleynews/opinion/41406029.html

March 19th Articles

2009-03-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

A matter of trust

Comox Valley Record

March 19, 2009

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/comoxvalleyrecord/opinion/41539332.html

BC-STV Referendum

Blog: theleftcoast.ca

Thu 19 Mar 2009

http://theleftcoast.ca/blog/_archives/2009/3/19/4127478.html

March 18th Articles

2009-03-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

STV is much more fair, advocates say

Sandor Gyarmati

The Delta Optimist

Published: Wednesday, March 18, 2009

http://www2.canada.com/deltaoptimist/news/story.html?id=d147c9f7-a1f1-4087-a528-9086004e04c6

YES TO BC-STV!!! :D

blog: Rawr

March 18, 2009

http://rawr52.blogspot.com/2009/03/yes-to-bc-stv-d.html

March 17th Articles

2009-03-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

No more casting into the wind

Salmon Arm Observer

March 17, 2009

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/salmonarmobserver/opinion/41406734.html

STV referendum

Kimberley Daily Bulletin
Tue 17 Mar 2009
Page: 7
Section: Opinion
Source: The Daily Townsman

What would it be like, if we had a fair voting system in B.C.?

If the way we voted was accurately represented in government, how would this shape the politics of our province? If we had a voting system that allowed us a wider choice of candidates and let us vote without concerns of wasting our vote, how would this affect our voting choices?

Could such a change encourage more people to vote? Is it possible that a fair voting system could help us to move away from the polarized deadlock that has been our political landscape in B.C.?

We will never know unless we are willing to give it a chance. Support the change to BCSTV (British Columbia Single Transferable Vote) on the May 12th referendum.

Dave Carter

Castlegar

Another for Mar. 12th

2009-03-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

Meet and greet for single-transferable vote
Kamloops Daily News
Thu 12 Mar 2009
Page: A3
Section: News
Column: City Today

Single-transferable vote supporters are holding a meet and greet next week to prepare for the May 12 referendum. Kamloops for BC-STV is holding its meeting Tuesday at Desert Gardens from 7 to 9 p.m. A referendum on adopting single transferable vote (STV) received 57 per cent in 2005, just shy of the 60 per cent threshold. Voters will be given a second chance to change the way provincial politicians are elected at the same time as the provincial vote in May.

Mar. 16th Articles

2009-03-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Electoral changes may start democratic reform
Byline: Jordan Ellis
Nanaimo Daily News
Mon 16 Mar 2009
Page: A10Section: Ours & Yours
http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/letters/story.html?id=32e6473c-da4a-41b9-9b12-219e311590a7

Electoral changes may start democratic reform
Jordan Ellis
The Daily News
March 16, 2009
http://www.canada.com/Electoral+changes+start+democratic+reform/1394397/story.html

TORONTO EVENT: What's an STV, and where can I get one?
Fresh Daily
March 16, 2009
http://blogto.com/events/8603

Even more for Mar. 12th

2009-03-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Election provides rare opportunity for change
by Roy Roope
Penticton Western News
Thu 12 Mar 2009
Page: 0007
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/pentictonwesternnews/opinion/letters/41178794.html

Correct facts a good thing
one by Julianne Kasmer and
another by Martin Schotte
Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Thu 12 Mar 2009
Page: 0012
Section: Opinion
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/opinion/letters/41182824.html