Re: We Say, Oh, Please, Stop With The STV, Kamloops Daily News, March 10.
If not STV, then what?
Politics is about getting power. Those within the system are concerned about keeping their position and influence. Instead of our representatives changing the system to meet the needs of their people; the representatives manage their people to meet the needs of the system. We are managed by being frightened and being demoralized.
STV is a sophisticated voting system, which effectively addresses “the fundamental concerns” of low voter turnout, votes which do not count and outcomes which do not reflect voter preferences. To those opposing STV, the “problem” is the party they prefer would no longer be able to win 100 per cent of the power from 40 per cent of the popular vote. That is true of most proportional systems. And, empowered voters would be less likely to let themselves be “managed.” The other points of objection are a matter of education and broadened political outlook.
As a suggestion, include a NOTA (Non Of The Above) option on our current ballots. If X per cent of the voters in a riding choose the NOTA option, the riding votes again, with different candidates.
It is easy to trash someone else’s idea. The We Say editorial board is encouraged to present their preferential and proportional solution to address “the fundamental concerns.”
RAY JONES
Kamloops
