Proportional representation a simple choice
Born and raised in beautiful B.C., living more than half my life on the Island, as a 50-ish white woman I feel blessed. I have also come to realize that I was born into a place of privilege, in a society structured on colonial ways.
This month, every registered voter in B.C. will receive a ballot for the referendum on proportional representation (aka pro rep). I urge all of my friends and neighbours to confirm they are registered with Elections BC so they are on the mailing list, and then get informed through websites like Elections BC or Fair Vote Canada BC. Don’t rely on just the No side narrative; the source may be based in those same colonial power structures.
There will be two questions on the ballot; you can answer either question or both:
1. Which system should be used for provincial elections? Pro Rep of course!
2. Which pro rep system do you prefer? If not sure, no answer is needed; the system will be determined by those who respond to the second question.
To get all your questions answered and feel like an expert when filling out your ballot check out this local upcoming event. “Voting for Change” will feature BC Greens MLA Sonia Furstenau, MP Elizabeth May and past MP Jean Crowder. It’s happening on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 7-9 p.m. at the Arbutus Ridge Golf Course. RSVP to https://www.bcgreens.ca/voting_for_change
In my opinion, a vote for proportional representation and any of the pro rep models is better than first past the post. That outdated power structure is all I’ve known and frankly benefits me as a middle-class white gal. But now I want my legislative assembly to look like my community, and prefer that MLAs work collaboratively together rather than winner takes all.
Carrie White
Duncan