The polls aren't favorable to BC STV, but the only poll that matters is the one in which all 2.7 million registered voters of BC could participate. Yes, I'm talking about tomorrow's election. And I still hope BC voters make the right decision.
For the second election in a row, BC voters have the chance to vote on this. The first time, the proposal which was arrived at by a Citizens' Assembly, was approved by 58% of the electorate, 2% shy of the target set by the government. This was considered too close and hence the reason it's on the ballot once more this time.
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This system (as well as MMP) would get rid of the politics is war mentality that mostly prevails in our political culture and instead require politicians and parties to be more respectful of other opinions and beliefs. It would require the building of bridges rather than moats across which to lobby shots at the opponents. It would create a climate in which the diversity of views within a society such as ours could be more easily represented and would make people less cynical about politics.
How would this benefit supporters of the CHP? If it can be shown that a different electoral system can work in one part of the country, then the chances of it being embraced in other parts (such as Ontario where there has also been discussion on this topic recently) is that much greater. Eventually, it would set the stage for change on the national scene.
And here's another great endorsement - from the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation:
As it was with the last B.C. election, the CTF is endorsing the Single Transferrable Vote proposal. STV will be put to a referendum again in conjunction with the May 12 provincial election. In 2005, about 58 percent of a required 60 percent of those casting ballots endorsed the system. Should STV get 60 percent support this time, not only will B.C.'s electoral process be forever changed, but so might other provinces.
Many organizations that support the voting reform emphasize on proportionality and fair representation. What I value in the STV is the opportunity to vote my conscience without worrying about splitting the vote. And, of course, multi-member proportionality offers a lot more opportunities to smaller grass-roots parties than a single-member preferential voting (aka instant runoff) which narrows the politics down to the two largest political powers.
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