Delta MP Carla Qualtrough is hosting a community meeting next week to hear from residents on possible changes to the federal voting system.
Set for Wednesday, Oct. 12 at the Oddfellows Hall in Ladner, the meeting is one of many that MPs are holding across the country to identify viable alternates to replace the current firstpast-the-post system. Critics of the current system point to multiple examples of parties gaining power without the popular vote to reflect the seats they've won, such as the Liberals, who won almost 55 per cent of the seats in the 2015 election with less than 40 per cent of the vote.
Several alternative voting systems are being considered, including a socalled single-transferable vote. It's the same system that was considered in B.C. in 2005 and 2009, both times going down to defeat in referendums.
Other alternatives being discussed include a proportional representation system, which can benefit smaller parties, and ranked ballots where voters select more than one candidate.
Canadians are also being asked whether they would like to see mandatory voting as well as online voting in federal elections.
The discussion at the Ladner meeting, says Qualtrough, will include how to strengthen the link between voter intention and electoral result, encouraging greater engagement and participation in the electoral process, including underrepresented groups, making our electoral system more accessible and inclusive, safeguarding the integrity of the voting process and preserving the accountability of local representation.
MPs have until Oct. 14 to report back to an allparty committee that is consulting with Canadians on a cross-Canada tour. The committee is to issue its final report by Dec. 1. The upcoming meeting at Oddfellows Hall, 5425 Ladner Trunk Rd., takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required, as seating is limited, and priority will be given to Delta residents. ID may be requested at the door.
Email [email protected] to register. For more information, call 778-593-4007.
