STV woes

[mahogany]

I finally learned exactly how this proposed voting system is going to work. What a mess! It’s extremely difficult to understand. Until today, I was almost positive that I was going to vote yes in the referendum. After all, I’m eager for a chance to get rid of our first past the post system, which completely sucks. But this new system has some quirks that really aggravate me - not the least of which being the mutli-riding concept, which opens up a whole can of worms, and makes me question how effective the method of ranking will be. How likely is it that a person will rank the green party candidate first, and NDP second etc. as opposed to scrolling through the list and choosing all of the candiates from their favorite party - i.e. picking each Green and ranking those first, second, third and fourth. And it also raises the question as to how well each riding will be represented. If in fact, this system will result in more proportional representation, then how will all of the ridings - each with its own conflicting priorities get fair representation. Let’s say that the ridings for the tri-cities get lumped together, and let’s say that candidates from three different parties get elected, but they’re all from the Port Moody/Westwood area. Who will represent the Ranch Park Riding, or the Burquitlam area? Argggh. I feel like my brain is about to explode. I really don’t know how to vote any more. On the one hand, I think that the FPTP system has to go, but I’m not convinced that an STV system is the best alternative.

Comments

[zaftigvegan.livejournal.com]

i completely do NOT understand the STV system. two people now have tried to explain it to me and i still don't get it - and i don't think i'm a stupid person, either, yk? so my question is, if this system of voting can't be understood by EVERYONE who is expected to participate in it, why on earth should we vote for it? because david suzuki says so?

[mahogany.livejournal.com]

It's absurdly complex. There are other proportional systems out there. Why they chose this one is beyond me. I was all set to vote for it, and now I think I'm leaning the other way. As much as I'm chomping at the bit to get rid of our current system, I'd hate to replace it with something not any better ykwim?

[shofarot.livejournal.com]

Looks like a crazy systme. If I could vote in BC I would give it a better look over. Looks like a federal election is in the works so I may get my chance at that one.

Guess we won't be able to catch up one more time. Oh well, I will be back by the end of the year for a visit.

[mahogany.livejournal.com]

Have a great trip ~!

You'll only be coming back for a visit?