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Flames Draft Watcher · 05-04-2005, 11:45 AM

I almost never hear this issue discussed.

Does no one else have a problem with the idea that a constituency can elect someone with let's say 40% of the vote and that person is supposed to represent the constituency when the majority of the constituency didn't vote for him/her? Does no one have a problem with the fact that thousands upon thousands are voting for parties that have no representation? Does no one have the problem with the fact that the percentage of the population that votes for parties doesn't come anywhere close to equalling the percentage that get voted in? Is it fair that 15% of province could vote for a party and that party get zero seats to represent that province? Of course not.

I hear a lot of griping about the big two parties. The current first past the pole system just reinforces their power. If we want real alternatives, if we want them to be accountable there needs to be a real threat that we can vote a different direction and actually push them out if they do not please us. The current system does not do this.

I think proportional representation would go a long way to helping out voter apathy and I think it would help reduce the current regionalism of the parties.

Is it a problem of education? Is your average Canadian not aware of this? Or do they not understand this? I'm curious to know. IMO this is a HUGE issue, one of the most important issues in politics in Canada today. I think there should be a public outcry about this issue. Does anyone else feel the same?

05-04-2005, 11:45 AM	#1
Flames Draft Watcher In the Sin Bin Join Date: Oct 2001 Exp:	I almost never hear this issue discussed. Does no one else have a problem with the idea that a constituency can elect someone with let's say 40% of the vote and that person is supposed to represent the constituency when the majority of the constituency didn't vote for him/her? Does no one have a problem with the fact that thousands upon thousands are voting for parties that have no representation? Does no one have the problem with the fact that the percentage of the population that votes for parties doesn't come anywhere close to equalling the percentage that get voted in? Is it fair that 15% of province could vote for a party and that party get zero seats to represent that province? Of course not. I hear a lot of griping about the big two parties. The current first past the pole system just reinforces their power. If we want real alternatives, if we want them to be accountable there needs to be a real threat that we can vote a different direction and actually push them out if they do not please us. The current system does not do this. I think proportional representation would go a long way to helping out voter apathy and I think it would help reduce the current regionalism of the parties. Is it a problem of education? Is your average Canadian not aware of this? Or do they not understand this? I'm curious to know. IMO this is a HUGE issue, one of the most important issues in politics in Canada today. I think there should be a public outcry about this issue. Does anyone else feel the same?