Friday, August 30, 2013

FPP makes most Canadians second-class citizens

The foundation of democracy is one person, one vote. That means every person of voting age has an equal say in how our country is run. But do we really?

Some voters are more equal than others

In Canada, we have an ironic interpretation of democracy. Instead of ensuring a majority of voters is represented in government, we often dole out unfettered power to a minority party that gets about 39% of the vote.

That means the 39% has a greater say than the 61%. Not only is this absurd, it violates our fundamental democratic equality and relegates the super-majority to second-class status.

Voting reform to the rescue

The only way to stop this violation of our fundamental rights is with voting reform.

Preferential Voting (ranked ballot) makes MPs earn their seats with a majority. (Same system parties use to elect their leaders.) This stops the vote splitting that gives a minority more say than the vast majority.

Proportional Representation also guarantees that every vote is equal. Under this system, parties get the same percent seats they get in votes.

Conclusion

Most developed countries dealt with this assault on voters' rights a century ago. Canada is long overdue in becoming a real democracy.

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