The following editorial is my first entry as a temporary columnist on SooToday, a local online newspaper here in Sault Ste. Marie.
People of Ontario, this might be the most important vote you’ll ever make.
On October 10, we the people of Ontario will be given a historic opportunity to change democracy for the better, for our province and ultimately for our country. On that day, in addition to voting for your elected representatives and for a new government, you will choose the voting system for future elections.
Why should I care?
Why does it matter, you say? What’s the big deal?
I believe our voting system is the root cause of much of what is wrong with democracy and governance here in Canada. Really.
But don’t take my word for it, listen to why the members of the Ontario Citizens’ Assembly voted for change, and why they chose MMP.
October 10 is Decision Day
So what will you do?
Will you stick with the current 200 year old model, known as First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)?
Or will you choose the voting system chosen by the Ontario Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform, known as Mixed Member Proportional, or MMP?
Can’t Sit Still
I’m no different than you. I’ve got a busy life, especially with a 3 yr old girl and 9 month old twin boys. Spare time is more rare than spare change. Despite that, I’ve decide to coordinate the local Vote for MMP campaign, because I believe a proportional system will finally make democracy work for the people who mark the X’s, and darned if I’m going to sit back and let this opportunity pass me by!
For the next 5 weeks or so, you can expect to read:
- In-depth analysis of the two voting systems.
- An article from David Viitala, our local representative on the Ontario Citizen’s Assembly.
- What’s going on locally
- Ways you can get involved in the campaign. The government and media aren’t doing enough to spread the word, so it’s up to us to make it happen.
- Opinions from prominent individuals on both sides of the debate.
- Your thoughts! Let’s have a healthy debate on this topic, using the Response option at the bottom of each column. The more insightful comments will be mentioned in future postings.
- Obligatory bad jokes about democracy and voting (I’ll try to be gentle)
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Vote for MMP web site – www.voteformmp.ca
MMP supporters Facebook group
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