Debate on Electoral Reform a Sucess!

As was previously noted, Kwantlen Polytechnic University hosted a debate regarding the upcoming referendum question in the May 12th Provincial Election. This debate showcased the arguments presented by both sides with regards to the benefits and pitfalls to our current system as well as the ramifications of changing the system.

Nevertheless, the outcome of the debate showed that this election year will be one that has the potential to change history.

The KPSS and the Political Science Faculty at Kwantlen Polytechnic University issued the following statement with regards to the debate on Electoral Reform:


DEBATE ON ELECTORAL REFORM A SUCCESS!
PLUS: the results of our INFORMAL REFERENDUM on BC-STV!

Written by: Professor Greg Millard

The Kwantlen Debate on Electoral Reform, hosted by the KPSS and the
Department of Political Science, was a rousing success. Before an audience
of over 50 people, Edith Davidson and David Schreck shared their arguments
for and against changing our electoral system from First-Past-the-Post to
the 'BC-STV' system. Plenty of sparks flew, both between the debaters, and
in their engagement with the audience (with KPSS members leading the charge,
of course!). I circulated mock referendum ballots and invited the audience
to vote on their preference. Of the 41 ballots returned, a whopping 80.5%
came down in favour of the existing system, and 19.5% for BC-STV. The
results of the 2005 provincial referendum, though - in which BC-STV was
supported by almost 58% of voters - suggest that the actual results on May 12 will be quite different...

The Department and KPSS would like, once again, to thank Dr. Schreck and Ms.
Davidson for favouring us with such dynamic presentations!

Sincerely,

Prof.Greg Millard & The Kwantlen Political Science Society