Times Staff
British Columbians can now provide input to help shape next year’s provincial referendum on electoral reform as part of the ‘how we vote’ public engagement.
Until Feb. 28, 2018, British Columbians can visit engage.gov.bc.ca/HowWeVote to learn about the characteristics of voting systems used here and elsewhere in the world, and to provide input on key elements of the referendum - including ballot design, choice of voting systems and public funding distribution during the referendum campaign period.
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“British Columbians deserve a say in the question of how we elect our members of the legislative assembly, and how our society is governed,” said attorney general David Eby, who has recently launched the engagement in the B.C. legislature. “We want to hear from all B.C. voters.”
British Columbians are encouraged to visit the website to complete an online questionnaire, provide comments and review the submissions of organizations. In the new year, more information and resources will be added to the site, including educational videos and graphics, while libraries will be provided with information kits to help engage British Columbians in advance of the fall 2018 referendum.
“This is the first step towards asking voters if they want a change from our current voting system to a system of proportional representation,” said Eby. “This is about giving British Columbians the power to decide how we vote.”
If a new voting system is approved, legislation will be introduced in time for the 2021 general election.