Minimum turnout should be set for prop rep vote
KAMLOOPS — As long as we’re going to be subjected to the proportional representation version of the old Groundhog Day movie, we’d better find a formula for approval that’s fair to both sides — and I think I have one.
B.C. has now voted twice on prop rep, or PR, rejecting it both times. In 2005, it fell just a few percentage points short of the 60 per cent threshold needed for approval. Four years later, support plummeted to 39 per cent, probably because voters were offered a clear question and a clear choice — proportional representation or first past the post. They said, thanks for asking, but we’re happy where we are.
The turnout was pretty good, 61 per cent the first time and 55 per cent the second, an indication that people take this issue seriously.