FPTP? Pro-rep? These strange terms are related to the 2018 Referendum on Electoral Reform, which is underway until November 30.
This is the third referendum since 2005 to ask whether British Columbians want to change the way Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are elected in BC. Unlike the previous referendums, this one will pass with a simple majority of the people who vote.
There are two questions on the ballot:
- The first question asks if we should keep the current First Past the Post voting system or move to a system of proportional representation.
- The second question asks you to rank three proportional systems: Dual Member Proportional, Mixed Member Proportional and Rural-Urban Proportional.
If a proportion representation system is adopted, it will be in place by July 1, 2021, and another referendum will be held after two general elections to see if BC wants to keep it or go back to First Past the Post (our current system).
Elections BC has several short videos that explain the referendum, each option and how to vote. There’s also a voter’s guide that’s available in 15 languages.
BCREA is asking all Realtors to take the time to learn about the different models and then to submit their voting package. They can be sent by mail or dropped off at a Referendum Service Office or Service BC Centre. Either way, it must be received (not postmarked) by 4:30 pm on November 30.
Visit www.elections.bc.ca/referendum to learn more. BCREA thanks you for making your vote count!