Proportional Representation Debate Archive

Introduction of Proportional Representation Referendum initiative

Our archive of items related to the discussion in the lead up to the fall referendum on Proportional Representation in British Columbia.



November 23 -- Voting deadline extended: completed ballots on electoral reform accepted until December 7
November 23 -- Voting period for electoral reform referendum extended due to postal strike
November 23 -- Final day for registration for electoral process referendum, as mailing deadline gets an extension until December 7th  NCR
November 22 -- B.C.'s electoral reform proposal designed by University of Alberta undergrad
November 21 -- Elections BC may still extend referendum deadline over postal strike concerns
November 21 -- Elections B.C. monitoring Canada Post dispute, no decision on extension of voting referendum
November 20 -- Electoral reform referendum neck and neck as deadline to get ballots back nears 
November 20 -- Dead heat in B.C. referendum on proportional representation: poll
November 18 -- 'Yes' and 'No' campaigns mount big push as PR referendum enters final weeks
November  18 -- B.C. premier, Green party leader push for proportional representation during day of action
November 16 -- B.C. referendum ballot count jumps to 18% returned, Elections B.C. says
November 16 -- Elections BC says 18 per cent of electoral reform ballots returned, but changes how it counts them
November 16 -- BC voters should reject proportional representation
November 16 -- Proportional representation leads to government that is fair and inclusive
November 16 -- Vote No campaign calls to extend election reform vote due to low voter turnout
November 16 -- Horgan's gaffe on proportional representation could be costly
November 15 -- John Horgan shrugs off low turnout, change to referendum option
November 15 -- Horgan defends veto of closed lists, says he's no manipulating system
November 15 -- BC's pro rep opponents seek voting extension, pro camp doubles down on youth
November 15 -- Mail box balloting for MLA Rice, who shares her priorities with constituents  NCR
November 14 -- BC Premier to veto closed list version of mixed-member pro-rep
November 14 -- Don't worry about ballot's second question
November 13 -- Five empirical reasons to lean to pro-rep
November 12 -- Lack of public response threatens BC referendum credibility
November 12 -- Whatever voting system wins, BC needs to make politicians more accountable
November 11 -- No matter your political stripe, proportional representation will be better for the things you care about
November 11 -- Election calendar looms over BC referendum
November 10 -- Proportional representation will empower cabinet ministers to stand up to the premier's office
November 10 -- Trio of flukes drive the votes on reform
November 9 -- Referendum Rumble resolves little  NCR
November 8 -- Horgan, Wilkinson spar in debate as fate of B.C.'s electoral system hangs in the balance
November 8 -- 'A dog's breakfast': Horgan and Wilkinson likely change few minds in angry debate
November 8 -- Wilkinson says existing system is 'very clear,' Horgan calls proportional representation 'lit'
November 8 -- Are you 'woke' enough to make sense of John Horgan's 'lit' quip?
November 8 -- Horgan and Wilkinson clash during TV electoral reform debate
November 8 -- Horgan, Wilkinson clash on voting system, accuse each other of being evasive
November 8 -- John Horgan, Andrew Wilkinson square off on B.C. voting referendum
November 8 -- 'PR is lit' or a 'a dog's breakfast' : Feisty debate on electoral reform offers no clear winner
November 8 -- Thousands taking quiz to help make choice in B.C. proportional representation referendum
November 8 -- 'Could go either way': Poll finds B.C. remains split on proportional representation referendum
November 8 -- Proportional Representation for Dummies: A electoral reform referendum cheat sheet
November 8 -- Proportional representation encourages a future generation of voters
November 8 -- With interest lukewarm at best, Premier Horgan and Liberal leader Wilkinson look to spur on referendum discussion with debate tonight  NCR
November 8 -- Horgan, Wilkinson squaring off in electoral reform debate Thursday night
November 7 -- BC Premier, squares off with Liberal leader in electoral reform debate
November 7 -- Only 1.4% of British Columbians have returned their electoral reform referendum ballots so far
November 6 -- Proportional representation in legislature moves no one
November 6 -- Advice on the eve of BC proportional representation debate
November 6 -- Just 1 percent of ballots have been returned so far in the BC electoral reform referendum
November 6 -- Just 1 percent of the province has voted in electoral referendum
November 5 -- This is what you do if your referendum package doesn't arrive
November 5 -- Proportional representation is not just about fairness - a letter to BC residents from a citizen in Ontario
November 5 -- Pro Rep Anti-Nazi
November 5 -- John Horgan's referendum choice illustrates BC unknowns
November 5 -- Why New Democrats and labour activists should vote No to proportional representation
November 5 -- First past the post vs. proportional representation: BC's referendum explained
November 4 -- BC's electoral reform options: proportional representation, sort of
November 3 -- Andrew Wilkinson rallies party as BC referendum, by-election approach
November 3 -- The unanswered questions in BC's electoral reform referendum
November 2 -- Examining BC's ballots on electoral reform
November 2 -- BC premier opposed to closed lists in selection MLA's under proportional systems
November 2 -- Angry argument over voting needs soothing
November 1 -- Repeated referendums reflect political parties' frustrations
November 1 -- Let's tone down the scary message in connection with BC's referendum on electoral reform
November 1 -- Proportional representation will ease political polarization
November 1 -- John Horgan: I voted for mixed-member proportional electoral reform referendum
November 1 -- We'll go out on a limb ... and pencil MLA Ellis Ross as a NO vote for this round of electoral reform voting  NCR

October 31 -- Former NDP premier Clark votes No on electoral reform
October 31 -- Maverick former Green leader, NDPer says electoral reform vote doomed
October 31 -- Are there any psychopaths in the BC legislature? If not, what's the best voting system to keep things that way?
October 31 -- Referendum's $14.5 million price tag is 65 per cent higher than 2011 vote
October 30 -- Voting system debate reaches Haida Gwaii
October 30 -- Cash contributions to BC's electoral reform referendum highlight partisan nature of fight
October 30 -- Premier John Horgan, Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson to debate electoral reform on Global November 8
October 30 -- Horgan, Wilkinson talk electoral reform in BC in televised debate November 8
October 29 -- Elections BC confident referendum safe from fraud
October 29 -- Which electoral system for BC? Any option is better than the status quo
October 29 -- Vote 'No' in NDP's badly flawed electoral reform referendum
October 29 -- Some referendum vote packages ending up in condo lobbies
October 29 -- BC NDP ministers defend proportional representation vote
October 29 -- Pro rep will indeed mean more minority governments - bring it on!
October 29 -- Heard support for Pro-Rep is waning? Don't believe it
October 28 -- Proportional Representation debate off to a sad, misleading start
October 28 -- "I"m not an expert' says BC minister quizzed on proportional representation
October 27 -- The Yes side won the first week of the pro-rep referendum
October 27 -- Duelling campaigns in B.C. electoral reform referendum take to streets
October 27 -- No side has only the negative option in campaign
October 27 -- BC Politicians hit the streets to talk proportional representation
October 26 -- Carole James: Proportional representation will be a good thing for our province
October 26 -- Vote 'No' in NDP's badly flawed electoral reform referendum
October 26 -- BC's rural areas in limbo as electoral reform looms
October 26 -- Robo calling our way to referendum  NCR
October 25 -- Not all PR systems are made equal
October 25 -- Anti-proportional representation side defends ad that uses goose-stepping soldiers
October 25 -- How to prevent ballot fraud attempts in BC's mail in referendum vote
October 25 -- There is little fair about NDP's electoral reform referendum
October 24 -- Proportional representation will lead to more diverse, better governments
October 24 -- Premier Horgan, Weaver support proportional representation at referendum rally
October 24 -- Fairness matters: Tell the government
October 23 -- NDP and Greens host Victoria rally in favour of electoral reform as campaign kicks off
October 23 -- Rural regions get priority for BC referendum mail-out
October 23 -- BC Premier, Green Leader support electoral reform at referendum rally
October 23 -- Two new electoral systems highlight third attempt at PR for BC
October 23 -- Time running out for TV debate on proportional representation
October 23 -- Horgan, Weaver whip up rally for proportional representation
October 23 -- Second vote raises mistrust of referendum
October 23 -- Voting set to start in BC proportional representation referendum
October 23 -- Pro-rep referendum sees Day 1 complaints against Tyabji, Liberals
October 23 -- Proportional representation: The pros and cons of reforming BC's electoral system
October 22 -- Proportional representation a fairer system
October 22 -- As Referendum begins, Elections BC is Watching the Postal Strike 'very closely'
October 22 -- These are the three types of proportional representation BC is considering
October 22 -- Proportional Representation referendum kicks off as questions about Canada Post strike, partisan ads linger
October 21 -- BC's proportional representation vote is dishonest, misleading
October 21 -- Leaving BC's electoral reform to a referendum is 'ridiculous': professor
October 21 -- BC voters to receive ballots on proposal to change electoral system
October 21 -- BC voters will soon get mailed ballots on proposal to change electoral system
October 18 -- Pro rep signs violating city bylaw removed
October 18 -- Proportional representation grows government, BC study finds
October 13 -- Debate sees discussion about how province will vote
October 17 -- MLA Rice calls on the broadcasting ghost of Christy Clark to push for electoral reform NCR
October 15 -- Referendum discussion set to heat up as mail in vote nears NCR
October 13 -- Proportional Representation Debate gets heated
October 12 -- PR debate Saturday
October 12 -- The PR options: Rural-Urban Proportional recognizes Provinces' diversity
October 11 -- The PR options: Mixed Member Proportional keeps MLA's Local and Regional
October 10 -- The PR options: Dual Member Offers Proportional Results, Local MLAs
October 10 -- Effectiveness of fear
October 10 -- Electoral reform debate fizzles in Mission after NDP MLA uninvited from event
October 10 -- Debate on Proportional representation this Saturday
October 9 -- First-Past-the-Post: Is it working for you?
October 8 -- Your Guide to BC's Proportional Representation Vote: A Tyee Series
October 8 -- BC Premier John Horgan agrees to debate on new voting systems
October 4 -- No clear front-runners as yet in B.C.'s electoral reform debate
October 4 -- Premier John Horgan willing to debate Liberal leader on electoral reform but details unknown
October 4 -- Leap of faith with Horgan on electoral reform has dark side for voters
October 4 -- Referendum is what it is. Just deal with it
October 2 -- New Act offers Second Referendum on electoral reform
October 1 -- Proportional representation is bad for B.C., but very bad for B.C. mining
October 1 -- Will leaders debate with poll showing a 'souring' on electoral reform?

September 28 -- Proportional Representation: BC Residents split three ways
September 25 -- Mail-in referendum ballot concerning (video)
September 25 -- Labour Cares about Fairness and that's why i support Pro Rep
September 25 -- John Horgan may debate voting system changes
September 24 -- Electoral reform doesn't fix what's broken
September 23 -- The Politics of fear on proportional representation
September 21 -- PG Chamber, UNBC holding proportional representation debate
September 21 -- Debate on proportional representation to be held at UNBC
September 17 -- Who do you trust in the electoral reform debate?
September 14 -- Referendum on election of MLA's to gain some momentum as fall vote approaches NCR
September 6 -- Proportional representation means more B.C. parties, coalitions

August 9 -- Don't believe proportional-representation supporters' claims
August 8 -- PR options won't fix anything
August 8 -- Injunction bid on vote reform will be longshot
August 7 -- B.C. voting referendum challenge back in court
August 7 -- Group opposing change to BC's voting system seeks court injunction
August 3 -- How electoral reform would strengthen local representation
August 1 -- Summerville to present session on electoral reform referendum
August 1 -- UNBC professor to discuss electoral reform referendum

July 27 -- How electoral reform enhances local representation
July 26 -- What You Need to Know about the BC Electoral Referendum
July 23 -- Greens fail to convince how "bluff and buckle" changes under PR system
July 20 -- Breaking down options for PR
July 18 -- PG-MacKenzie MLA using Canadian Charter as basis for electoral reform debate
July 18 -- MP Nathan Cullen and MLA Mike Morris to take up theme of Electoral Reform in debate tonight in Terrace  NCR
July 17 -- A lesson in electoral systems
July 17 -- B.C. Electoral system referendum foes lose first round
July 15 -- B.C. electoral reform: What's the difference between all these voting systems?
July 14 -- Good government sees residents exercising their rights
July 13 -- Wilkinson visits PG (video)
July 13 -- Battle lines on fall voting process referendum start out with a cash infusion  NCR
July 12 -- Yes and No groups selected before referendum on electoral reform in BC
July 12 -- Groups officially representing Yes, No Sides on electoral reform selected before referendum in B.C.
July 12 -- 'Yes' side in electoral referendum has early advantage on spending
July 12 -- Official "Yes" and "No" side chosen, B.C. vote on changing how politicians are elected
July 12 -- Elections BC hands out $500,000 each to two groups involved in referendum on electoral reform
July 12 -- Yes and No groups selected before referendum on electoral reform in B.C.
July 12 - Eby's electoral reform referendum looks like the work of a used-car salesman
July 4 -- Thinking fairly about B.C.'s referendum on proportional representation
July 3 -- BC's options for proportional Representation explained
July 2 -- If it ain't broke ... 
July 1 -- Yes, No sides aim for $500,000 in run up to BC referendum facing court action
July 1 -- BC Referendum campaign launches as groups file petition to stop process


June 29 -- MMP one electoral option on table
June 28 -- Former B.C. Premier warns against change to proportional representation
June 28 -- Former B.C. Premier Ujjal Dosanjh pushes for 'No' vote against Proportional Representation
June 26 -- Five things to know about the new electoral reform referendum rules
June 26 -- B.C. stacks the deck in its electoral reform referendum
June 26 -- With a tweak to the question, the Province of British Columbia outlines its electoral reform referendum regulations  NCR
June 22 -- Electoral reform vote in B.C. includes $500,000 each for pro and con groups
June 22 -- B.C. lays out rules for fall referendum on changing the way politicians are elected
June 22 -- Radio veteran Bill good sparks questions as voice of new anti-electoral reform group
June 20 -- MLA's job, political stability in danger with electoral reform
June 20 -- Voting for change will empower the people
June 19 -- Opponents anxious as referendum campaign set to start
June 17 -- BC's proportional representation voting system options include two that are lesser known
June 15 -- Stopping the runaway B.C. electoral reform train
June 10 -- No time for maps in this rush to a referendum
June 10 -- 'Yes' side launches proportional representation referendum campaign
June  8 -- BC Cabinet accepts two question ballot on proportional representation
June 8 -- An electoral leap of faith
June 7 -- 'The Eby' steers BC voters toward changing status quo
June 6 -- While Legislature takes its summer break, British Columbia voters have some homework ahead  NCR
June 5 -- I want proportional representation - but not this way
June 5 -- Proportional representation a better option
June 4 -- Chamber wants province to delay proportional representation referendum
June 4 -- New Zealand gives BC a lesson on proportional representation
June 4 -- Squabbling in the Yes Camp as referendum fight begins
June 4 -- Why not a simple question B.C.?
June 3 -- B.C. Liberals declare all-out war on proportional representation
June 2 -- Know your voting systems: three types of electoral reform on B.C.'s ballot
June 1 -- Long odds facing electoral reform advocates in B.C.
June 1 -- Why is the Electoral Reform Vote making my Head hurt?

May 31 -- Electoral reform process skewed from start
May 31 -- Eby's complicated referendum might be too much for voters to unpack, experts say
May 31 -- What you need to know now just as complicated as the stuff after vote
May 31 -- Expert warns B.C. embarking on democracy 'experiment'
May 31 -- BC Liberals call PR referendum a 'rigged game', call for more information on proposed systems
May 30 -- B.C. unveils its proposed question for voters in electoral-reform referendum
May 30 -- Plan for B.C. electoral reform representation misses mark, opposition says
May 30 -- B.C. to choose between 4 systems for electoral reform referendum
May 30 -- Eby to keep electoral reform vote 'simple', as in simply confusing
May 30 -- B.C. government releases details on electoral reform referendum
May 30 -- The battle begins for proportional representation
May 30 -- Four options to be offered for B.C. voting referendum
May 30 -- British Columbians will vote on our electoral system - Here are the 4 options
May 30 -- More fair? Or less accountable? The cases for and against proportional representation in B.C.
May 30 -- B.C.'s Attorney General recommending 2 ballot questions for electoral reform referendum
May 30 -- Eby Unveils Proposed Electoral Reform Referendum Questions
May 30 -- B.C. electoral reform referendum includes two-part ballot question
May 29 -- B.C. to learn details of electoral reform referendum Wednesday
May 29 -- Battle lines drawn as B.C. prepares to take next step on electoral reform vote