Electoral Reform

[--Pete]

Hi,

And, next fall, I will have my chance to change my world - for the better. :cool:

Good for you. I've wanted similar changes for a long time, but there are no indications that anything like that is even on the horizon here. Though I've never before heard it called 'First Past the Post', the present system is indeed greatly flawed. In the case of the USA, if very slightly over half of the population throughout the country votes one party, then every elected official from president to county dog catcher will be from that party and the other half of the population will be effectively unrepresented. Although it is not that bad in practice nationwide, it is that bad in many states, counties and municipalities -- exactly the levels that have the greatest effect on everyday life. And for anyone not committed to one of the two major parties, the hope of having representation at any level that reflects that individual's desires is slim indeed.

Although the solution proposed has some flaws, chief amongst them the fact that it increases the number of political positions, it does look to be a step in the right direction. Perhaps this might even be the pebble that unleashes the avalanche of political reform throughout North America. If so, it is long past overdue.

--Pete