Polls are indicating the referendum portion of the coming provincial election is little understood, but people still have lots of time to learn about their vote in that exercise.
Elections Ontario has trained and appointed neutral officials to explain the options in the referendum that is coming on Oct. 10.
Allan Goldenberg, a resident of Aboyne, is the official in the Wellington Halton Hills riding, and he has already spoken to several clubs about the options for the referendum.
He said Friday he has spoken to the Arkell Women’s Institute, and also made a presentation on local cable TV in Fergus, plus he has made two visits to the Victoria Park seniors’ centre in Fergus, the Puslinch Optimist Club, and the Georgetown Legion.
His mission is to stay neutral on the choices and simply explain what those choices are and why there is a referendum.
“I’ll go anywhere,” he said of his work in the riding.
“Our job is to present information – not the advantages or disadvantages, or to speculate on what happens if it is passed or not passed.”
While the polls show few people are aware of their options, he has noted in Wellington Halton Hills “People are interested.”
But, he added, “Generally, I would observe that they’re not sure what a referendum is. Folks seem to have an initial problem understanding.”
The referendum is about Ontario’s current voting system, called First Past the Post, and a proposed change to what is being called Mixed Member Proportional.
First Past the Post means the candidate with the most votes wins, and the political party with the most seats in the current 107 ridings gets to form a government.
Mixed Member Proportional, which was selected as an option by a citizens coalition, means there would be 90 ridings where candidates with the most votes would win seats. Voters, though, would receive a second ballot, where they could choose a party they favour. If that party receives more than 3% of the votes cast and does not elect 3% of the candidates, it can top up its seats by that percentage. There are 39 such seats available, and they would be filled by candidates nominated in advance of the election, with reasons, by the political parties.
For example, suppose a party receives 25% of the total votes cast, but elects only 20% of the candidates. It would then be entitled to take its candidates from its list to be elected as MPPs so that it has 25% of the total MPPs in the legislature.
So, Goldenberg explained, on Oct. 10, voters will receive two ballots: one for the candidates, and one for the voting system.
In order to be selected, the Mixed Member Proportional system will have to receive two majorities. It will have to receive 60% of the ballots cast in the Oct. 10 election, and it will have to receive a simple majority of 50% plus one in 60% of the ridings (64 of 107).
Goldenberg said he is available to speak to any group in Wellington Halton Hills that wants information about the referendum.
The reason there is a referendum on the electoral system is there have been complaints that some parties receive a percentage of the vote but are unable elect MPPs.
Some believe the new system, which was proposed by a citizen’s assembly of 52 men and 52 women, is more fair. The first past the post system has been used in Canada since 1792.
Goldenberg added that his other mandate is to urge people “to vote and find out about the referendum.”
He is also providing information sources, and noted that www.yourbigdecision.ca is an excellent source of information on the referendum.
People can also call 1-888-ONT-VOTE, a two tier call centre that has a group of operators for those who do not have access to internet. The second group is there to answer questions.
Goldenberg emphasized strongly that his part in the election is a neutral one, and in the TV debates, he spoke first and then left the studio while pro and con sides argued the merits of the two options.
To contact Goldenberg in order to have him address a group, contact the riding office at 1-866-850-0483, or email him at a-bgoldenberg70@cogeco.ca.
In the Perth Wellington riding, the official is Barry Cameron. He can be reached at riding office at 519-273-5200 and asking for the Referendum Resource Officer..
Voters can also email info@yourbigdecision.ca for more information on the referendum.
