Dear Editor,
Had enough of (Prime Minister Stephen) Harper? You’re not alone. A majority of Canadians want change — nearly 70 per cent of voters, according to polls.
But that doesn’t guarantee we’ll see it. Last election, Harper got 100 per cent of the power in Parliament with just 39 per cent of the vote. Right now, he’s projected to win a minority government with just over 30 per cent of the vote.
Blame our “first past the post” electoral system, which results in vote-splitting among the three parties opposite the Conservatives on the political spectrum.
Vote-splitting is when the distribution of votes among multiple similar candidates reduces all of their chances of winning while increasing the dissimilar candidate’s chances of winning.
If we work together, we can reduce vote-splitting and increase our chances at defeating the Harper government in Richmond. Both Richmond ridings – Steveston-Richmond East and Richmond Centre – have emerged as battleground ridings where the vote can be swung.
All we have to do is pick the Liberal, New Democrat, or Green Party candidate who is best suited to defeat Harper’s Conservative candidate. Then, on Oct. 19, we vote for them as a block.
Once we’ve elected a new government, we can get to work on fixing our electoral system. The Liberals, New Democrats, and Greens have committed to this.
Sign the pledge to “Vote Together” at votetogether.ca. If enough people make the pledge in a riding, Leadnow will crowdfund local polling to help determine which candidates are most likely to defeat Harper’s Conservative candidate.
More than 80,000 Canadians have pledged to support the #VoteTogether campaign and “select and support the best local candidates to defeat the Harper Conservatives.”
Let’s show the rest of Canada that Richmond is ready for change. And spread the word!
William Dunn
Richmond
