P.E.I. electoral reform needs input from Islanders

Prince Edward Islanders are being asked to help shape the changes coming to the electoral system.

Islanders have been invited to a series of discussions led by a special committee on democratic renewal.

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The talks will focus on a potential plebiscite question and discussions on whether the province should consider alternative voting systems, including proportional representation.

There are four upcoming public meetings:

• Feb. 23, 7 p.m., at the Central Queens United Church in Hunter River
• Feb. 25, 7 p.m., at the Legion in Tignish.
• Feb. 27, 2 p.m., at Loyalist Lakeview Resort in Summerside.
• March 1, 7 p.m., at Murphy's Community Centre in Charlottetown.

After the sessions, the special committee tasked with exploring alternatives to P.E.I.'s first-past-the-post voting system will prepare an interim report to be tabled for debate during the spring sitting of the legislature.

The committee is looking at four alternatives to the current system: two different forms of proportional representation, a preferential (or ranked) ballot option, and another alternative billed as a "tweak" to the existing model where seats would be added for the leaders of parties that receive a certain percentage of the popular vote.

The committee hasn't decided whether all those options should be included in the plebiscite.

The committee has recommended Islanders vote on the issue in November.

In 2005, 63 per cent of Islanders rejected a proposal for proportional representation. Turnout was low and many said the process was hurried and poorly organized.