January 31st is the last day for public comment on municipal legislative reform in Newfoundland and Labrador. We urge readers to make your voice heard. You can do that by uploading your submission here or by e-mailing it to MuniLegislativeReview@gov.nl.ca
A local group, Citizens' Assembly for Stronger Elections (CASE) has come up with some excellent ideas on how to strengthen democracy at the municipal level. Their report can be accessed at /https://www.casenl.ca/
Below is an excerpt from a letter to the Telegram by CASE's chairperson, Caitlin Urquhart.
"We’re calling on the Provincial and Municipal governments to make voting more accessible by extending the right to vote to permanent residents, and moving the election to October. Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province or territory that votes in September. The September election is square in the middle of back-to-school season, which prevents parents of school age children from getting informed, engaged or running as candidates. When residents of all ages and backgrounds vote, get involved and run for office, they help our communities thrive (look at Branch)! That’s democratic participation!
We’re calling on governments to promote a diversity of candidates by adopting a ranked ballot. Ranked ballots are a simple way to make a big difference. Recently, all the federal political parties have used ranked ballots to select their leaders. Instead of marking an X, voters rank their preferences 1, 2, 3 and so on. Voters have no need to vote strategically. And candidates must have at least 50 per cent of the vote to win, which means they have a strong mandate from the voters. Now that’s democratic representation!
We’re calling on governments to create transparent and accountable elections by reducing campaign spending limits and banning corporate and union donations. Elected officials are answerable to their constituents, and they should be funded by them. Restricting campaign donations to private residents improves public confidence in the impartiality of their representatives. Publicizing campaign expenditures and reducing the amount candidates can spend will make running a campaign accessible to greater cross-section of residents. That’s transparency and accountability!
If you agree with us, please don’t wait, tell your MHA and municipal council today.
You can find out more about us and our recommendations on our website casenl.ca
Caitlin Urquhart, chairperson
Citizens’ Assembly for Stronger Elections — NL
St. John’s"
A local group, Citizens' Assembly for Stronger Elections (CASE) has come up with some excellent ideas on how to strengthen democracy at the municipal level. Their report can be accessed at /https://www.casenl.ca/
Below is an excerpt from a letter to the Telegram by CASE's chairperson, Caitlin Urquhart.
"We’re calling on the Provincial and Municipal governments to make voting more accessible by extending the right to vote to permanent residents, and moving the election to October. Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province or territory that votes in September. The September election is square in the middle of back-to-school season, which prevents parents of school age children from getting informed, engaged or running as candidates. When residents of all ages and backgrounds vote, get involved and run for office, they help our communities thrive (look at Branch)! That’s democratic participation!
We’re calling on governments to promote a diversity of candidates by adopting a ranked ballot. Ranked ballots are a simple way to make a big difference. Recently, all the federal political parties have used ranked ballots to select their leaders. Instead of marking an X, voters rank their preferences 1, 2, 3 and so on. Voters have no need to vote strategically. And candidates must have at least 50 per cent of the vote to win, which means they have a strong mandate from the voters. Now that’s democratic representation!
We’re calling on governments to create transparent and accountable elections by reducing campaign spending limits and banning corporate and union donations. Elected officials are answerable to their constituents, and they should be funded by them. Restricting campaign donations to private residents improves public confidence in the impartiality of their representatives. Publicizing campaign expenditures and reducing the amount candidates can spend will make running a campaign accessible to greater cross-section of residents. That’s transparency and accountability!
If you agree with us, please don’t wait, tell your MHA and municipal council today.
You can find out more about us and our recommendations on our website casenl.ca
Caitlin Urquhart, chairperson
Citizens’ Assembly for Stronger Elections — NL
St. John’s"
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