Like what you say about the usefulness of by-elections as a way to consult the voters in between elections, I haven’t thought about this originally. But after thinking about it, I realized why I didn’t thought about this: By-elections are practically useless.

First, by-elections have amazingly low participations. 22% in BC’s last by-elections in October 2008.

Secondly, by-elections are not very useful. Governments should have long-term vision. They should consult the people permanently, but govern and establish policies without changing the personnel (except through general elections every 4-5 years). This is why by-elections don’t work. It doesn’t bring accountability and doesn’t change policy.

Under our current system, by-elections are the only way to fill vacancies; under BC-STV, there are alternatives to by-elections while respecting the voters’ wishes.

Recalculating and redistributing votes is not democracy. One man or woman, one vote – not the fraction of votes redistributed without consulting voters – is democracy. Mathematical calculations are not people; people make choices; mathematical calculations and redistribution of votes go around going back to the people, it does not allow them to express their opinion or give their consent. If you believe in democracy, vote to save our electoral system; vote for democracy.

By-elections are an opportunity for voters to cast their vote in light of the issues, circumstances and positions of candidates, parties, leaders at the present time. Let today’s voters choose, not voters from two, three, or four years ago who may not even live in the riding any more. Using STV to ge rid of by-elections disenfranchises voters.