P.E.I. electoral reform: from plebiscite to binding referendum

Motion tabled to debate having referendum on electoral reform, which would bind government to results

Image | ballot box

Caption: A referendum on electoral reform would be tied to a general election in hopes of getting a higher voter turnout than the plebiscite. (CBC)

Premier Wade MacLauchlan tabled a motion in the P.E.I. Legislature Wednesday to have a referendum on electoral reform tied to a general election — the results of which would be binding.
The referendum would have two options on the ballot: mixed member proportional representation — which was the winning choice in the recent non-binding plebiscite — and a second choice that would be determined by debate in the legislature.
The motion says tying electoral reform to an election would increase voter turnout on the issue. Only 36.4 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot in the plebiscite, which MacLauchlan said made the results "debatable."
The next election is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2019.

Image | Referendum motion

Caption:

Image | Referendum

Caption: The motion on democratic renewal. (Kerry Campbell/CBC)