Ranked Balloting Proposed For Future Elections

Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley is concerned proposed changes to the Municipal Elections Act will confuse the public but he adds he can work with whatever option council chooses. The province is introducing changes that include the option of using ranked ballots in future civic elections. Voters would select candidates in order of preference, first, second, third and so on. A candidate with 50% plus one would win but if no one receives that number of first-place votes, the candidate with the fewest would be eliminated. The second-place choices of that candidate's supporters would be added to the totals of the remaining hopefuls until someone reaches a majority. Mayor Bradley says allowing each municipality to make its own decision could create confusion. "Really it should be one law for the province as it relates to the ranked ballot versus the present system," says Bradley. "For example, in Lambton County you could have communities going in different directions trying to educate the public and most I suspect will retain the present system. It's a challenge, it's a change but I'm not opposed to it I just think it'll take a lot of time and energy to convey it to the public." Proponents say there would be less negative campaigning because politicians would not want to alienate their rivals' supporters. Proposed changes also include shortening the campaign by opening nominations for candidates May 1 instead of January 1.