Last night I voted at the advance poll for the upcoming Provincial election. Election day is next Wednesday, October 10.

 
I
always feel so good after voting. It affirms my democratic spirit and
makes me think of the millions of folks worldwide who are unable to
access this human basic right (think of Myanmar and China to name but two). I
voted ahead of time to avoid the crowds and as I may be in London next
week.

Ontarians will know we also have our first ever referendum to decide on
this election as well – whether to keep the existing
first-past-the-post electoral system or institute a new mixed member
proportional system. I would encourage undecided voters to first decline
their referendum ballot, or failing that, check off the option to keep
the existing system. I say that for a number of reasons: 

• 
  the mixed system would see us have another 29 new politicians added to the Legislature (we do not need more politicians!);
• 
  as Papa so rightly noted, we do not want to continue the
  Americanization of Canada by instituting a plethora of referendums (our
  government should not pass the buck, so to speak, to the people … we
  elect them to act on our behalf, they have the full power of the
  government to strike committees to investigate issues, conduct research, do polling, etc. and should use it to make decisions rather than shirk their responsibility);
• 
  referendums should not be used to decide important decisions where a
  simple majority wins (think of what could happeniof testy social issues
  were left to the simpleness that is a referendum – abortion, gay rights).
  

Regardless of your decision, or who you vote for … just make sure you get out and exercise your right!