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City needs a ward system says Thompson

'The best way that all those needs and concerns can be given proper attention is through a ward system and elected officials who live in those neighbourhoods'
David Thompson
David Thompson. Photo by Stu Campaigne.

Council candidate David Thompson is calling for reform of the city's election process, including bringing in a ward system.

With wards, the city is broken up into districts, each having approximately the same population, and citizens vote for councillors in their district.

"As I continue to talk and meet with people from around North Bay, I have noticed a pattern of certain priorities reoccurring in certain areas," says Thompson in a news release. "The best way that all those needs and concerns can be given proper attention is through a ward system and elected officials who live in those neighbourhoods. I believe that this type of system is more democratic as there are more voices to be heard and more issues brought to the council table."

Thompson suggests the possibility of a hybrid system with neighbourhood representation and at-large voting. This basically creates a ward system plus councillors that are elected from the city as a whole.

This year, London Ont. will use a ranked ballot voting system instead of the traditional first past the post method, something Thompson also supports.

"In this system, voters will rank the candidates for their ward in order of preference on the ballot: first, second, third, etc. All votes are counted, and if one candidate for that ward does not have at least 50 per cent plus 1 of the votes, the candidate with the fewest number of votes is eliminated and continues that way until there is a winner."

Online voting is another idea that Thompson would like to see explored.

"While I am first to question the security and accuracy of such methods, I believe investigating the possibilities is crucial for government engagement, future voter turnout, and voting accessibility for all."

He would also like to see some sort of time restriction for election signs.

"I am guilty of putting lawn signs out early. What I am hearing from residents is that lawn signs are put out far too early. So, I suggest that the new council look at shortening the time frame to put up election signs."


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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