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For those of you not in the know, British Columbians go to the polls on May 12th to vote on the next government. As well, they are being offered a one-in-a-lifetime chance to change the way the voting is done. If sufficient numbers of voters cast a "Yes" ballot, BC could move to a single transferable vote system.

I have become thoroughly convinced that this system would result in better government and hence better public policy. What convinced me was an eight part video series that my wife produced, directed and edited which is now posted to YouTube.

"Why BC STV? or   BC STV: A Crash Course with Dr. Dennis Pilon"
(Due to a Youtube glitch, it is coming up under 2 names-- the content is the same )

Part 1: Intro/The referendum (5:40) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycF66XW6R6c&feature=related
Dr. Dennis Pilon, Political Science prof at UVic looks at "What is the referendum choice that BC voters have on May 12th?" "Why did this referendum choice come about now?" and,"What do I need to know to chose?".

Part 2: What is STV? (4:56) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsP5IuuDJOE&feature=channel
Dr. Dennis Pilon explains the 2 main voting systems, how STV works, and where it has already been used in Canada. Dr. Pilon is the author of "The Politics of Voting: Reforming Canada's Electoral System".

Part 3: Better Elections (7:39)   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2Jj7bKoCmk&feature=channel
Dr. Dennis Pilon looks at the problems with our current system and how STV more accurately reflects the wishes of voters, how it addresses voter apathy, and how it may affect election outcomes.

Part 4: Better Governance (8:41) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjfEzvHL7hs&feature=channel
What is STV and why it is so important? Dr. Dennis Pilon addresses issues of representation, effectiveness, stability, cooperation and accountability.

Part 5: Better Results (5:50)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQBC9OZpgO4&feature=channel
How will a change to STV affect our lives? Dr. Dennis Pilon looks at how each systems reflects diversity, serves those who are marginalized and nurtures visionary and creative solutions.

Part 6: Is there a downside to STV? (8:42)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQf-JatPlo8&feature=channel
Dr. Dennis Pilon gives a passionate and informed perspective on what the No side is saying, issues of large multimember ridings, the complexity of the voting system and what to do if you are wondering if another form of PR is better. 

Part 7: Is the 60% threshold constitutional? (1:32)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eADjBCRI2Sk&feature=channel
Dr. Dennis Pilon addresses the constitutionality of the 60% threshold for adoption of STV in BC's May 12th referendum.

Part 8: The critical question (1:29) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eADjBCRI2Sk&feature=channel
Dr. Dennis Pilon gives his perspective on the critical question for voters to consider in this referendum.

For more information check out: http://stv.ca/
For more information on electoral reform in general: http://www.fairvote.ca/en/

Please take a few minutes to view one or more of them and pass along the link to others.

Thanks!