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Burnaby ridings rank near the bottom for returning their ballots

By now, you should have received your package on the proportional representation referendum. But have you filled it out yet and mailed it off? Nope? You’re not alone. A lot of people haven’t done it yet, including me.
Prop rep
Students vote in a mock election. But they will soon vote for real. The upcoming referendum on proportional representation could affect how elections are run for future generations.

By now, you should have received your package on the proportional representation referendum.

But have you filled it out yet and mailed it off?

Nope?

You’re not alone. A lot of people haven’t done it yet, including me.

The community with the highest proportion of people who have mailed in their ballots is Comox-Courtenay at nearly 15 per cent.

But what about Burnaby? Not great. Out of the four local ridings, the highest percentage is Burnaby North at just 2.5 per cent. The other three are even lower (see the handy chart).

ridings
CHART BY GARY MCKENNA/TRI-CITy NEWS

For me, I’m still trying to figure out my answer. There is a lot of digest here and I’m sure it’s the same for most people.

I hope the turnout will be high, no matter the decision but based on past history I have my doubts.

Now, if you haven’t received your package yet, here’s what you need to do.

Eligible voters who did not receive a voting package have until midnight Nov. 23 to request a package, according to Elections BC:

  • Online: elections.bc.ca/ovr
  • By phone: 1-800-661-8683 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • In person: At a Service BC Centre or Referendum Service Office (find location: elections.bc.ca/rso)

To vote in the referendum, an individual must be:

  • a Canadian citizen,
  • 18 or older as of November 30, 2018, and
  • a resident of B.C. for at least six months immediately before November 30, 2018