Toronto Star and Ranked Ballot System

Ranked ballot system: Welcome to the political world as remodelled by the ranked ballot, according to The Star. Both bills apply only to Toronto, where city council last year voted in favour of asking the province for a ranked ballot system. Heres how it would work: to win election to council a candidate would need the support of at least 50 per cent of voters. Electors wouldnt just mark their top choice on a ballot, but also their next-favourite candidate, their third pick, and so on and It should produce kinder, gentler election campaigns. And make it harder for a doofus like Mayor Rob Ford to win municipal office. Newcomers to politics would be better-served, and peoples second and third choices, marked on a ballot, could decide the outcome. Two private members bills were put forward at Queens Park last week to bring about this reform. And its a development that should be encouraged by all who want to see more democracy at city hall. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.