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Tim Vautier
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Submitted on 22/02/2012 - 3:21pm relating to the issues Basis for eligibility for list seats (thresholds), Other issues
Should the 5% threshold be kept or changed? Why? If you recommend change, what should it be and why?:
The 5% threshold should be removed. The current threshold makes it near impossible for a new party to be represented in parliament unless they can win an electorate seat. If a party has a high enough proportion (ie 1/120 of the votes) they deserve to have a member in parliament.
Should the one electorate seat threshold be kept or changed? Why? If you recommend change, what should it be and why?:
I think that representation in parliament should based purely on the percentage of party votes received. Therefore winning an electorate seat should not entitle a person to a seat in parliament unless they have they have the party vote percentage necessary.
Please use the space below for any other issues you want to raise:
I think that the party vote threshold and the voting options can discourage people from voting for the party they believe best represents them. Not wanting their vote to be wasted can make people vote for a party that is not their first choice. I think a way that this could be solved is by including another section on the voting form that allows the voter to vote for a second party. This second vote would only be counted if their first choice party does not reach the threshold. This would significantly reduce the number of wasted votes and be much more democratic than just ignoring votes for a party that does not reach the threshold.