Election System Showdown: Ward vs At-Large

Wards, wards, wards. It’s all the rage in the Telegraph Journal this week! Saturday’s story suggested that two-thirds of Saint John residents want councillors elected through a ward system. The poll surveyed 377 Saint John residents over the age of 18. A survey sample that size would be expected to be accurate to within five percentage points, 95 times out of 100. The poll, conducted from June 7 to June 21, showed that 66 per cent support a change to a ward system and 21 per cent oppose a change, with the remaining people either indifferent or unsure. My favorite part is that when voters were first asked if they were satisfied with the current “at-large” system of electing councillors, two thirds also said, yes, they were satisfied. When presented with the idea of a ward system in a follow-up quesion, two-thirds supported the change. What does this tell us? Two-thirds of Saint John residents support change regardless of understanding our current system and the one being proposed.

The “At-Large” System

In the interest of education, let me explain out what we have now. The current system for municipal elections in Saint John is referred to as an “at-large” system. This means that everyone, who is running to become a councillor in the election, will be listed on your ballot when you go to vote. When you get your ballot, you can vote for up to ten councillors and for the mayor. The main issue with this system is the fact that many people will be shown on the ballot. Just image a list of fifty people! This can become confusing for the average person and leads to people voting on name recognition - which leads to the same people being elected year after year. So what’s the advantage? Well according to advocates, electing people “at-large” means that they are not focused on just one area of the city. They are expected to look after all areas equally.

The “Ward” System

But didn’t we already vote to change the system? That’s right, there was a vote on the ward system held during the 1998 civic election, where 54 per cent voted in favour of wards. But anything under 60 per cent is not enough. The final decision in this case was left to the discretion of council. The end result? The ward system didn’t make the cut. Most recently, in April, common council voted 8-3 against switching to a ward system. In favour were: Michelle Hooton, Stephen Chase, and Peter McGuire. In May, council agreed to put a question about wards on the ballot of the May 2008 election, meaning that if the public voted in favour of a ward system, it would not take hold until the mandate of the 2012-2016 council.

So it will be on the ballot for the May 2008 election? Yes. Then what is all the fuss about? Well, supporters of the ward system want it voted on right now so it can take effect for the 2008 election. So who is pushing for the change? A Telegraph Journal story on Monday explains that Anne-Marie Mullin’s has been gathering signatures for a petition calling for a ward system that involves electing five “at-large” councillors, along with five councillors each representing five wards. This is different the question on the ballot in 2008. It will ask for a decision on four wards with two councillors in each, along with two councillors at large. Mullin doesn’t believe ward proponents would get bogged down on what the specific system should be, should they succeed in fast-tracking the vote.

She says she is working with both Elections New Brunswick and the city’s common clerk’s office about the best way forward. Mullin believes she has “five and three quarters” councillors on her side so far, ready to reverse council’s previous vote and hold the plebiscite sooner than the May 2008 ballot. To rescind a previous motion, somebody who voted in favour would have to step forward. It would then require a two-thirds majority vote: if all 11 council members were in attendance, it would require eight votes. This all sounds complicated, but if the citizens can show enough support for a ward system, then it is very likely that other councillors will change their mind. We don’t have to look far for support though! This story explains that a full 71 per cent of Saint Johners support a public vote on whether the city should switch from the current at-large system to a ward system. Further, 67 per cent support of those polled said they want the vote to happen before the next election.

The Winner?

Clearly a mixture of the two. My choice would be a mixed system with councillors elected “at-large” and through city wards. I especially like Anne-Marie Mullin’s petition calling for a ward system that involves electing five “at-large” councillors, along with five councillors each representing five wards. I think it makes the most sense. The important thing is that we, as citizens, look at all of the options, form an opinion, and most importantly of all - vote when the time comes. Only time will tell which system will win, but my guess is that the ward system will be here sooner rather then later!