Voices for Reform: Sue Russell, Fort McMurray, AB

In the March 3, 2008, Alberta election, 53% voted for the Progressive Conservatives, who won 86% of the seats. Nearly half the electorate voting for opposition parties will be represented by only 11 MLAs. Six out of ten eligible voters did not cast votes.

Sue Russell, a voter in Fort McMurray, wrote:

"Our Alberta election result should be used as an argument for reform. I say this as a Conservative. The idea is not to win an election but have a government that is effective. Even as a voter of the winning side I know they cannot be reined in without other members of the legislature to push them. And as a matter of fairness it bothers me terribly that just over 20% of the electorate voted the Conservatives to a landslide, while another 20% voted against them netting about 11 seats. And 60% didn’t bother to vote!! So our government believes they have a solid mandate from 20% of the population- they ought to be ashamed.

I too will join Fair Vote. Bravo for all your efforts."