Should B.C. Change its Voting System?

Join us in downtown Vancouver to weigh the evidence and inform your referendum choice this fall.


Tuesday, October 30th

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Doors at 6:30 p.m.)

UBC Robson Square
800 Robson St., Vancouver B.C.
Theatre (Downstairs; Rm C300)

Coffee, tea and desserts will be served

Watch live online on YouTube or Facebook.

Sorry, registration for this event is now full. Limited seats will be available at the door on a first-come first-serve basis beginning at 6:50 p.m.


This fall, British Columbians will vote by mail to decide which voting system should be used for provincial elections: keep our current first-past-the-post system, or change to one of three options for proportional representation.

Lost in the jargon? Join us October 30th in downtown Vancouver for a crash course on the issues and options. Four UBC political scientists will demystify the ballot choices and spell out the evidence for and against electoral reform in B.C. In a conversation facilitated by CBC journalist Michelle Eliot, learn how the referendum results might impact rural communities, political parties, women, and Indigenous peoples in B.C.; how proportional representation works (or doesn’t) in places around the world; and takeaway lessons to inform your vote this fall.

The forum will include four short, engaging lectures followed by audience Q&A with the panelists.

The Panelists

  • Max Cameron, Professor, UBC Department of Political Science; Director, Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions
  • Richard Johnston, Professor, UBC Department of Political Science; Canada Research Chair in Public Opinions, Elections, and Representation
  • Sheryl Lightfoot, Associate Professor, UBC First Nations and Indigenous Studies and Department of Political Science; Canada Research Chair in Global Indigenous Rights and Politics; Senior Advisor to the President on Indigenous Affairs, UBC
  • Grace Lore, Adjunct Professor, University of Victoria Department of Political Science; Senior Researcher, Equal Voice; PhD graduate, UBC Political Science

The conversation will be facilitated by Michelle Eliot, award-winning journalist and host of CBC Radio’s midday call-in show, BC Today.

Andrew Szeri, UBC Provost and Vice-President Academic, will provide opening remarks.

Livestream

Tune into our livestream on YouTube or Facebook.

Accessibility

An elevator is located at street level via the access at Hornby St. and Robson St. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or further accessibility needs.