Holy SHIT! STV too close to call!

[HEyHEY]

http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=bcv_referendumresult170505

[HEyHEY]

1. STV had 56 per cent at 9:30!

[Jack Rabbit]

5. It needs 60%

From the linked article:

For the referendum to pass, the Yes side needs 60 per cent of all ballots cast, as well as a majority in 60 per cent of the ridings – the so-called 60/60 formula.

That sounds a little complicated.

[Spazito]

6. The 60% of ridings translates to 48 ridings which it looks like

they already have, the 60% of all ballots cast was only 2.8% short at time of vote count suspension. This could get VERY interesting, imo. There is a very clear message from B.C. voters that they want change, Campbell will be hardpressed to deny that change given the message.

I think, if Campbell does deny it, it would be a GREAT issue for the NDP to hammer him on, hope they do.

[Jack Rabbit]

7. I see

I hope it passes. It sounds like an excellent idea.

Perhaps we in California could use this as a model for a state initiative. We would only need a simple majority of all voters.

[HEyHEY]

8. Thank you, I'm well aware of that, hence the "Too close to call" phrase

[tuvor]

2. Aw, crap.

All the politicians refrained from endorsing it! That means it HAD to be a good thing.

What, were we all busy with the BC bud today?

[dancing kali]

3. Considering that most people I talked to about STV

had no idea of what it was... and those who had, had no idea of how it was supposed to work, I'm pretty impressed that it's gotten the numbers it did. I'm in favour of it. Doesn't look like it will get enough to pass however. Damn close though.

[Spazito]

4. Wow! It looks like it is still a strong possibility!

B.C. electoral reform holds strong lead as vote count suspended for night

VANCOUVER (CP) - The Yes forces in British Columbia's battle for electoral reform are demanding the newly re-elected Liberal government press ahead with changes to the voting system, despite incomplete results in Tuesday's referendum.

Ballot counting was suspended early Wednesday with the Yes side leading in 72 out of 73 ridings that had reported results so far. The province has 79 ridings. To succeed, the referendum proposal that would give Canada its first system of proportional representation needs a simple majority in 48 ridings and a 60 per cent majority in the provincewide popular vote.

The Yes side had garnered 57.2 per cent when counting stopped around 12:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Almost three quarters of the votes in those ridings had been counted.

Yes campaign co-chairman Bruce Hallsor said the results signal a clear majority of British Columbians want change.

more

http://www.canada.com/news/national/story.html?id=c6d62b25-e92f-4e8d-ad95-252a457c0747

Damn, I am shocked! I am a BIG supporter of this change but expected it to go down to defeat with clear numbers, I am absolutely thrilled I was wrong!

[Spazito]

9. Has anyone heard or seen the FINAL count re STV yet?

I haven't seen it on the news and cannot find it reported anywhere yet today, the last news was that the vote count was suspended for the night and since then, nada.

[HEyHEY]

10. Got a press release saying 57 per cent

They are going to lobby to have implemented anyway. James says she is going to push for a fall referendum.

[Spazito]

11. All the news articles relate to the vote before the count was

suspended, nothing after saying the count was completed, it is very frustrating. I want to see a confirmed final number with breakdowns on the vote, damn it!

Re Carole, I saw that she voted against STV but will push for change of some kind. I think it is a good issue for the NDP to go after the Libs on, B.C.ers obviously want change.

Edited to add: Thanks for your response! If you get anything more detailed will you post it please?

[HEyHEY]

13. natch!

[Lisa]

12. at the polling station where I worked, dozens of voters ....

... began asking the polling clerks about what this "STV" thing was. Bizarre.

[Spazito]

14. What the hell is going on with the STV vote count???

From the latest news article:

"Although the final tally wasn't completed by late Wednesday, about 57 per cent of the votes counted were in favour of the new system."

What the heck could be holding this up? It is a simple ballot count with a very simple choice: Yes or No.

I found that little tidbit in this article:

Door open for electoral change: B.C. premier

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/05/18/bcvote-050518.html