Speaker: Peter McCormick – Professor of Political Science, University of Lethbridge

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Session Summary:

Do we accept the speaker’s assessment of Alberta’s performance in this area? If not, what is our assessment?

• General agreement on “D” grade with one table giving a higher grade, and two groups suggesting a lower grade

Do we agree with the proposed solutions and alternatives? If not, how would we alter them?

• Problem with “dumbing down” of politics, impact of mass media
• Agree with opportunity of internet / social media, though technology is not the sole answer, more face to face interaction is also needed
• Not just about voter turnout, also about issue engagement

What additional ideas, solutions, and alternatives do we think would improve Alberta’s performance in this area?

• More direct democracy, change the nature of confidence votes / party discipline / decrease power of the whip, allow recall of MLAs, electronic voting on budgets and legislation
• Broadcast provincial caucus meetings on the internet with exceptions for in camera sessions
• Record votes in legislature in electronic form that can be retrieved by citizens
• Improve young voter education on political structures, engage them earlier, more interesting messages for youth, less intimidating, national youth service to promote participation
• Lower the voting age, more convenient voting locations
• Consider mandatory voting, allow spoiled ballots (Australian model)
• Incentive for people to vote (tax credit)
• Re-examine government funding of political parties
• Foster a feeling of belonging, increase profile of public service
• Preferential ballots, runoffs (must win over 50%)
• Open data approach to sharing information
• Greater focus on a cohesive “vision”
• Creating new parties / more competition
• Remove corporate donations from politics

Small Group Discussion response forms:

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