Crossposted from https://sh.itjust.works/post/37100249
I wrote a letter to a representative calling for change, calling for electoral reform. If you’d like to share, feel free to adjust it and mail it however you like! I do not want any credit for this. The letter is as follows:
Your Name
Your Address
City, Province, Postal Code
Email Address (optional)
Date
Representative’s Name
Their Title
Office Address
City, Province, Postal Code
Subject: The voters are restless. We need change.
Dear Representative,
I’ve been thinking a lot about the nature of change in Canada; how it starts, who initiates it, and why it so often feels out of reach for ordinary citizens. It’s easy to feel like you’re contributing when you post an opinion online, but real change demands more than digital echoes. That’s why I’m writing to you.
Recently, I was researching a Canadian legend by the name of Tommy Douglas, a man who was disappointed in socialists who cared more about their ideas than they did about taking action. He is lauded as the father of socialized medicine in Canada despite never rising beyond his position as Premier of Saskatchewan. I was singing his praises to a friend of mine when they pointed out that it was not Tommy Douglas alone that made this happen. He did this with the help of many, many regular people, just like me. This thought inspired me to write about an issue I feel is extremely relevant today.
In the last federal election, only 68.65% of eligible Canadians voted, which is relatively high compared to recent voting history, but is still just over half of eligible voters. When I ask friends why they don’t vote, most say it’s because their vote doesn’t matter. I would have loved to tell them that their vote does matter, that the system works; however, the working class is beginning to take notice, and we know that our vote does not matter. Our system is broken, and Canadians are stuck in an endless, limbo-like cycle with a government that never listens to us and only ever serves to increase wealth disparity, no matter which of the two largest parties we vote for.
This brings me to my next point: we only have two choices. We like to think of our country as a democracy, but until we change this system that inevitably results in a pissing contest between two near-identical parties of men in suits and ties, it is essentially no better than our southern neighbours.
We should not have to vote for a party that does not represent our views just to avoid fascism.
Former Prime Minister Trudeau was elected on the promise of electoral reform, then walked away from it. Many of us saw it coming. There was no accountability and no follow-through during the decade he spent as PM, and to think Canadian voters don’t notice this kind of betrayal is an insult to our intelligence.
I truly believe that this is an opportunity to show Canadians that you care about them beyond just their votes. You can show them that you respect their intelligence by promising actual change.
I am asking you to advocate for a ranked ballot system: a system that empowers voters to rank their preferences, eliminates the fear of “wasted votes,” and encourages greater political diversity. It ensures that elected officials better reflect the views of most Canadians. Single-transferable-vote is a feasible goal if we work together.
A step further would be to make election day a national statutory holiday, easing access to the polls and reinforcing the importance of civic participation. While mandatory voting is worth exploring in the future, I believe turnout would improve organically if people felt their vote truly counted.
I understand that this is a big ask. I know that this letter sounds idealistic. But I also believe that electoral reform is foundational. This is an important change that can restore faith in our system and amplify the voices of Canadians who currently feel unheard. In a time of division and disillusionment where people are sick of being used as pawns in a political game, this could be a meaningful step towards rebuilding the trust between representatives and voters.
We need leaders who are bold enough to do what they know is right even if it threatens the status quo. We want policy made with people in mind rather than the pursuit of profit and power.
You give me the impression that you care. That’s why I’m writing to you. This is the first letter I’ve ever sent to a representative. I hope it’s not the last. And I hope, more than anything, that it doesn’t fall on deaf ears.
Canadians are losing hope. Please help give it back to us.
Sincerely, A concerned voter
I would keep away the bits about fascism and the choice between similar parties and all that. Instead I’d frame it around a simple argument about making it easy to elect them instead of losing seats to vote split. Every candidate/MP understands vote split and how it can deprive them from holding their seat/job. Also add in that context that you want to make it easy for you and your family and friends to elect them. Framing it in simple terms that describe benefit to them instead of moral / ethical terms should gain more traction with anyone looking at it, from the staff member reading the email to the MP if they get to read it. Staying away from fascism avoids potentially thought halting terms. If the audience already knows the problems with the current system in the terms described in OP’s blob, chances are they’re already on the electoral reform boat.
