The final numbers

What was needed
To review, the result of the referendum would have been binding if the chosen electoral system (FPTP or MMP) was selected in :

(a) At least 60% of all the valid referendum ballots cast; and

(b) more than 50% of the valid referendum ballots cast in each of at least 64 electoral districts.

According to the results, FPTP was approved by 63.2% of the voters. 36.9% of the voters chose MMP. FPTP was approved of by 50%+1 votes in 102 of the 107 ridings.

Where MMP did well

A strong membership and volunteer base in downtown Toronto is reflected in the results:

Trinity-Spadina: 59.2%
Davenport: 56.7%
Toronto-Danforth: 55.1%
Parkdale-High Park: 54.5%
Beaches - East York: 50.1%

MMP in Ottawa

MMP was approved of in the 7 Ottawa area ridings by the following amounts:

Carleton-Mississippi Mills: 29.5%

Nepean-Carleton: 31.5%

Ottawa Centre: 47.9%

Ottawa-Orleans: 29.9%

Ottawa South: 34.2%

Ottawa-Vanier: 38.9%

Ottawa West-Nepean: 33.2%

I think people in the North thought MMP would mean less influence for them. How about a referendum on Northern Ontario separation?

Nipissing: 27.1%

Sault Ste. Marie: 26.2%

Timmins-James Bay: 22.7%

New Elections Ontario website up for referendum

Elections Ontario has posted its website to educate voters on the highly-anticipated referendum on electoral reform. The site educates voters on the two systems, our present one and the proposed Mixed Member Proportion (MMP). There is an exhaustive list of links to follow as well as an FAQs section. Below is what seems to be the proposed ballot to be used in the referendum.

Remember to vote in favour of MMP on October 10th!

Elections Ontario (neither for nor against MMP) has also done the following:

• registered a profile and group on Facebook for people to get access to more information and discuss the referendum - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4103057895
• set-up a public, toll-free information telephone line, 1-888-ONTVOTE (1-888-668-8683)
• set-up an easy-to-share widget for individuals to use and share (available later this month)
• designed traditional advertising including province-wide radio, television and print outlets, as well as direct-to-voter information via direct mail
• engaged over 100 dedicated Resource Officers who can deliver community information sessions throughout the province