Ontario uses a first past the post system to elect MPP’s. What this means is whoever gets the most votes within the riding wins the seat. Over the years there have been many discussions about this system, but despite its many flaws it’s the system we have to work with. The chart below shows just how “unfair” this system can be. It shows the results of the Electoral Districts for the 4 party leaders of the 2022 general election.
3 of the Party leaders won their District with over 50% of the votes, however actual votes cast for each leader ranged from 14K to 30K and the Liberal Leader coming in second with 13K votes. In this case the Premier of Ontario was elected into power by only 14 thousand people. Meanwhile the leader of the 3rd place party got twice as many votes? How could this make sense?
When you think that your vote doesn’t matter consider the example below only 33% of voters in Etobicoke North chose to vote. This means if even half of the none voters had taken the time to vote for someone other than the PC Party, Doug Ford wouldn’t be the Premier. Personally I would love the irony if the Green Party Candidate gave Ford a running in his own riding due his love of cars and dislike of anything sustainable. But that’s just wishful thinking.
