Council Statement: Electoral Reform Report Released

Today, the City of St. John’s released the Electoral Reform Report, prepared by a third-party expert panel at the request of Council’s Electoral Reform Subcommittee.
 
The report provides a thorough review of select election processes and comments on the Report of the Citizens’ Assembly for Stronger Elections (CASE), in addition to issues previously identified by the subcommittee. Topics covered in the report include campaign finance, council structure, electoral system, voting method and enfranchisement.
 
The final report is available on the city’s website under publications, council reports.
 
Our current strategic plan includes the initiative to increase and improve opportunities for residents to connect with each other and the City. We recognize that any changes we make to our electoral system must be made in consultation with a number of stakeholders including residents and newcomers. Appropriate provincial legislative amendments will also be required in order to move forward with many of the proposed changes.

Early next year, the subcommittee of council will meet to determine next steps to be presented at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.  City Council will ultimately decide on what action items, if any, will be initiated.
 
Mayor Danny Breen
Chair, Electoral Reform Subcommittee