Proportional Representation Action Team formed on P.E.I.

Islanders can expect to see members of the Proportional Representation Action Team knocking on their doors over the next few months.

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The group has formed on P.E.I. to make sure Islanders are wellinformed about the options in the plebiscite on democratic renewal slated for November.

The coordinator of the Proportional Representation Action Team,Anna Keenan,moved to the Island about a year ago. Originallyfrom Australia, she is not a Canadian citizen and can't vote.

But she's seen how PR works in other countries likeAustralia, she said, and wants her four-month-old son to grow up under a proportional representation system.

'Distorts the voting system'

"When I moved to Canada I was really shocked to see how important strategic voting is in the Canadian electoral system," said Keenan.

"And I just thought that distorts the voting system so dramatically."

The action teamwould be happy if people choose one of the two proportional options on the ballot, said Keenan.

There are seven core organizers andabout 90 people supporting the group'sefforts through various organizations, she said, with agoal of about 200 volunteers.

"We can't let this plebiscite fail and miss out on the opportunity for proportional representation to become reality,like what happened in 2005," said Keenan.

"So the action team got started to make sure that we win in November."

Volunteers will be assigned to organize everything from social media and special events to door-to-door campaigning across P.E.I. at the group's kickoffMay 7 at the Emerald Community Centre.

"Just taking that five or 10minutes to discuss with people at their door is the easiest way to get the largest number of people to really understand what is happening," said Keenan.

The PR Action Teamhas a Facebook pageif people want more details, Keenannoted.

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