Referendums / Recall / Initiative
Referendums, recalls, and initiatives are opportunities for British Columbians to take part directly in the political and legislative process. Each event makes citizen involvement possible in a different area.
Referendums
Referendums are votes in which registered voters are asked to express their opinion on a matter of public interest or concern. Registered voters indicate their opinion by marking a ballot in response to one or more questions. For example, in the 2005 Referendum on Electoral Reform registered voters were asked:
“Should British Columbia change to the BC-STV electoral system as
recommended by the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform?”
A second referendum on electoral reform was held in conjunction with the May 12, 2009 provincial general election. Voters were asked:
“Which electoral system should British Columbia use to elect members
to the provincial Legislative Assembly?
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Referendums do not take place on a regular basis. Instead, they are held whenever the Lieutenant Governor, on the advice of the cabinet, thinks that an expression of public opinion is desirable. The result of a provincial referendum is binding on government.
For more information about referendums in B.C., click on the Referendums link on the left column.
Recall
The Recall and Initiative Act is administered by the Chief Electoral Officer. The Act allows a registered voter to petition to remove a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from office. The recall process is unique in Canada - no other province or territory has a system in place for removing elected representatives from office between elections.
For more information about recalls in B.C., click on the Recall link on the left column.
Initiative
The Recall and Initiative Act is administered by the Chief Electoral Officer. The Act allows registered voters in British Columbia to propose new laws or changes to existing laws. A suggested law must be within the jurisdiction of the Legislature of British Columbia and not a matter of federal responsibility.
For more information about initiatives in B.C., click on the Initiative link on the left column.
