Yukoners Vote for Electoral Reform, Premier Rejects Change

UPDATE: Yukoners have decisively voted for electoral reform, with a stunning 56.1% of participants supporting a shift to ranked ballots. However, incoming Premier Currie Dixon has confirmed he will not implement these changes, dismissing the plebiscite as a “waste of money.” This development raises questions about the future of Yukon’s voting system just days after the territory’s elections.

In a plebiscite held on July 24, 2023, alongside the territorial election, over half of the 35,966 registered voters cast their ballots. Of those, 10,186 voters expressed support for electoral reform, which aims to move away from the current first-past-the-post system. Notably, support was strongest in Whitehorse and among ridings that elected NDP candidates.

Despite this clear mandate, Dixon reiterated his party’s long-standing opposition to change, stating, “I still think that the move to a ranked ballot is the wrong one.” He indicated that his government would not act on the plebiscite results, prioritizing resources for education and health instead.

Floyd McCormick, a former clerk of the Yukon legislative assembly and advocate for ranked voting, described the plebiscite result as “substantial.” He noted that more people voted in favor of reform than supported any Yukon Party candidate in the elections. McCormick emphasized that ignoring the plebiscite undermines democratic conventions in Canada.

Dixon’s dismissal of the electoral reform initiative reflects a broader reluctance within his party to embrace changes that a majority of voters now seem to favor. “It will be a challenge,” McCormick warned, indicating that advocates will need to continue pushing for reform despite the government’s stance.

As Dixon settles into his new role, the political landscape in Yukon faces a potential standoff between public sentiment and government policy. Voters across the territory are left wondering how their voices will be heard in the coming months.

Next Steps: The Yukon Party will convene to discuss the plebiscite outcome, but Dixon’s firm position suggests that significant changes to the electoral system are unlikely. Advocates for reform will need to rally support and continue to pressure the government to reconsider its stance on this critical issue.