Only 11% Feel 'Very Informed about Single Transferable Vote (STV), Yes Side has Lead Among Decided British Columbian Voters

A new NRG Nordic Research Group poll shows that only 11% of the B.C. electorate feels very informed about the proposed new STV electoral system, while nearly 50% are either not at all informed or not very informed.

Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) May 13, 2005 -- A new NRG Nordic Research Group poll shows that only 11% of the B.C. electorate feels very informed about the proposed new STV electoral system, while nearly 50% are either not at all informed or not very informed.

Meanwhile, 37% support STV, 22% oppose it. Fully 41% are undecided.

The lack of awareness about the proposed new voting system raises some serious questions," according to Dr. Adam Di Paula, Senior Vice President of NRG. He added: Clearly, few British Columbians are well informed about STV. In view of the lack of public understanding of the issue at this late stage of the election campaign, it can be fairly asked why the question was put on the ballot in the first place. Do we really want people voting on something this important when, by their own admission, they know so little about it?"

The issue, said Dr. Di Paula, is that if support for STV reaches the passing thresholds, B.C. would have approved a new voting system which most people dont really understand. Do we fully appreciate the implications of this outcome?" he asked.

Awareness of BC-STV is increasing since the last Nordic Research poll on the issue. 82% of voters are aware of a referendum but when asked to name the proposed electoral system, only 39% could name STV. Of those voters who feel informed about STV, 50% support BC-STV," said Dr. Di Paula. However, an outcome is hard to predict given the large number of undecided voters."

601 randomly selected BC voters were asked the ballot question: 'Should British Columbia change to the BC-STV electoral system as recommended by the Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reform?

In order for the referendum to pass, it must achieve 60% support among valid votes cast in the referendum and at least 50% approval in 48 or the provinces 77 ridings.

About the survey
601 randomly selected BC residents, proportionate to the provinces population, were interviewed on the issue of the BC provincial election and their views about STV. This study was part of Nordic Research Groups monthly omnibus -- Ask BC. Results are reported at a 95% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/- 3.5%, 19 times out of 20 and were collected from May 8 to May 11, 2005.

About NRG Nordic Research Group   
Based in Vancouver, NRG Nordic Research Group is one of Canadas leading market and public opinion research firms. Nordic provides both quantitative and qualitative research services through its Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto offices to clients throughout North America and worldwide. Core services include research design, data collection and advanced analytics.

Survey Results
Full survey results available at www.nordicresearch.net.

Contact:
Dr. Adam Di Paula
Senior Vice President
NRG Nordic Research Group
(604) 676-5641
ad@nordicresearch.net

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