There are some naive people out there who would gladly support more referendums. They contend it is a more democratic method, as everyone has a chance to weigh in on issues.

The problem with that pie-in-the-sky philosophy is that not everyone cares enough about every issue to vote on each referendum. Such a system would lead to inconsistency and governments handcuffed by  unpredictable choices and the leanings of special interest groups.

So it is with the Oct. 10 election question on the value of shifting to a mixed member proportional system in Ontario.

It would seem people are not interested enough in this election, let alone a significant change in how we determine the makeup of our legislative assembly.

Elections Ontario has done its best to educate the public. If you check out yourbigdecision.ca and take the time to navigate the site, you will receive a comprehensive education on what is at stake.

But people coming off summer holidays at a time when there’s little appetite for change are not prepared to make an educated decision on this issue. In another month, it’s unlikely that status will be different.

In the end, the question on mixed member proportional suffers a bigger problem than squabbling over methods of representation.

That problem really has nothing to do with methodology, but rather the increasing number of people who don’t care enough to carry out their civic duty.

Become engaged, learn about the issues and vote. If more people did these things, our democracy would be healthier and better poised to consider fundamental questions like electoral reform.

BH