Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

Poll reporting ignores voting system unfairness

A poll released yesterday found only four out of 10 Canadians would approve of a ruling coalition between the Liberals and the NDP. However, reports on the poll failed to mention that 40 per cent support in our voting system is often enough to form a majority government.

The Ipsos Reid poll, conducted for CanWest News Service and Global National, conversely found that 45 percent of people would disapprove of a coalition between the Liberals and NDP. The survey of 1,092 people is considered accurate within 3.1 percent, 19 times out of 20.

The headline in the Victoria CanWest paper, the Times-Colonist, said: “Half of voters against idea of coalition.”

Interestingly, when Stephen Harper and the Conservative party broach 40 per cent in polls, the media tend to report that he's close to forming a majority, rather than point out that 60 percent of respondents were against him.

“This is pretty rich,” said University of Victoria political science professor Dennis Pilon. “Reid is doing some crazy stuff.”

As with all polls, he said, much depends on how the question is asked. If you asked people whether it was fairer for a party with 40 per cent of the vote to win a majority of the seats, as happens regularly in our first-past-the-post electoral system, or for two parties that together won 60 percent of the votes to govern, the answer would likely be different.

“I pretty much guarantee what the results of that poll would be,” said Pilon.

The media should do their jobs and report on the issues, he said, rather than give so much play to unreliable, and often contradictory, polls.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee's Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. You can reach him here.


What have we missed? What do you think? We want to know. Comment below. Keep in mind:

Do:

  • Verify facts, debunk rumours
  • Add context and background
  • Spot typos and logical fallacies
  • Highlight reporting blind spots
  • Ignore trolls
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity
  • Connect with each other

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
  • Libel or defame
  • Bully or troll
  • Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.
comments powered by Disqus