BC Election 2017: British Columbians in no mood for snap election, poll finds
In what has felt to many like an endless election season in BC, voters are divided along political lines – and among themselves – about the best way to move forward.
However, according to a new Angus Reid poll, it seems most British Columbians can at least agree on one thing: They are in no mood for a snap election.
While past BC Liberal voters find a common voice on several pressing issues, including the fate of the Site C Dam and the Kinder Morgan pipeline, they are less united on what to do about the possible changes to the approval process for LNG projects.
And while those who voted BC NDP or BC Greens last month are adamant a BC NDP minority government is what they want, BC Greens supporters are less warm towards BC NDP leader John Horgan than BC NDP supporters are to BC Greens leader Andrew Weaver.
All told, about 11% of those polled said they’re experiencing buyer’s remorse – and would have voted differently if afforded a “do-over”; of that group, slightly more are for the BC Liberals than the BC NDP.
Almost 63% say the BC Liberals should concede defeat, rather than use procedures to prevent a BC Green-supported BC NDP minority government from leading.
And when it comes to the question of Christy Clark’s continued role as BC Liberals leader, 62% of respondents would like to see her step down – including 32% of her own base.
What about a do-over?
Some have suggested the best way to deal with this is for British Columbians to return to the polls quickly in a new election; the hope being a more certain result next time around.
However, just 29% of those polled favoured going the route of a snap election.
When considering a do-over, among those 11% who said they would change their vote if they could, four in 10 said they would vote with their conscience, rather than strategically.
Meanwhile, overall, 35% would have aimed for a BC Liberal majority – more than the 22% who say they’d have switched to ensure a majority for the BC NDP.
The poll also found that 89% of British Columbians wouldn’t change their vote, even if given the chance.
See also
Follow Channels and Categories