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Representative democracy is only a small step above dictatorship. Most people hate having decisions made for them, whether those decisions were made by 300 people or just one. I, for one, believe the optimal solution is for Canada to transition towards direct democracy.

Furthermore, any referendum with three or more options should be conducted using approval voting. This means that each voter would get to say "yes" or "no" to each individual option. Instead of simply listing each voter's first choice, the ballot would take every "yes" and every "no" into account. Approval voting offers more thorough data on the population's preferences.

Representative systems frequently pass laws that harm the majority of citizens, whether due to misguided priorities, special interest influence, or incompetence. With direct democracy, if a law doesn’t benefit most people, it doesn’t pass. It’s as simple as that. Direct democracy could put the legal system back on track!

Reason 1: Protection from harmful laws

In representative systems, the government can redraw district boundaries, allowing politicians to choose their voters instead of voters choosing them. This gerrymandering allows unpopular politicians to stay in power, and undermines fair representation. Gerrymandering makes everything a whole lot less democratic! Direct democracy removes this manipulation, in that there are no “safe” districts, only real issues and real votes.

Reason 2: Gerrymandering

No system can perfectly capture the will of millions through a handful of representatives. Mathematically, representative government dilutes each citizen’s voice, creating imbalances where large portions of the population go unheard. Some degree of rounding is inevitable.

This problem is worsened by the fact that ridings cannot contain equal voter populations. Some are inevitably more populous than others, because cities and flyover regions exist. They say "your vote counts", and this is always true; one person rarely makes the difference, but votes add up. The problem is that, because ridings are invariably asymmetrical, some people's votes count more than others. In direct democracy, every vote is truly equal and represents one person, one voice, one choice.

Reason 3: Better math, better representation

In representative government, it’s possible (and common) for a party or coalition representing a minority to take control and impose its policies on everyone. Direct democracy prevents this injustice by empowering the majority directly. This ensures that the decisions reflect the will of most people, not just a powerful few.

Reason 4: Minority vote can lead to majority rule

Special thanks to YouTuber CGP Grey for making me aware of this issue. In his video about first-past-the-post, he demonstrated that if a minor party gains a significant following, it can ruin the chances of any similar parties. Thereby resulting in victory for the opposite major party. Other systems such as Mixed-Member Proportional Representation and Single Transferable Vote stop the spoiler effect, but not most of the other shortcomings covered here. Direct democracy is the ideal system.

Reason 5: The spoiler effect

In a representative system, citizens often have to choose between two or three candidates who don’t fully represent their views. Unpopular parties are likely to drop out of the race, narrowing the options. Direct democracy, on the other hand, offers unlimited options—every issue is up for discussion, and the public isn’t forced to compromise on important matters.

Reason 6: Limited options

It's a well-known fact that politicians often break their promises. How many times have you seen a politician get elected into power, only to break one or more of their promises? Direct democracy eliminates this betrayal. Every vote counts, and the people’s decision is final. Ideally, Canada would ease into direct democracy, starting with both proportional representation and promise enforcement. It's never okay to break a promise.

Reason 7: Broken promises

In a direct democracy, you don’t need to trust politicians to make decisions for you; you make them yourself. Why should a handful of representatives speak for millions? You know what’s best for your life, your community, and your future. When you vote on the issues directly, the policies you care about actually get implemented, without being watered down or ignored by career politicians.

In representative government, your opinion can easily be drowned out. Maybe the candidate you voted for lost, or maybe your representative is more focused on pleasing a party than serving you. Putting issues to public vote gives you continuous influence. Your input doesn’t end after election day; it’s needed for every major decision.

Reason 8: Power in the hands of the people

Members of Parliament reside in every province and territory of Canada. Parliamentary meetings are expensive and time-consuming. With public votes, it would be a lot quicker and easier to make laws. Then, the laws could better reflect public interests and progress more quickly!

Reason 9: Parliamentary meetings

Most politicians are driven by their personal beliefs, which often do not align with the majority. While politicians may genuinely believe in their initiatives, it is crucial for them to remain open to public opinion and feedback. Direct democracy would serve the interests of the majority.

Reason 10: Politicians' selfish goals

Wealthy donors and corporate interests have outsize influence in representative government, often leading to policies that cater to the wealthy at the expense of the majority. Direct democracy eliminates the need for campaign contributions and lobbying. It’s a system where everyone’s vote is worth the same, no matter their net worth.

The rich should not have more rights than everyone else. Quite the opposite; they should have more responsibilities. And that's even more true of big businesses.

Reason 11: Preferential treatment of the rich

In a representative system, many voters feel like their single vote doesn’t make a difference. They’re choosing between candidates rather than policies, which can lead to disinterest and frustration. Voter apathy is one of democracy’s greatest threats. Direct democracy empowers citizens to weigh in on the things they truly care about, reducing feelings of helplessness or disillusionment. Instead of voting once every few years for a representative who may or may not fulfill their promises, people stay engaged in every issue, feeling that their input matters. With direct democracy, people vote on actual issues that impact their lives directly. When you’re voting on real, meaningful decisions, you know your vote counts.

Reason 12: Voter turnout

Sometimes, none of the candidates are good choices. Representative systems often result in unqualified candidates assuming office due to party loyalty, charisma, or name recognition. Direct democracy allows us to bypass candidates altogether, focusing on specific policies rather than personalities.

Reason 13: Inadequate candidates

As noted under reason #2, gerrymandering would be impossible in a direct democracy, as voters would not be divided into groups before voting. This means, ideally, local issues would be voted on locally rather than on the national scale. Everything should be put to a vote on as wide a scale as is affected.

Reason 14: Local vs. national issues

Outdated laws often remain on the books, simply because they are expensive to repeal under the current system. Direct democracy responds to the public’s needs immediately. In representative systems, issues can be bogged down in endless debates or bureaucratic delays. With direct democracy, if a majority wants something done, it gets done quickly.

Reason 15: Outdated laws

No one should be obligated to support a party's mission; the very idea contradicts freedom of speech and opinion. Representative government fuels division and partisanship. Politicians are often more interested in toeing the party line than solving real problems. Direct democracy cuts through this nonsense. When we vote directly on issues, it’s not about left or right—it’s about what we believe is best for us, our families, and our communities.

Reason 16: Party politics