Wondering how to talk to people about signing our petition? We’ve got your back! Here’s an information sheet to guide your conversations as you collect signatures.

Remember Proper Etiquette

• Please be polite. Not everyone likes to answer their door (or talk politics!)
• Be respectful of people’s time, get the first question out, and if it’s a no, thank them and
  leave them be.
• Choose an appropriate time to go canvasing, (e.g., weeknights between 6-9, or weekends, before 9 p.m.)
• Prioritise your individual safety and consider:
  o Visibility (do you need bright colours or reflective gear?)
  o Traveling in pairs
  o Traffic, poor lighting, etc.

Conversation Starters

Door-to-door Canvassing

When going door-to-door, it’s important to be conversational, friendly, and respectful of people’s time. Here’s a sample script that may work well when walking through neighborhoods:

“Hi! I’m with Fair Vote Edmonton. We’re collecting signatures for a petition we’ll be submitting to the Alberta Legislature in 2026.

We’re asking the government to launch a Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform, which is a group of everyday Albertans who would study our voting system and recommend a fairer one.

Right now, a lot of voices in Alberta just aren’t represented, and people are frustrated. This is a non-partisan way to make sure all votes actually count.

It just takes a minute–you can sign here. And, if you want more info, I can leave you with a card that links to our website.”

Tabling at Public Events

People who approach you at a tabling event may already be curious. Remember to be engaging and invite questions.

Here’s a sample script that may work well when talking at an event:

“Hey there! Have you heard about the petition for a Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform in Alberta?

We’re with Fair Vote Edmonton, and we’re collecting signatures asking the legislature to empower everyday Albertans–not politicians–to study how we vote and propose a fairer system.

Our current system leaves a lot of voices out. A Citizens’ Assembly is a democratic, grassroots way to fix that.

Want to take a look and maybe add your name? It only takes a second!”

Posting to Social Media

Annoyingly, we cannot collect digital signatures for this petition. But, if you’d like to post on social media, you can spread the message about our cause far and wide.

We want to be clear, emotionally compelling, and action oriented. Here’s a sample script:

“Too many votes in Alberta don’t count.

Our political system is stuck in gridlock, with polarization and unfair outcomes. That’s why we’re calling for a Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform, which is a group of randomly selected Albertans who will study the problem and recommend a solution.

This isn’t about parties. It’s about people.

Visit Fair Vote Edmonton’s Action Items to learn more about the petition and how you can get involved: https://fairvoteedmonton.com/action-items/“

Answers to common questions

Interested folks will undoubtedly have questions. Be prepared to talk about the following issues.

What is proportional
representation?

Proportional representation (PR) is an electoral system where the number of seats a party wins in the legislature is in proportion to the number of votes it receives. This differs from the current first-past-the-post system where a party can win most seats without winning most votes.

What is a citizens’ assembly?

A citizens’ assembly is a group of randomly selected citizens who reflect the diversity of the population. They are brought together to study an issue in depth, hear from experts, deliberate, and make recommendations.

Why should Alberta change its voting system?

The current system can lead to unfair outcomes where a party
wins a majority of seats without a majority of votes. Changing to
a proportional system could make elections fairer, reduce
polarization, and encourage collaboration between parties.

How would a new system be chosen?

The citizens’ assembly would research different proportional
representation systems, consider public input and expert advice, and recommend the one that best fits Alberta’s needs.

Will this petition automatically change the voting system?

No. The petition asks the government to create a citizens’
assembly to make a recommendation, and then introduce legislation based on that recommendation.

Will I lose my local MLA under a new system?

Not necessarily. Many proportional systems keep local
representation while adding new elements to ensure
proportionality. The citizens’ assembly would look at systems
that balance both.

How does PR reduce polarization?

PR usually results in coalition governments, which require parties to work together. This encourages more moderate and
cooperative politics, rather than adversarial, winner-takes-all
dynamics.

Has this been done elsewhere?

Yes. Citizens’ assemblies have been used in places like British
Columbia, Ontario, and Ireland to study electoral reform and
other complex issues. Many countries, like Germany and New
Zealand, use proportional representation successfully.

Is this a partisan issue?

No. This petition does not support any specific party or outcome. It’s about ensuring a fair process for considering electoral reform that includes input from everyday Albertans.

What are the benefits of signing this petition?

By signing, you support a fair, informed, and democratic process to evaluate Alberta’s voting system. It gives regular citizens a voice in shaping how our democracy works.

Where or how do I find out more?

Check out the website https://www.fairvote.ca/

Petition, Posters, and Handouts

Download and print these assets to support our initiative:

• The official petition
• Calls to action poster
• One-page postcard handout