As we saw yesterday, most of the world's civilized nations use some form of proportional representation. I listed some of the disadvantages of our election system, and gave examples of viewpoints, each held by many Americans, that are not likely to ever be represented by our two dominant parties. Those two parties have fought head-to-head for votes so long that they've abandoned whatever principles they once had, and substituted phony give-away promises. When they do produce legislation, it's usually to appear as if they're attacking a problem they've exaggerated so their "solution" will sound necessary, and they ignore the long-range consequences in an effort to appear to be problem solving. Neither party has the courage to make serious changes, because they can't afford to chance losing any votes.

I'm not going to go into a description of the various kinds of proportional representation. The important thing about PR is that it gives all citizens a real opportunity to express their wishes and to actually make a difference. I want to compare PR with our plurality system... on an emotional level.

If you were disappointed by the election results, you're probably also afraid for the future of our nation. You have a lot of company. We know that many who voted for Bush didn't really want to, but they considered a vote for Kerry to be a little worse. The same could be said for Kerry voters. For most people, voting for anyone else except Bush or Kerry meant that your vote would be "wasted", so most voted against either Bush or Kerry.

There were about 200 million eligible voters this year. Bush received about 60 million votes, or 30% of those eligible to vote. The turnout this year was the highest since 1968, but still, 80 million eligible voters stayed home. 80 million who evidently didn't think their vote was important or would make a difference... or who didn't like either Bush or Kerry.

Take a look at the average voter turnout in a number of other nations, from 1991-2000:

Over the same period of time, U.S. turnout averaged 45%.

Think back to your feelings on Election Day. Chances are good that you voted because you felt you HAD to, because the nation was polarized, and you didn't want that other guy in office... your vote was important to keep the other guy from winning. For a large percentage of the population, there was considerable anxiety about the election results. Many were convinced that the wrong winner would mean disastrous results, so we went to the polls hoping that our one vote would contribute to a better America. Most of us dreaded getting the bad news.

Now, with your own feelings of angst about our recent election, read this 2002 report from A.M. Costa Rica, about their national election day:

Presidential elections were more like big municipal fiestas
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Elections Sunday in Costa Rica were marked by peace and tranquility, not only in the official description but in fact. Throughout the Pacific coast good feelings and a celebration of democracy was evident with Costa Ricans promoting their candidate and party with flags both on their homes and on their cars.

At each polling place workers from rival parties labored side-by-side in tents and informational tables. Promotion of a candidate did not bring frowns or criticism from members of the opposite party. Some children were seen waving in the same hand flags representing the three leading candidates.

At the Escuela Lider Central de Jacó election workers of each party were proud to have a North American drop by.  "We are having our democratic fiesta," one man said. There did not seem to be the rivalry that is the hallmark of a polling place in the United States during major elections.

Even in the late afternoon as supporters of each party gathered at the east end of San José's Sabana Park, the mood was festive. There were no confrontations even though nearly every carload sported a flag or emblem of one of the major political parties. Supporters gathered there to await the election outcome in one giant block party.

Wouldn't it be nice? Wouldn't it be great to look forward to casting your vote? In a country where voting can actually make a difference, it IS a day for celebration... celebration of the ability to express your preference... and of knowing that it won't be wasted. Costa Rica has proportional representation.

These were the results of those congressional elections:

Projections for the National Assembly show a fragmented body where no party will have a working majority. Channel 7 projected that the Social Cristiana would have about 19 deputies, Liberación 17 and Acción Ciudadana 13. The Movimento Libertario would have about 6, and Renovación Costarricense, a minor party, would have 1, the station's analysts said. Among them would be 18 women.

57 assembly seats on the line, and they went to candidates of 5 different parties. 32% to women.

Excitement on Election Day, not the dread and fear we experienced... and hardly a wasted vote. Five parties with different agendas, different platforms... a real choice for the voters, and if there are a significant number of people who agree with you, you know that your viewpoint will have representation. It's only possible with proportional representation.

By the way, the Movimento Libertario party, with 6 seats out of 57, is the Costa Rican Libertarian party. The fact that a party that didn't exist 10 years ago can get 10% of the national assembly seats is impressive, but c'mon back tomorrow and find out just how effective that small 10% can be when it has the opportunity.