Editor:
Sensible BC marijuana petitions have been out for just over a month and a half. This is an official, province-wide petition, just like Stop the HST. It has deadlines, and we are required to get a minimum of 10 per cent of registered voters in each of our 85 electoral districts.
This grassroots campaign is driven by the people of B.C. for the people - both for medical users, and recreational use. Registered canvassers volunteer daily to sit outside, in various locations, and wait for people to sign the petitions.
Most people don't realize how important their signature is.
Because of the nature of this petition, most people do not realize that we are out there every day for their children's future.
That's why most people I sign in a day are over 60. These folks know the impact of a possible criminal record, or jail time to a family member.
For what? A harmless and beneficial plant.
No one will ever know you signed the petition.
We do not sell these names; they go to the head office for counting and then will be delivered to Elections BC in Victoria in early December. Also, it is clearly stated in the Initiative and Recall Act that no one shall be punished in any way for signing a petition presented by Elections BC.
Next, you should sign the petition even if you are opposed to the initiative.
The reason is in order to have the referendum, and the discussion to begin, on ways to implement or change our proposals we must have enough signatures in the petition phase.
You also will be able to cast your ballot either in favour or against the actual referendum question next September.
How often do we really get to enact changes to laws? Join in on the democratic process? Be heard? End prohibition? And make history all with one little signature.
Next time you see us out there, stop, sign, and join thousands of others who have done their civic duty and signed the Sensible BC petition.
Boyd Goble
Sensible BC petitioner