Edmonton’s executive committee voted to request the province to allow online voting. A report was brought to the committee at the petition of council Andrew Knack, highlighting what it would take for the city to include internet voting for future elections.
Knack expects the cost of i-voting to be minimal. Also i-voting would increase voter turnout allowing people to vote from anywhere at any time.
Despite concerns about the potential threats that web-based elections may pose, the city’s returning officer, Elayne Sinclair, supports the request.
Mrs. Sinclair stated that the goal is not only to increase voter turnout but to increase access for those who might have trouble getting to the ballot box. For example, i-voting would allow mothers to vote without having to find child care for their children.
According to her, at least 18 months would be needed to prepare the online system once the province gives its approval. If online ballots are expected to be used in the 2017 municipal election, the approval is needed within the next six months.
The clock is running.
