Northwest Territories' move toward online voting sparks spirited debate

The Northwest Territories' move to allow online voting in the upcoming territorial election becoming the first province or territory to do so in a general election is drawing plenty of discussion, with some residents highlighting the opportunity for increased participation, and others saying the change puts the territory at an increased risk of voter fraud.

CBC's Trail's End asked several Yellowknife residents for their thoughts on the change.

When asked whether he would vote online, Donald Weston had a simple response: "You bet I will."

"It's 20 years overdue, for all of Canada, as well as the territories," he said. "Every province should have it."

Isabel Menacho agreed, saying she plans to vote online in October.

"I think it would be really easy ... I'm either over at work, or I'm at home, I really wouldn't have the time to go vote in person," she said.

Beyanna Lynn was more measured in her response, saying that she had some trepidation about the idea.

"There's something about being in person, I think, that matters," she said. "I guess I worry about the ability to tamper with online voting. Seems easier somehow."

Several online commentersexpressed similar sentiments on Facebook:

Yellowknife North candidate Rylund Johnson also chimed in on Facebook, coming out in support of the idea:

"I am going to vote for myself online in bed in my pyjamas out of principle because I have been saying this should happen for years," he said.

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