Thunder Bay councillors want e-voting in next municipal election

In the wake of delays that occurred Monday night in releasing the election results, some city councillors in Thunder Bay say it's time to reconsider electronic voting.

Proponents of the idea say it's also a way to increase Thunder Bay's low voter turnout.

• Thunder Bay IT workers probing election night website crash

Coun. Larry Hebert admits he opposed internet and telephone voting in the last term of council when city clerk John Hannam presented a report. But he's now willing to give it another look.

"The results get in faster, and it seemed to improve the participation rate, he said.

John Hannam and his staff did a lot of work to get people out, and yet we had just over 46 per cent rate of voting. So we've got to do something to get people out and vote."

'Breaks down barriers'

Shuniah Township used only online and telephone voting this year, and issued the results 30 minutes after the polls closed. Voter turnout there was about 52 per cent. In 2010, turnout was about 32 per cent.

Coun. Andrew Foulds saidhe was sold on the benefits of electronic voting long ago.

"It may increase voter turnout of younger voters. But, the fundamental reason is it breaks down barriers for people with disabilities."

Coun, Joe Virdiramo said the city needs to do something to make it simpler to cast a ballot.

"I would consider anything that would make it easier and it would get the vote out, and get the results out quickly."

Councillor at-large elect Frank Pullia said he too would favour electronic voting.

"I think that if the proper systems were in place to alleviate people's concerns, it should increase the participation rate. We also need to find out exactly what happened last night."

'Adopt a range of options'

Coun. Iain Angus said he'll submit a resolution, asking council to consider telephone and internet voting in the next election.

"I have been a strong supporter of alternate forms of voting, including internet and telephone options, he said.

I voted for it and will vote for it again. I will also bring forward a motion early in the new term to adopt a range of options for voting, including the existing voting machines plus internet and telephone voting."

Northwood Ward councillor-elect Shelby Ch'ng said said the city needs to modernize.

Online voting is the way of the future."

Coun. Trevor Giertuga concurred.

"I am certainly prepared to look at it. Many people left the polls [Monday night] because of the wait."