Councillors here have endorsed the clerk’s recommendations for a method to vote and for counting ballots in the coming 2010 municipal election.
The agreement included that a bylaw about the use of a vote-by-mail option and an optical scan tabulator be brought to council at a later date, upon the development of a final 2010 election budget and procedure.
Mayor David Anderson noted the election is Oct. 25.
The report stated, “Due to the increased voter turnout, the convenience, and accessibility of a vote by mail, staff is recommending the use of vote by mail in the 2010 municipal election.”
The report said in the past few elections, Minto and other municipalities have looked to alternative voting methods to increase voter turnout and to make it more flexible and accessible.
Mailed ballots was the alternative method used in Minto during the previous municipal election, and the town did experience a larger voter return with it.
The report cited benefits of that method include:
– increased voter turnout;
– ability to reach a broad spectrum of the electorate and provide a convenient and alternative means to cast a vote; and,
– provision of an accessible service to all residents.
However, that method is not without its pitfalls.
The report noted there was confusion in the last election and some voters placed their signed declaration form into the secrecy envelope containing the ballot. In addition, the address on the return envelopes was incorrect.
The report also cited recent concerns regarding the security of a vote by mail system.
Minto had used telephone voting in the past, and while it was easier to access, it too, presented challenges.
“Of significance was the jamming of phone lines with last minute voting.”
Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen asked if there was an costing for the tabulator.
“We do,” responded Clerk Marsha Paley. She said a proposal has come from Dominion Tabulators, which currently is for two tabulators. The question she wants to raise with the company is the need for two tabulators.
Using two, the cost is $11,000, but if it can be done with one, Paley anticipated the cost would drop substantially.
Dirksen asked if passing the motion meant accepting voting by mail and the tabulators.
“Not necessarily,” said Paley. “The idea is that it would be a vote by mail, and that it would still depend on the budget allotted for the election. If the tabulator is too expensive, then I will choose not to go with that tabulator.”
Dirksen was agreeable to the vote by mail, but is not completely sold on the idea of the tabulator. She wanted to ensure council “had not passed the point of no return on the tabulators.”
Paley said that once she has additional information from the company, it would be brought back to council.
She added that under the new requirements of the provincial government, the municipality must indicate how it will account for accessibility.
She said a vote by mail would be very helpful, as well as the tabulator.
Council carried the recommendation.
