Sarnia will maintain the existing first-past-the-post election model, but plans to authorize the use of internet and telephone voting for the next municipal election in 2018.
"I like the idea of increased accessibility for people who are less mobile than others," says Councillor Bev MacDougall. "People with disabilities can use their own home equipment and vote in the comfort of their homes."
MacDougall says people are now stuck to technology, whether you like it or not.
"It's an accepted way of doing business. It's embraced, particularly by younger people, I get that. That's fine. But if we're after engagement, there's a whole lot of good reasons to move on this now," she says.
The provincial government passed legislation this past June enabling municipalities to conduct elections using a ranked ballot. However, no Canadian municipalities have jumped on board.
Acting City Clerk Dianne Gould-Brown believes the ranked ballot system would be confusing to the electorate and would lead to increased costs and further complication in determining the results of the election.
Municipalities have been voting online or by phone since 2013. Gould-Brown says that method has been received positively by administrators, candidates and electors.
Sarnia council has authorized the city's participation in a joint request with the County of Lambton for proposals for internet and telephone service providers.
Results are expected in early 2017.
