By Rosalind Russell – A Sables-Spanish Rivers resident is asking his fellow constituents in Sables-Spanish Rivers to consider signing a petition asking the council to consider a non-Internet voting option for the upcoming municipal election in October.
John Ewen says the move is not against online voting, but his concern is that voting online should not be the only method available to voters.
Council made the decision earlier in the year that they would be using electronic voting in this year’s election.
Ewen says there are elderly and other residents in the township who do not use the Internet.
He also acknowledges the township is making computers and assistance available, but he also wants a traditional ballot available for those who prefer that method, which is the focus of the petition.
Copies are circulating throughout the township, and he asks for them to be returned by September 15 to allow him time to present it to council.
For more details, visit our website.
Please return original copies to John Ewen, PO Box 23, Massey, Ontario P0P 1P0
PETITION FOR A NON-INTERNET VOTING OPTION
2026 Municipal Election – Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers
To the Council and Municipal Clerk: We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the Township provide electors with a paper ballot or other reasonable non-internet method of voting in addition to Internet Voting.
We recognize that internet-connected equipment and assistance are being made available. However, access to a computer is not the same as providing a non-internet method of voting. Elderly residents have stated that they do not use the internet and feel unable to vote under an Internet-only system.
Our municipality also includes Mennonite residents and others who may limit or avoid internet technology for religious, cultural, technological, accessibility, privacy or personal reasons.
We are not asking the Township to eliminate Internet Voting.
We ask that electors who cannot reasonably participate through Internet Voting be provided a meaningful non-internet alternative, preferably a traditional paper ballot.
Internet voting can be an option without being the only option. Every eligible elector deserves a practical way to vote.
Photo: unsplash.com
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