After much debate yet again, Airdrie city council decided to forge ahead with Internet voting as an option in the upcoming municipal election, pending ministerial approval. The hot topic was brought forth to council once more on Monday night in wake of news that both Edmonton and St. Albert city councils had chosen to no longer pursue this alternative voting method at meetings in early February. A representative from Scytl, the company providing the service, was on hand to answer questions from councillors, which helped clarify questions that have been continually raised. Most of those regarded the safety of Internet voting, voter fraud and multiple votes, in addition to questions about why the other two municipalities had decided to not move forward with the process.
According to Mark Pivon from Scytl, Edmonton and St. Albert decided based their decisions on “emotional reasons” and “erroneous information on the Internet,” as well as the cost after one municipality dropped out. Council was reassured the cost for Airdrie would remain as originally quoted at $29,000.
… Ultimately, council approved the motion to offer Internet voting as an alternative voting method, subject to provincial ministerial approval of the process. Council also decided to send a letter to the ministry outlining their concerns, and for them to be considered during deliberations.
Full Article: Airdrie to forge ahead with Internet voting | Local | News | Airdrie Echo.