Toronto is working on a system to let people with disabilities vote over the Internet, but members of the disabled community are urging the city to provide that option to all eligible voters. “There’s no reason to create a system just for people with disabilities,” said John Rae, a board member of ARCH Disability Law Centre. “If we’re going to start Internet voting, it should be available to all citizens,” said Rae, who is blind. … While increasing participation is a worthy goal, Councillor David Shiner said he’s concerned about voter fraud. “The concern with Internet voting is knowing who’s really on the other end,” said Shiner. “I’m really concerned about abuses.” Shiner doesn’t think traditional voting at a polling place isn’t that onerous since it’s usually only a short walk. “Making a small effort to get out to a polling station isn’t too much to ask,” said Shiner, chair of council’s government management committee.
The fact some non-disabled people may use the Internet to vote isn’t a huge concern, said Councillor Adam Vaughan, chair of the disability issues committee.
“If 300 people without disabilities vote over the Internet and that’s the biggest problem we have, who cares?” Vaughan said. “They’re legally entitled to vote, they don’t have a disability but they cast their ballot through the Internet. So what? What’s the problem?”
Councillor Paul Ainslie said he sees Internet voting for disabled as a pilot project leading eventually to Internet voting for all.
Full Article: Toronto studies internet voting | Metro.