HALDIMAND—Haldimand will once again use internet voting and vote tabulators as part of their effort to make participation in the 2026 municipal election as accessible as possible.
A recent staff report notes that internet voting was successfully utilized in the 2022 election and the three subsequent byelections.
Ward 1 Councillor Debera McKeen asked if any information is available on metrics or demographics related to internet voting. While County Clerk Chad Curtis did not have the requested metrics available on-hand, the County does receive stats through ‘Voter View’, a program which helps to manage online voter lists.
“We do get some metrics on who’s utilizing internet voting, the age groups, what ward they may be living, etc.,” said Curtis. “Internet voting is the most accessible type of voting. As long as you have an internet connection anywhere in the world you can vote.”
McKeen noted that people who live in rural areas, like herself, may not yet have access to reliable internet.
Curtis said, “We didn’t really hear much feedback in terms of people not being able to vote online. Overall, we heard lots of good things from members of the public about their ability to vote online, just how easy it was to them and accessible.”
“We’re proposing a hybrid model here. If individuals would like to vote in public or go to their traditional voting location to fill out a paper ballot, that option is available,” he added. “We’re just trying to provide as many options and be as accessible as possible.”
He noted that the Municipal Elections Act requires all municipalities to complete an accessibility report prior to the election.
Haldimand’s Accessibility Advisory Committee will work on using feedback from previous elections to expand accessibility options, especially at physical sites with limited access due to parking or building amenities.
Staff will bring a set of bylaws for Council to vote on regarding the alternative methods at a future meeting.
