Woodstock Approves Hybrid Voting for 2026

Friday, 17 January 2025 07:02

Woodstonians will be able to vote online or use the traditional paper ballot during the municipal election in 2026.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock City Council has approved the hybrid voting method for the 2026 municipal election.

This means voters will be able to cast their ballot online or using the traditional paper ballot.

A report from staff included the cost estimates for the traditional, online and hybrid methods last night. The hybrid was the most expensive at $292,650, followed by online voting at $204,500 and the traditional paper ballots at $157,300.

It also included a list of pros and cons for each method. The pros for hybrid voting included the potential for an increased voter turnout and the ability of still offer the familiar voting experience for those who want to vote on paper. The cons included the potential for cyber security risks, technical issues, and lack of trust from voters.

Four councillors voted in favour of the hybrid method last night while three voted against it. In a video posted on her Facebook page, Councillor Kate Leatherbarrow said she voted in favour alongside Councillor Liz Wismer-Van Meer, Councillor Bernia Martin, and Mayor Jerry Acchione.

"I think there are valid concerns out there about cyber security, system backups and there has to be more time to allow for voting. There is speculation on all sides of online voting options, but from my perspective only more municipalities in the province of Ontario have signed on for an online option, a telephone option or a mail-in ballot."

Councillor Deb Tait voted against the hybrid method for several reasons.

"I can not support online voting as noted by staff and in the report because there is no way to safeguard privacy and confidentiality. I had numerous discussions with experts in the process of elections and the ultimate responsibility is protecting the democracy of the vote. There are numerous cases of voter fraud over the past few years and in a British Columbia riding they have asked the RCMP to investigate in regards to mail-in voting this past week."

She adds online voting will not increase voter turnout, and the city has always done a great job trying to encourage Woodstonians to vote using other methods.

"Was also in the first report it does not increase voter turnout. We have a number of advance polling and a large number of polling stations. We also have polling stations taken directly to senior homes for those that can not get out. Staff has always done a great job to make sure of accessibility."