Get ready to go to the polls Vote by Mail defeated
by Michelle Minnoch

Although council voted in favour of Vote By Mail on January 4th for the upcoming municipal election, the recommendation to bring in the equipment needed for Vote By Mail tabulation was defeated Wednesday night.

"I don't understand this quite frankly," remarked Mayor Brian Jackson. "Vote By Mail was adopted by council."

The recommendation was for the firm, Data Fix, to be contacted to provide the services to the town, and Dominion Voting Systems provide the voting scanning devices.

The vote resulted in a tie, which results in a defeated recommendation.

"I know you need the equipment, but I can't vote for something I'm against," remarked Councillor Joe Belesky.

Town CAO Larry Allison said the timeframe to reconsider the issue had passed.

"We have no alternative choice at this point in time," he said in reference to the timeframe.

"We've passed the principles stage," said Mayor Jackson. "This is a backwards step for council."

Town Clerk Paul Landry said he would have to cancel the equipment and hire people to man the polling stations. Councillor Lynn Dollin asked Landry if this would result in a cost savings or deficit.

"We increased the budget because of Vote By Mail," he said, "with hiring a workforce, I would be second guessing."

The Municipal Elections Act states the council of a municipality must pass a by-law to authorize the use of the vote counting equipment. Thirty days before election day, the Clerk must establish voting procedures.

After approval of Vote By Mail in January, the town has met with suppliers, reviewed presentations and quotes on the equipment needed for Vote By Mail. According to the staff report, 26,369 names are on the town's preliminary list of eligible electors.

Mayor Jackson and Councillor's Wauchope, VanBerkel and Pring voted in favour of Vote By Mail; Deputy Mayor Baguley and Councillor's Dollin, Wardlaw and Belesky voted against. Councillor Bridge was absent for the vote.