Town council approved an election bylaw that authorizes the town to use electronic voting machinery during the municipal election in October.
The Local Authorities Elections Act allows an elected authority to establish by bylaw a method to accept votes using an automated voting machine. Council carried three readings of such a bylaw, as well as a motion to hold three readings in one meeting, during its regular meeting on May 13.
It means the town will use an electronic voting system once again in 2013. The Town of Innisfail used electronic voting machinery for the first time during the 2010 municipal election. The town wants to use the machinery again based on positive feedback and the time savings it provides.
“The electronic voting system works excellent,” said town manager Helen Dietz.
The electronic voting machinery means a manual count won't have to be performed. The only need for a manual vote will be for special ballots. Special ballots are used by voters who cannot make it to advance or regular polls because of a physical incapacity, because they will be absent from the jurisdiction or for election officials, such as a returning officer who may be at a voting station other than at their place of residence.
With the electronic voting machinery, results can be calculated within about 10 minutes after the election. The town figures a manual count of special ballots will take about five or 10 minutes.
This municipal election will be the first time the town has used special ballots. However, council decided to delay a decision for special ballot procedures last week, directing administration to bring back more information.
But council did approve its venue for voting and advance poll dates and times.
This year's municipal election takes place on Oct. 21. Votes will be taken in the Community Room at the Library Learning Centre. Advance polls will be held on Oct. 4, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19.
