When it came to choosing the new premier of B.C., the online vote was a quick and easy process, so why not try the same technology for local elections and maybe boost the number of people who participate in democracy?
Maple Ridge council wants that considered, if only it could convince the provincial government to lead the way.
Coun. Michael Morden said it was important to increase participation and pointed out Monday that he voted online in the Liberal leadership election.
Coun. Al Hogarth did likewise and said if it worked for a leadership contest, then maybe the government would consider it for elections.
It’s worth considering, said fellow Liberal Coun. Cheryl Ashlie, who also voted for one of the Liberal candidates but didn’t want to say which one.
She got her husband and two kids to participate, as well, but pointed out that her daughter didn’t get a PIN soon enough, so wasn’t able to vote.
But the strong participation in the leadership convention from within the Liberal party makes it worth considering. “It was amazing that many people turned out.”
“Everything that I’m seeing now lends to more participation from this technology.”
Coun. Judy Dueck and Mayor Ernie Daykin complete the five B.C. Liberals on Maple Ridge council.
“It seemed to work fine. It took about 30 seconds,” said Dueck, who supported Christy Clark in her successful campaign.
Maybe the government will be a little more keen to consider electronic voting for municipal elections after seeing how well it worked for the leadership campaign, she added.
“It actually worked quite well,” Mayor Ernie Daykin added later. He backed George Abbott for premier, although his second choice was Clark.
Under the electronic system, Liberal members had to mark their first and second choices, but also could have ranked all candidates in priority.
“If it helps voter turnout, that’s the key thing.”
Coun. Craig Speirs, who’s running for the federal NDP in the next election, will also be voting electronically when comes to choosing his party’s new B.C. leader on April 17. Then both sides of the house will have experience in electronic voting, he pointed out.
Council will send a letter to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association, supporting other municipalities that are calling for electronic voting.
Ceri Marlo, Maple Ridge’s legislative services manager, said the provincial government has shown no interest in considering electronic voting at least until 2014. It’s currently preparing the legal framework for such a system, she added later.