Newmarket conducting electoral reform survey
Provide your opinion on Internet voting and ranked ballots

YorkRegion.com
Nov. 25, 2016
Chris Simon

Share your opinion on Internet voting and ranked ballots with Town of Newmarket staff.

The municipality is seeking input on electoral reform plans and residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey on the matter. This survey is also being conducted randomly via telephone.

Internet voting allows electors to vote from anywhere, as long as they have online access. Electors will be able to cast their ballot on a computer or electronic device, such as a tablet or smartphone.

Under a ranked ballot system, voters would mark their first, second and subsequent choices. If a candidate does not receive more than 50 per cent of the vote, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and the second choice on those ballots is redistributed. That continues until one candidate emerges victorious with a majority vote.

The current voting system, also called “first-past-the-post”, allows the candidate with the greatest number of votes to win, even if they do not receive a majority of the ballots cast.

Results will be compiled and presented in an upcoming report to town council. Changes could be put in place in time for the 2018 municipal election, according to town staff.

“I strongly advise all Newmarket residents who are eligible to vote in the 2018 municipal election to fill out this survey and express how they would like to participate in the democratic process,” Mayor Tony Van Bynen said. “Depending on the results, residents may or may not see a change in how our next election is conducted.”

For more information on Internet voting and ranked ballots, or to fill out our survey, visit newmarket.ca/municipalelections or call the town at 905-895-5193.