The Town of Gibsons is looking at ways to change how it runs municipal elections and is now seeking public input as it moves the process forward.
At Tuesday's corporate services committee meeting, interim chief administrative officer Rick Beauchamp presented his report outlining new procedures for the upcoming municipal election. The new procedures up for consideration include automated voting, mail-in ballots, and designating specific areas for election signs.The committee discussed at length the advantages of using automated voting, the most significant being almost instantaneous election results upon the closing of the polls. Beauchamp also explained that while the Town could purchase the machine, leasing could serve as a viable option. The estimated cost of rental, including support, would be less than $1,500.Not only would this expedite election results, but would also provide financial savings for elections staff, as there would be no requirement for ballot counters, said Beauchamp.
Other changes include not having Town staff in charge of the election as a new chief elections officer (CEO) would be appointed.
Committee members said they were keen to make the switch to an automated voting procedure to ensure the community has a well-managed election with quick resultsMail-in ballot procedures were also examined, with specific regard to citizens with physical disabilities and illnesses as well as individuals who would be away during voting day. The matter of getting an early notice out to those who would vote by mail-in ballot was also put forward, stressing the importance of the mail-in ballot having to be received by the CEO no later than the close of the polls on election day. Beauchamp said the cost of purchasing special envelopes and postage for the mail-in ballots would be nominal and a great opportunity for those to exercise their franchise to vote, who otherwise couldn't due to no fault of their own.Designating specific areas of election signs was also discussed.
While applying only to public property, the committee made note that designated areas would have to be decided upon in detail. This would be done to ensure balance and fairness for electoral candidates concerned about strategic election sign placement. Currently, anyone posting electoral signage on public property must have the written authorization of the municipal clerk and pay $100 as a deposit to ensure the removal of signage seven days after election day.A Town staff error in ballot counting during the 2008 election lead to the release of incorrect results and a court challenge. The judge found the errors to be unintentional and deemed there was no need to hold another election.
Following the conclusion of the court challenge, Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk said council and staff would review all procedures to ensure the next election would run smoothly and efficiently.
"The last election mistakes will not happen again," said Janyk.
A provincial government task force was also started last year tasked with looking into how municipal elections are run throughout the province. Since both the Liberals and New Democrats are in the middle of leadership races, it is still unclear whether the provincial government will have any new procedures in place come November. But, Janyk noted at the Feb. 1 council meeting, that regardless of what the province does, Gibsons would be moving full steam ahead on its changes.
The Town plans to now solicit feedback from the public and want comments in by March 18. The Town hopes to have a new elections bylaw in place by the end of April or early May.
