On Council agenda for March 21 there is a staff report recommending the methods for voting in the 2026 municipal and school board elections. As reviewed in the report the Township clerk, who is responsible for conducting the election, is recommending that the  voting methods offered for the last several municipal elections, such as paper ballot with tabulator be continued, but in addition that there be an option for Internet voting. For reasons identified in the report I am very supportive of offering Internet voting. Having said that I am concerned that we do not know the budget requirements for Internet voting.  Therefore there needs to be confirmation that a staff report, with a funding plan, will come back to council once the procurement process is completed; and that we have the option of withdrawing from the joint procurement process underway. The report includes an attachment providing a comparison of election methodology in the York Region municipalities.

As always deputations can be made. To do so please register at clerks@king.ca by noon on  March 17 or If you prefer you can e-mail your comments to clerks@king.ca and they will be distributed to Council members and appropriate staff.