No paper ballots in Yarmouth, Argyle counties

YARMOUTH — All three municipalities in Yarmouth County are now providing residents with the convenience of e-voting for the Oct. 17 election.

The Municipality of Yarmouth is the newest to do so, for a variety of reasons.

Deputy Warden John Cunningham says the switch to e-voting (which also includes phone voting) was made by the municipality because the province decided, even with the COVID-19 pandemic, to move forward with municipal elections and not postpone them.

“With the ongoing COVID19 pandemic there is speculation of a spike or second wave of infections,” he said.

“There were major concerns that the polling stations could not be staffed properly or disinfected. Historically, a majority of seniors vote and they are the most at-risk. Mainly the switch was made to be able to hold the election while being able to vote in the safety of your home via land line, internet or cell.”

Cunningham adds that while most residents appreciate the convenience, he’s heard from at least a dozen residents in his district that say they don’t trust the system. His district includes Kemptville, Carleton, Canaan, Raynardton, Tusket Falls, Norwood, Brazil Lake, Lake Annis, Gavelton and Pleasant Valley.

He says fraud, security and stability of rural internet accessibility are major concerns. Although there are some who only want paper ballots, that will not be happening this election.

“I said in the council meeting that the new council could revisit the policy and reinstate paper ballots for 2024,” said Cunningham.

Alain Muise, CAO for the Municipality of Argyle, said e-voting will be conducted in Argyle this year as well.

“It will be entirely electronic, meaning phone and internet voting with no paper.”

Argyle has had two e-voting elections and one e-voting byelection.

In 2012, the Town of Yarmouth was one of the first municipalities in the province to commit to 100 per cent electronic and telephone balloting.