Canada proposes for e-voting test

The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Marc Mayrand, said he will be seeking approval to test internet voting in a federal by-election held after 2013.

He regarded internet voting as a complementary and convenient way to cast a ballot. In the May elections report, released Wednesday, Mayrand writes about his plan to test e-voting and encourages parliamentarians to update the Elections Act.

The report suggested the Elections Canada Act should be revised to incorporate the impact modern communication tools such as Facebook and Twitter have on the election.

“The growing use of social media puts in question not only the practical enforceability of the rule, but also its very intelligibility and usefulness in a world where the distinction between private communication and public transmission is quickly eroding,” the report said.

Mayrand said Canadians live in a world replete with e-services and increasingly expect a range of options that provide them with more flexibility and accommodate their busy schedules. About 62 per cent of Canadians voted in the last federal election. According to the report three factors stop electors from voting—apathy, inconvenience and administrative barriers.

The report likewise suggests government to also look at online nominations, including electronic signatures, mobile advance polls for rural and remote areas, and making poll staffing and tasks more flexible. Elections Canada is the independent, non-partisan agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums.

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