Greater Sudbury mayoral candidate Cody Cacciotti zeroes in on what he calls the “municipal election electronic voting fiasco” in a news release issued in the final days of the election.
He says that the “needs of seniors are not being met” during this election, which is the first in the city's history to go fully electronic.
“I have heard from several of them that they are not voting,” Cacciotti said.
“Many of them have not received their voter cards or that their PIN or ID does not work. Many of these individuals have limited mobility, or are homebound and now have to leave their homes to have the issue rectified.”
He said if he's elected mayor, he'll ensure council reinstates polling stations with paper ballots as well as electronic voting in the next election.
“The blending of the two systems will ensure that citizens have access to vote whichever way suits their needs,” Cacciotti said.
Full news release below:
I am very concerned regarding several key issues that are apparent during the municipal election electronic voting fiasco.
The needs of seniors are not being met and the democratic process could be influenced by candidates. The move to sole electronic voting by the city did not take into consideration the needs of our seniors, the very people who worked hard to build this city.
I have heard from several of them that they are not voting. Many of them have not received their voter cards or that their PIN or ID does not work. Many of these individuals have limited mobility, or are homebound and now have to leave their homes to have the issue rectified.
The very issues that the electronic voting was trying to avoid has caused frustration and could result in low voting numbers. Again, this was the sole intent of this new process. It leaves many unanswered questions as well as many citizens truly upset by the process.
If elected Mayor I will ensure that the voice of our citizens is heard by ensuring that council uphold the democratic rights of individuals by reinstating polling stations with paper ballots as well as electronic voting. The blending of the two systems will ensure that citizens have access to vote whichever way suits their needs.
I understand that the city saved money with this new system, however you cannot put a price on this fundamental democratic process. The city should be tasked to find the money to run an election properly.
For more information about Cacciotti's campaign, visit his Sudbury.com election page.
