Norfolk County Council is set to debate a staff recommendation that could revolutionize the way local residents vote in the 2026 municipal election.
A detailed report from the office of the Chief Administrative Officer will be presented during today’s Council meeting, laying out the case for adopting internet voting as the sole method of casting ballots in the next municipal election.
The report provides an in-depth comparison of the most commonly used voting methods across Ontario municipalities—traditional paper ballots, vote-by-mail systems, and online voting—along with an analysis of their strengths and drawbacks.
The goal is to secure Council’s approval to move forward with internet voting and begin the necessary preparations well ahead of the legislative deadline of May 1, 2026.
Internet Voting the Top Choice for 2026
According to the report, Norfolk County’s Municipal Clerk has ranked the voting methods in order of preference:
100% Internet Voting
Vote by Mail with Tabulators
Traditional Paper Ballots with Tabulators
Staff argue that using only one voting method will streamline the election process, reduce costs, and prevent the operational burden of running multiple systems simultaneously.
“This hybrid approach of offering multiple voting methods may seem more inclusive at first glance,” the report notes, “but it actually increases the workload for election staff and significantly adds to overall costs.”
Instead, staff are urging Council to approve a plan that would fully transition to internet voting, backed by strong cybersecurity, accessibility provisions, and a comprehensive voter education campaign.
Addressing Security and Accessibility
To address concerns often raised about online voting—such as data breaches, voter fraud, and disenfranchisement of certain populations—the staff report outlines a robust strategy:
Cybersecurity: Mandatory vendor compliance with ISO 27001 standards, encryption for all data transmissions, multi-factor authentication for voters and election staff, and continuous threat monitoring during the election period.
Vendor Accountability: Only vendors with proven experience in secure election platforms will be considered. All contracts will include provisions for regular audits and strict data privacy compliance.
Accessibility Measures: On-site voting kiosks in areas with limited internet access will ensure that every voter has a fair opportunity to cast a ballot. Offline contingency options will also be in place in the event of technological failure.
A Privacy Impact Assessment and public education campaign are also planned ahead of the 2026 vote, with a focus on helping residents understand how internet voting works and how their privacy and vote integrity will be maintained.
Comparing the Options
The report offers a detailed breakdown of the three voting methods:
Traditional Paper Ballots with Tabulators:
Pros: Familiar to voters, secure, immediate support available at polling stations.
Cons: Long lines, limited accessibility, high costs due to materials and staffing, difficulty finding enough trained poll workers.
Vote by Mail with Tabulators:
Pros: Convenient for those unable to attend in person, familiar to past voters.
Cons: Relies on Canada Post, risk of delayed ballots, potential for ballot tampering, limited accessibility for people needing assistance.
Internet Voting:
Pros: Convenient, accessible for voters with disabilities, independent voting from any location, reduces paper use and manual processing.
Cons: Dependent on internet access, raises cybersecurity concerns that must be proactively managed.
The report concludes by emphasizing that online voting is not just a modern convenience—it could improve voter turnout, especially among younger residents, seasonal workers, and those with limited mobility.
If Council approves the recommendation, Norfolk could become one of the first municipalities in Ontario to fully embrace a 100% digital municipal election—a move that could set a precedent for others across the province.