Scugog Approves Hybrid Voting Methods for 2026 Municipal Election

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Township voters will have the option to cast their ballots either online or in person, using vote tabulators during the 2026 municipal election. The decision came after the General Purpose and Administration Committee received a detailed report from Blair Labelle, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, at its meeting on Monday, June 2nd.

Moved by Councillor David LeRoy and seconded by Regional Councillor Ian McDougall, the committee recommended Council approve the use of both vote tabulators and internet voting. A by-law will be brought forward for formal approval.

“As we continue to modernize our election process, it’s important to balance accessibility, efficiency, and voter confidence,” said Mr. Labelle. “This hybrid approach provides voters with more options, while maintaining the integrity and security of the process.”

The report reviewed the Township’s previous use of vote-by-mail, which had been standard between 2000 and 2018, and outlined the limitations of that method, such as rising postal costs, delivery delays, and a lack of ballot control. It also addressed the performance of the 2022 model which combined internet voting and vote tabulators but encountered system slowdowns on election day.

“While there were challenges in 2022 with internet voting, particularly [with] delays, due to high traffic volumes, we are confident by working with a new service provider with a strong track record, these issues can be avoided,” Mr. Labelle told the Committee.

The report noted the Dominion Voting Systems, the previous provider which has since discontinued its internet voting service. Staff have already begun informal consultations with other vendors and other municipalities, to identify a more reliable provider.

Committee members posed several questions, during the meeting, including inquiries about the various ballot types and why the Township might require up to 20 different ballot faces. Mr. Labelle explained, each school board and ward combination may necessitate a distinct ballot, particularly in a municipality with split jurisdictions like Scugog.

“Having multiple ballot faces is about ensuring every elector sees only the races they are eligible to vote in,” he said. “A ballot-on-demand solution would help reduce the cost and complexity of printing these in advance.”

The report also addressed new improvements to the voters’ list. As of 2024, Elections Ontario has assumed responsibility for the Preliminary List of Electors which was previously managed by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Mr. Labelle noted, the transition could improve list accuracy through enhanced data-sharing and more frequent updates.

The hybrid model will include in-person advance voting, at multiple locations throughout the Township, equipped with both paper ballots and standalone internet voting terminals. Staff are also considering an extended advance voting period, to improve accessibility and turnout.

“This approach reflects best practices across Ontario,” Mr. Labelle concluded. “It allows us to offer flexibility and convenience to our voters, while upholding the core principles of election fairness, accessibility, and transparency.”

The cost of administering the 2026 election, including tabulator leases and the internet voting system, is expected to remain within the approved election budget of approximately $130,000.