While residents in Ottawa are currently engaged in the municipal election process through traditional voting methods, neighboring communities are increasingly adopting online voting as an alternative. Cornwall, Ont., for instance, is offering voters the option to cast their ballots either in person or online for the first time this year. This initiative aims to enhance voter turnout, especially among youth and seniors, following a low turnout of 28% in the previous municipal election.
Denise Labelle-Gelinas, the city’s elections lead, emphasized the convenience of online voting, stating that individuals can vote from anywhere globally with their PIN number, date of birth, and a Wi-Fi connection. The introduction of online voting in Cornwall has already seen over 1,300 votes processed within the initial five days.
To address potential security concerns, Labelle-Gelinas highlighted that the city can monitor the IP addresses of users accessing the voting portal and deactivate personal identification numbers to prevent fraudulent activities. She emphasized the necessity for the PIN number to match the individual’s date of birth for access to the system.
Various eastern Ontario communities, including Belleville, Brockville, Carleton Place, Clarence-Rockland, Pembroke, and Renfrew, have also embraced internet voting. In Kingston, Ont., online voting has been available since 2014 to improve accessibility, as confirmed by city clerk Janet Jaynes. Jaynes noted that the presence of both online and paper ballots has transformed the electoral landscape, with an increasing number of voters opting for online voting over in-person methods.
Despite the security measures in place, the City of Ottawa has no immediate plans to introduce online voting. Ottawa has traditionally relied on in-person voting, with a mail-in option introduced in 2022. City staff advised against implementing online voting for the 2026 election due to Ottawa’s size compared to neighboring municipalities. The lack of provincial standards for certifying online voting systems, conducting audits, and verifying results remains a key concern, as it limits the ability to recount ballots or validate voter lists.