Brock approves new voting methods for the 2026 Municipal Election

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

BROCK: Councillors in Brock Township recently voted to move forward with a more modern approach to voting, for the 2026 municipal election, after council approved a slate of alternative voting methods, at its Monday, April 14th meeting.

A report from, Deputy CAO and Municipal Clerk, Fernando Lamanna recommended the introduction of internet voting, as the primary method of casting ballots, while also offering paper “ballot-on-demand” and telephone voting as additional options. The report aimed to strike a balance between modernization and accessibility for Brock voters.

“Internet voting delivers a convenient solution [which] integrates well into people’s increasingly online lifestyles,” said Mr. Lamanna, during the meeting. “But we also recognize, not everyone is comfortable with online tools, especially in rural areas and among seniors.”

The report noted, internet voting is growing rapidly across Ontario. In 2022, 217 municipalities used online voting, and satisfaction among municipal staff has increased significantly, since 2018. However, Mr. Lamanna also pointed to growing concerns around telephone voting, including the length of time it takes to navigate an audio ballot and difficulties auditing results, in the event of a recount. Despite this, telephone voting will be included, if a provider can be secured.

“Some vendors have indicated they’re stepping away from telephone voting, due to low demand,” Mr. Lamanna cautioned. “But we’re keeping the option on the table for now, depending on availability.”

Councillors debated the options before voting on the recommendation, with accessibility and inclusivity taking centre stage.

“Where we are, in a rural area, with a lot of seniors, not everyone has internet access,” said Councillor Peter Frank. “We could be leaving a lot of people out if they didn’t have the option of the telephone.”

Councillor Lynn Campbell also emphasized the importance of offering multiple methods of voting.

“The more options people have to cast their vote, the more likely they are to vote and that’s what we want,” she said.

Ballot-on-demand, another addition to the 2026 election, will allow voters to request a paper ballot in-person, at a Voting Assistance Centre, where it will be printed on-site and submitted manually. This approach addresses concerns from residents who still prefer a traditional voting experience and avoids the logistical challenges of mailing paper ballots to all electors.

Council approved the recommendation, in a recorded vote, with only Councillor Claire Doble and Mayor Walter Schummer voting against it.

The newly approved Township By-law will authorize the use of internet and telephone voting, along with optical scan tabulators to count paper ballots, cast via ballot-on-demand.

Planning for the 2026 election is already underway, and Township staff will now turn their focus to communications and public education, ensuring Brock voters understand the new voting options, well in advance of election day.