The Town of Petawawa has decided to move forward with internet and telephone voting for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election. At a recent council meeting, the decision was made to exclusively use these alternative voting methods, which have been successfully used in past elections.
This shift to digital voting comes after a review of the current system, which showed significant benefits in terms of accessibility, accuracy, efficiency, and cost. Internet and telephone voting allow residents to cast their ballots remotely, making the process more convenient and inclusive, particularly for those with mobility or other accessibility challenges.
The council’s decision was guided by the goal of modernizing the voting process and improving voter participation. Internet and telephone voting offer a secure and reliable way for residents to vote from anywhere, without the need to visit polling stations.
Staff recommended this move after considering the high cost of paper ballots and the environmental impact associated with traditional voting methods. The switch to digital voting also eliminates the need for manual counting, reducing errors and speeding up the process.
With this change, the Town of Petawawa is setting the stage for a smoother, more accessible election process in 2026, paving the way for more efficient, eco-friendly, and convenient voting.
(Written by: Emma Butler)