Long lineups at ballot machines and too few voting stations during last October’s municipal election are sparking changes from the City of Red Deer’s returning officer.
Elaine Vincent, manager of Legislative and Governance Services, compiled a 56-page report on how the process could be improved before the next election in 2013.
The 2010 General Election Overview revealed problems with the scanning technology used for the first time.
It counted the votes on each ballot, plus scanned and retained a digital copy of each ballot counted.
This process added several seconds to each ballot being turned in, which at peak times created long lineups and impatient voters.
City council agreed on Monday to have the Legislative and Governance Services Department compare this technology with what was used in 2007, when ballots were not scanned.
Having more than one machine at a voting station will also be explored.
The city will also look at adding more polling stations at private facilities, particularly when some new neighbourhoods don’t have schools, churches or community buildings.
Some congestion occurred at polling stations in October because there was only one station in a neighbourhood and people from surrounding areas were diverted to there.
Several councillors suggested they would like to see fewer election sign locations.
“I speak strongly in favour of reducing election sites,” said Councillor Lynne Mulder. “I don’t think we need 34.”
Councillor Frank Wong said he had to make 25 more signs “just to keep up” with all the sign locations.
Administration will review existing sign locations and bring back recommendations.
An alternate location for advance voting will also be sought after a number of seniors and those with mobility issues didn’t like using the long wheelchair ramp at the Recreation Centre. The walking distance from the parking lot to the polling station inside was also a burden.
Councillor Dianne Wyntjes suggested having advance polls at public facilities like shopping malls because that could encourage voter turnout.
Deputy city clerk and deputy returning officer Frieda McDougall said that idea would be investigated.
Council also agreed with the recommendation that voter identification should not be introduced in 2013.
Twenty-five municipalities that use voter ID indicated in a follow-up meeting that it does nothing to add to voter security. The deterrent is that electors without ID would be turned away.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com