With municipal elections set to take place in November, the issue of mail-in ballots was discussed at the Sunshine Coast Regional District's (SCRD) corporate and administrative services committee meeting on May 26.
SCRD staff proposed a recommendation to prepare an amendment to the election procedures bylaw to accommodate mail ballot voting as well as posting nomination and financial disclosure documents on the Internet.
Although SCRD manager of legislative services Angie Legault said mail ballot voting would benefit those who suffer from disabilities or illness, those who live in remote areas, and those who may be away on voting day and advanced voting opportunities, many directors voiced concerns over individuals who may take advantage of the system.
Elphinstone director Lorne Lewis said he was absolutely opposed to mail-in ballots.
"I don't think you can guarantee that someone is thinking past the system," he said.
Other directors echoed Lewis's statement, but Pender Harbour director Eric Graham made a motion to include the mail-in ballot to promote voting.
"I think it's important to discuss this as we have lousy voter turnout. I think we're treading on democracy; we should make it as easy as possible for everyone to vote," Graham said.
West Howe Sound director Lee Turnbull said she would rather see funds go to pay for advanced polling.
"For me, it's one vote, one person," she added.
The committee passed the motion to disclose documents to the Internet, but opposed the motion to become early adopters of the mail-in ballot procedure.
Dakota Ridge
Under an agreement with Bear Hydro Limited Partnership, the SCRD has been provided with a $20,000 payment for Dakota Ridge funding. A second payment of $100,000 is due upon achievement of the commercial operation date and is expected in December.
SCRD staff requested direction from the committee on how to allocate the funds and suggested a policy, by resolution, be set for all funds received under an independent power project and the funds be allocated to the parks acquisition reserve.
Committee members were keen on the suggestion and after some discussion, Lewis made a motion for the funding to go toward capital improvements to Dakota Ridge. The committee passed the motion, which comes after recent talk of upgrades needed at the facility, particularly to the road and parking lot.
