REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: April 26, 2018 Report No. ADM-18-013
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Anja Nurvo, Director of Corporate Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Election Procedures Bylaw Update
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council give first, second and third readings to the “Election Procedures and Automated Vote Counting System Authorization Bylaw, 2018, No. 2928” as attached to Staff Report ADM-18-013.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Election Procedures and Automated Voting Machines Authorization Bylaw, 2005, No. 2617, as amended
Local Government Act
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This is relevant to Staff’s Operational Strategy for ongoing review and updating of Bylaws and Policies
BACKGROUND:
Following the local government election in 2014, Council directed staff to amend our current election bylaw to provide an additional special voting opportunity for Sunset Lodge Residents and to also provide for the use of the Provincial Voters’ List rather than using same day voter registration as had been provided for in the previous bylaw.
Attached is updated Bylaw, which incorporates these two changes.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The local governments must by Bylaw provide for the use of the Provincial Voters’ List in order to be provided access to the list by Elections BC. In addition, any additional advance or special voting opportunities, other than as provided in the Local Government Act, must be provided for in the Bylaw.
2. Organizational Implications
Additional staff time will be required in order to review, correct and maintain the Provincial Voters’ List, as well as to provide for the additional special voting opportunity.
3. Financial Implications
The 2018 Municipal Election Budget has been prepared to account for the additional staff time required relating to maintaining the Provincial Voters’ List and to provide for the special voting opportunity, as well as additional advertising and communications to inform our electors of these changes.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implication.
5. Communication & Engagement
Once adopted, a copy of the Bylaw will be posted to the Township’s website and staff will commence preparing and posting relevant information relating to the upcoming election on the 2018 Elections webpage.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council give first, second and third readings to the “Election Procedures and Automated Vote Counting System Authorization Bylaw, 2018, No. 2928” as attached to Staff Report ADM-18-013.
2. That Council direct amendments to the “Election Procedures and Automated Vote Counting System Authorization Bylaw, 2018, No. 2928” and give first, second and third readings to Bylaw 2928 as amended.