It seems very unlikely, but Timmins city council is mulling over a change to how people vote in municipal elections.

City Clerk Steph Palmateer presented a report on ranked balloting, which would require residents to rank in order who they would want in a seat.

A candidate would have to get at least 50% (+1) of the vote in order to be elected.  Anything less would require a redistribution of votes from the last place option.

CLICK HERE to read Palmateer’s presentation, complete with video links explaining what ranked balloting is.

The suggestion from Palmateer is to keep the system for 2018, but monitor any ranked ballot elections around Ontario and give a report to the new council to see if it would be worth the switch in 2022.

Those around the table aren’t in full agreement with the system in general.

“We have a tough enough time getting 50% of the voters out to vote,” said Councillor Mike Doody, “This system, to try and explain it to average voters that are out there, I think we’ll be lucky if we could get 30% out to vote.”

“It’s confusing to say the least,” said Councillor Pat Bamford.

Others, like Councillor Rick Dubeau, questioned why this was on the agenda.  He says this isn’t a priority for them when compared to other council items.

He tried deferring it but it was defeated by a 5-3 vote.

Council has a deadline of May 1st on what they want to do.

Filed under: Local News