The City of Sarnia wants to know which voting method the majority of residents prefer in the next municipal election in fall 2022.
Deputy City Clerk Amy Burkhart said on behalf of the election committee, they're surveying residents about paper ballots at polling stations, e-voting and mail-in ballots.
"After the 2018 municipal election, we heard from the public and their interest in participating in determining the voting method to be used," said Burkhart.
The decision to do away with the traditional paper method, and go with telephone and internet voting, was controversial two years ago.
Many seniors expressed concerns over security, confidentiality and access to technology.
Burkhart said the survey also covers those concerns.
"The survey is open until October 19. Once closed, the results will be provided to the municipal election committee. They'll be reviewing the feedback received and they'll be using that information to formulate their final recommendations to council that relate to voting method and standards to be employed for the next municipal election."
The decision ultimately rests with council, which will be asked to pass a bylaw outlining how residents will vote by May 1, 2021.
The survey can be found here.
A virtual public meeting is also planned for October 26, at 10:30 a.m.