A first for Brockton — Council has approved a plan to accept internet and telephone ballots for the upcoming municipal election.
By a vote of 4-3 — Brockton Council has approved the use of internet and telephone ballots for October’s municipal election.
Mayor Charlie Bagnato says he is is disappointed with the decision, citing voter security as his main concern.
He worries the electronic voting system could be vulnerable to cyberspace tampering and hackers.
Bagnato adds while e-voting may appeal to the younger generation, he doesn’t believe it sits well with many older residents.
Bagnato says he’s also shocked that Councillors would throw caution to the wind by going with the new system and he claims many members didn’t do their homework.
But Councillor David Inglis feels Council has studied the issue enough and points out they held a public meeting on the matter.
Council did compromise on the issue — and has agreed to hold 3 or 4 polling stations for those who want to cast a paper ballot.
Originally the e-voting system promised to save about 13 thousand dollars over the traditional method coming in just under 27 thousand dollars.
This figure will rise somewhat now that paper ballots will also be received.