During the last Russell Special Council meeting, Council voted to introduce a voting method to supply an Internet and Telephone Voting System for the 2024 Municipal By-Election.
Earlier this year, Council planned to update the voting system for the supplier of the Internet and Telephone Voting System from Intelivote Systems Inc that was used in the 2022 election. According to Council, the request for proposals process would have been impossible due to the short timeline to conduct a by-election.
The election will still be available for residents to have access to the Internet and Telephone Voting System.
Although there is no money budgeted for a by-election in 2024, the election reserve balance as of December 31, 2023, is $16,306.56. An accumulation for the 2026 elections.
In the 2024 budget, Council plans to add the amount of $15,750 to the election reserve for a total of $32,056.56.
At $2.70 per elector ($1.25 evote service, plus $1.45 Voter instruction letter production and postage), the cost of the Internet and Telephone Voting System is estimated to be $44,776.80 plus taxes. The calculation is based on the registered 16,584 eligible and enumerated electors in the Elections Ontario Portal.
This fee includes two rate increases from Canada Post this year. Part of the expense will be covered by the election reserve.
The cost for the voter list management services agreement with Data Fix for the by-election is $5,500 plus taxes and for the anticipated 2024 municipal by-election budget is $50,300.
Additional election costs such as staff time, advertising and incidentals will also need to be added to this anticipated amount.
Residents of the Township of Russell have until Friday, August 16, by 2:00 p.m. to register as a candidate. To submit a name as a candidate, resident must file a Nomination Form (Form 1), the nomination fee, and an Endorsement of Nomination Form (Form 2) to the Municipal Clerk. For more information, visit the Township of Russell website under Candidate Information.
The last day of August will be the first day candidates will be able to post election campaign signs. Election Day is September 30. The new Councillor will commence their new term on October 15, until November 14, 2026.
