Voting in Sarnia's 2022 municipal election will be done strictly online.
City council voted to get rid of paper ballots Monday, ignoring a recommendation from its election committee to approve a hybrid approach that would include both paper ballots and internet voting.
Councillor Terry Burrell said he can't justify the additional cost.
"The cost of the whole election in 2018 was $260,000 and now they're asking if we take the hybrid system, it's up to $608,000...well that's just stunning that increase," said Burrell.
Councillor Burrell felt if residents knew it would cost three times as much to have paper ballots again, that would have influenced their decision.
"That should be the bar itself, it has to be within the reasonable cost, and that doesn't seem to be within these recommendations, so I would prefer we just do what was done last time and they're (staff) saying that would maybe cost, at most, maybe another 10 per cent, but not triple the cost."
Councillor Nathan Colquhoun called the technology used for paper ballots a "dumber computer" compared to what residents use for online voting.
"I would rather us just stick to the online voting, because it worked, and not just do this for the sense of optics, just to use outdated technology just so people can feel better about using paper," said Colquhoun.
Councillor Brian White felt the decision was appropriate given the current climate with COVID-19 protocols.
"I don't think we'll be free and clear in a matter of months, and I think it's important for staff to know the framework with which they have to work," said White.
He also reminded the public that staff provided locations and assistance for those without access to technology to vote in 2018.
The decision to do away with the traditional paper method and go with telephone and internet voting was very controversial leading up to the last election.
Many seniors expressed concerns over security, confidentiality and access to technology.
Councillor Margaret Bird felt Monday's decision ignored the public's wishes.
"Regardless of what I think is the best method, we asked the electorate what they would want to do," said Bird. "We've had several surveys and things to cover this, and the electorate has decided that they want a hybrid voting method."
Councillors Bill Dennis, George Vandenburg and Mayor Mike Bradley also voted against council's decision to do away with paper ballots.
Telephone voting was eliminated unanimously.
Council also decided there will be no council meetings after Labour Day during election campaigns, except in the event of an emergency.
