Sarnia council is being asked to reconsider its decision to only have online voting in the 2022 municipal election.
Council decided to get rid of paper ballots during its February 8th meeting after hearing a proposed hybrid approach would cost an estimated $600,000.
In a letter to council, resident Wendy Marsden asked why paper ballots would be eliminated "if the cost could have been substantially reduced, by reducing the number of polling stations."
She believes a gradual transition would have a better result.
Mayor Mike Bradley isn't surprised by the feedback.
"I think it's an issue people can relate to, it's a fundamental right to vote and it's my view to have the most opportunities to vote, whether it be by Internet, or by paper ballot," said Bradley. "It is an issue that's emotional for people when you think of all the people that have sacrificed their lives in Canada over the years to have that fundamental right to vote."
Bradley thinks council may endorse the reconsideration.
"If that passes, my advice to council would be to then, at the next meeting after, to have the debate and discussion on moving forward and that also would allow proper public input."
Bradley believes one councillor who did not support paper ballots during the last meeting, will vote for them the next time, providing a majority.
He reiterated previous comments that it's worth the cost.
"If you look at the amount of money involved in a budget of our size, it is a small price to pay for what I consider fundamental democracy. Giving people as many opportunities to vote in different ways."
Council will consider the request during its virtual meeting Monday at 10 a.m.
