The B.C. government has officially requested that the chief electoral officer convene an independent panel to examine the potential for using Internet voting in British Columbia.

A letter has been sent to British Columbia's chief electoral officer Keith Archer from Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond, requesting that the chief electoral officer appoint an independent panel to review the best practices for Internet voting from other jurisdictions - in both local and provincial contexts - and identify any possible technological or logistical barriers.

The independent panel review will help to start a broader conversation about modernizing B.C.'s electoral process, something Premier Christy Clark pledged when she became premier of the province. Internet voting is a topic of interest for many British Columbians, as well as a number of B.C. municipalities. The B.C. government is committed to examining all necessary questions and concerns regarding security, safety, privacy and anonymity before considering implementation.

Quotes:

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"Our province is widely recognized as being technologically progressive and a leader in open government initiatives. If the independent panel determines we can maintain the utmost electoral integrity, I'm optimistic Internet voting could increase accessibility for British Columbians to participate in the democratic process."

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong -

"Several local governments have expressed an eagerness to adopt Internet voting as a way to increase voter turnout and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities has supported them. We will look forward to receiving the independent panel's report."

Contact:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 387-4962