Protecting Electoral Integrity in the Digital Age: Developing E-Voting Regulations in Canada

Abstract

As elections around the world become digital, governments have begun adopting regulations to govern the use of voting technologies and protect electoral integrity. Canada, however, is an exception. Despite the prevalence of voting technologies in Canada's local elections, notably online voting, no regulation framework has been initiated. In particular, there are no guidelines or standards surrounding the use of online voting. While research documents online voting has positive effects for participation, implications for the integrity, accountability, and transparency of elections are stark. Canada's multilevel governance structure has meant municipalities mostly deliver elections on their own terms, resulting in a patchwork of online voting models and cybersecurity requirements. Many municipalities also lack the resources to vet vendor solutions adequately, and an increasing number of cities are eliminating paper voting. These conditions highlight an urgent need to regulate the design and procurement of election technology in Canada. To proactively respond to these developments, this article draws upon interviews with select officials and experts and regulation models in other jurisdictions to argue for a new model of electronic voting regulation that would be a good fit for Canada.