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OCTOBER 29, 2014
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Vol. 63, Issue 208
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ELECTION 2014
Embracing the machine Computerized tabulating system means election results available an hour after the polls close TRE VOR CR AWLEY
Everybody relax; the machines are not taking over. However, for the first time in Cranbrook’s history of municipal voting, a computer will be used to tabulate all the results. It’s a change from tradition, as there used to be four separate ballots for mayor, council, school district trustee and referendums, as in the 2011 electoral cycle. Once ballots were marked, they were deposited into separate boxes and hand-counted. The new system will still involve paper ballots, but a machine will take the ballots and deposit them into a sealed box, tracking all the results in a memory card. Results should be available within an hour or two of polls closing. These are the same machines that were recently used in the Toronto municipal election, according to Chief Electoral Officer Brian Wooff. The same machines will be used in Kimberley’s election and in roughly 45 other municipalities across B.C. “The actual vote, I think they’re going to find is easier, because there’s one piece of paper instead of four,” said Wooff. For the advance polling, the memory cards will track the results and be kept under strict lock and key by Wooff. Fears of tampering are overblown, according to Wooff, considering any meddler would have to have access to the machine, to the memory cards and to the ballots themselves. So here’s what the voting process will look like at the general election on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Laurie Middle School.
See AGE OF THE MACHINE , Page 3
BARRY COULTER PHOTO
Joe Keithley and DOA arrived in Cranbrook very much alive Tuesday, Oct. 28. Canada’s legendary punk band’s performance at the Legendary Byng Roadhouse proved that punk is a multigenerational movement, and that Rock itself is also very much alive. Local bands Bonecrusher and Friends and Elk Hunt also took the stage, helping get the whole scenario cooking. The joint was jumping.
All-Candidates forum tonight at KCT JENNY BYFORD
Concerned about a pothole? The deer? How about municipal land, parks, pathways and recreation facilities? Or business licenses, the water supply, recycling and waste services, or public transport? If you’re interested in any
of these topics, or want to have a say in how your tax dollars are designated, or want to see your priorities met in the next four years — this event is for you. Cranbrook’s public All-Candidates Forum will be held this Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Key City Theatre.
Doors will open at 5:30 and the event will begin at 6 pm. Sponsored by JCI Kootenay, this is a free event open to everyone. The evening will begin with candidates seeking a position on City Council and the mayoral candidates will follow after intermission.
The doors will remain open at all times so attendees can join when they are able. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit their questions both prior to the event starting and during the event; there will be draw boxes in the Key City foyer to submit questions. Prior to
the event, there will also be the opportunity to speak with the Chief Elections Officer about the new automated voting machines. Note that this year the All-Candidates Forum is not televised. However, a few dedicated and talented Mount Baker students will
be filming the forum and posting clips online. JCI encourages everyone to attend the forum to meet, hear from and ask questions to the 19 candidates seeking office this election! For more information about the forum, email forum@jcikootenay.com