City councillors have pulled the plug on the idea of allowing voters to use the Internet to cast a ballot in municipal elections after experiencing ‘sticker shock’ over the cost.

At an Oct. 5 community meeting, Jordyn Lavecchia, coordinator of elections and special projects, tabled a report recommending the city introduce Internet voting for advance polls starting in 2018.

Alternate methods of voting are intended to make voting more accessible while, at the same time, helping to boost dismal voter turnout that has traditionally plagued municipal campaigns.

Lavecchia cited examples from neighbouring municipalities that have already adopted the Internet practice, such as Markham, Peterborough and Ajax.