Transitioning The Canadian Democratic System Into The Era of Digital Governance: A Longitudinal Study of First Time Online Voting and Voter Turnout in Ontario Municipalities

Author

Chris Bantock, Western University

Date of Award

1-1-2015

Degree Type

Major Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration

Program

Political Science

Supervisor

Young, Robert

Geographical Areas

Ontario

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between online voting and voter turnout rates in Ontario municipalities. It uses a longitudinal research design to collect election data from municipalities that used online voting for the first time in 2014, which is compared to election data from the 2010 Ontario municipal elections, and it also uses a survey that was administered to the Clerks Department of randomly selected municipalities. The findings reveal a statistically proven relationship between online voting and increased voter turnout in Ontario municipalities.

Recommended Citation

Bantock, Chris, "Transitioning The Canadian Democratic System Into The Era of Digital Governance: A Longitudinal Study of First Time Online Voting and Voter Turnout in Ontario Municipalities" (2015). MPA Major Research Papers. 136.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/lgp-mrps/136