Special Ballot Voting Enhancement

The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada (“CEOC”), an agent of Parliament, exercises general direction and supervision over the conduct of federal elections, by-elections and referendums. The CEOC heads the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, commonly known as Elections Canada.

The 42nd general election was successfully delivered in much the same manner as elections for the past century. Embracing the spirit of continuous improvement and innovation, Elections Canada seeks opportunities to improve service to Canadian electors. To this end, Elections Canada has created the Voting Services Modernization (VSM) project to improve voting services. The launching of this project is contingent upon amendments to the Canada Elections Act. The scope of the project includes streamlining processes and leveraging technology that could be employed when an elector seeks to cast their vote.

VSM is considering the following areas of focus:

(a) The “In-Person” voting experience at Polling Stations

(b) The voting experience for absentee voters under Special Voting Rules (SVR) legislation

(c) Future voting technologies

Elections Canada, in order to enhance the voting experience for absentee voters under Special Voting Rules (SVR), is exploring solutions for the design and development of electronic ballot delivery for absentee voters. The Chief Electoral Officer tabled a recommendation report in September 2016 proposing to allow for electronic ballot delivery. As previously stated, this would require amending the Canada Elections Act. Therefore, as a preliminary fact-finding activity, Elections Canada is interested in obtaining information regarding the technology, procedures, instructions and processes suppliers have to offer for the electronic delivery of absentee ballots.

VSM is an appropriate response to a changing world. With technology changing our daily lives and expectations, there is an opportunity to improve the election experience for all stakeholders.

1. Requirement

Elections Canada is seeking feedback from suppliers on solutions to potentially implement an electronic ballot delivery solution for absentee voters. 

Elections Canada is issuing this RFI to:

1. Provide an equal opportunity for suppliers that may be interested in supplier engagement with Elections Canada;
2. Validate solution concepts that could assist Elections Canada in further defining requirements;
3. Determine whether to proceed with requirements/strategy, and if approved, develop planning, and solicitation documents;
4. Refine the procurement strategy, project structure, timelines, requirements definition, and other aspects of the requirement; and
5. Become a more "informed buyer" with an enhanced understanding of supplier goods and service offerings.