Liberals seek more mail-in ballots for next election

An interview with Blacklock's Reporter saw President of the Privy Council Dominic LeBlanc address Parliament. In the interview, LeBlanc stated that mail-in voting should be simplified since 2019 in order to make it a more appealing option.

LeBlanc stated that mail-in requirements made it almost impossible for him to vote in 2019.

"We had to literally photocopy pieces of a driver's license and Medicare card to show residency and mail it to my chief returning officer in my constituency at which point he returned by mail to me the voting kit," said LeBlanc.

"It struck me that if you were a senior citizen, and I was lucky that I had people that could help me get the paperwork done, I think we can collectively think of ways to make it more accessible but still secure," said LeBlanc.

In 2019, only 49,000 Canadians voted by mail-in ballot. Elections Canada is gearing up to print and mail 5,000,000 ballots this year, possibly in preparation for a federal election this year.

Bill C-19, enacted by the federal Liberals, is also set to "Improve access to mail-in voting, including installing ballot drop-off boxes at every polling place, and allowing for online receipts of mail-in ballots."

"Canadians deserve to have full confidence in their ability to exercise their democratic rights safely in these unprecedented times," said LeBlanc reads. "This will ensure the health and safety of voters, election workers and all participants in Canada's electoral system. By introducing these temporary amendments, Elections Canada will be able to offer more ways for Canadians to vote during a pandemic. I look forward to working with my parliamentary colleagues to deliver our shared goal of a free, fair and safe election."