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To date, online voting studies have focused on impacts on political behaviour and voting security. Analyses of impacts on administrators and electoral governance remain sparse internationally and are relegated to overviews in technical reports in Canada (Pammett and Goodman 2013; Goodman and Pyman 2016). Drawing on an original survey of local administrators in Ontario following the 2014 municipal elections, this article explores how online voting impacts election administration. Findings suggest strong satisfaction with online voting, citizen-centered rationales for adoption, and key differences in challenges and cost based on municipal size. We conclude with implications for the local governance of elections as technology plays a greater role in voting processes. Jusqu'a present, les etudes sur le vote en ligne se sont axees sur les incidences sur le comportement politique et sur la securite du vote. Les analyses des repercussions sur les administrateurs et sur la gestion electorale restent rares a Techelle internationale et, au Canada, elles sont releguees a des apercus dans des rapports techniques (Pammett et Goodman 2013; Goodman et Pyman 2016). Cet article s'appuie sur un sondage initial aupres d'administrateurs locaux en Ontario effectue apres les elections municipales de 2014, pour etudier les repercussions du vote en ligne sur Tadministration electorale. Les resultats indiquent un haut niveau de satisfaction avec le vote en ligne, des justifications axees sur les citoyens pour son adoption, et des differences cles dans les defis et les couts selon la taille de la municipalite. En conclusion, nous soulignons les implications pour la gouvernance locale des elections alors que la technologie joue un role croissant dans les processus de vote., Introduction A growing number of governments and election agencies across Canada are modernizing elections by integrating technology into various aspects of the voting process. While national and subnational election agencies [...]

With poor retention and degree completion rates, students with learning disabilities present special challenges for postsecondary faculty. Although certain teaching strategies and accommodations have been found to ameliorate learning outcomes, little is known or understood about the lived experiences of this group of students. Faculty doubt their skills to teach these students with hidden and mysterious disabilities, and may avoid working with this population. To promote understanding, this study explored the past and present experiences of 14 postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Consistent themes emerged from the data, including lasting emotional scarring related to learning differently, and a resiliency buoyed by interpersonal relationships and social connectivity. Findings are discussed in terms of resiliency literature; suggestions for faculty are presented. (Contains 1 table.)

Voter turnout rates among survey respondents tend to exceed actual turnout by a significant margin. This note reports the results of an experiment whereby the indicated topic of a political survey was varied at the recruitment stage, with the goal of producing a sample with reported turnout rates that more closely mirror reality. Three experimental groups were informed that the survey was about politics, while a fourth received no indication of the nature of the study. Data from nearly 5000 respondents in Ontario, Canada suggest that this manipulation had no appreciable effect upon survey completion rates, but the level of reported turnout is lower when no topic is indicated. We theorize that this manipulation affects self-selection into (out of) surveys by voters (non-voters). By not disclosing the political nature of a survey, samples can be made to more closely reflect populations they are meant to represent in this important dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of 'smart cities' in Canada primarily focus on large cities but not small, rural and remote communities. As a result, we have a limited understanding of the incentive structures for smaller, remote and rural communities to pursue smart city development. This knowledge deficit is concerning, since the introduction of technology can hold a number of unique benefits for these communities, including easier connections to the rest of Canada and large urban centres, reputation building, improved service delivery and enhanced opportunities for residents. Drawing upon localised forms of knowledge creation, policy development theories, adoption and local competition literature and primary interviews with private and public officials, we examine the challenges and opportunities of 'smart city' implementation through case studies of small and rural municipalities in Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia and a remote community, Iqaluit, Nunavut. We find that collaboration is essential for rural and remote pursuit of smart city development and is necessary to counteract the limitations of capacity, scale and digital divides. Challenges aside, however, the primary rationale for adoption of smart city technology remains the same regardless of size: enhanced quality of life for residents and sustained community health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Native Studies is the property of Brandon University, CJNS, Faculty of Arts and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Parliamentary Review / Revue Parlementaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Parliamentary Review and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article explores the viability of Internet voting by examining the approaches used by two major Canadian municipalities to conduct their local elections. The analysis is based on data from personal interviews with key officials and technical experts from Halifax and Markham that were conducted between July 2009 and April 2010. The article suggests that political will, a relatively high rate of Internet penetration and Internet access, public support and trust, a supportive legal framework, and a gradual development process are important requirements to ensure the effective introduction of an Internet voting model. There is evidence that Internet voting impacts the electoral process by eliminating the need for traditional scrutineers and forcing change in the campaign strategies and mobilization tactics of candidates. The findings also suggest that the extension of online voting may have the potential to engage non-voters, develop a faithful following, and increase turnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With poor retention and degree completion rates, students with learning disabilities present special challenges for postsecondary faculty. Although certain teaching strategies and accommodations have been found to ameliorate learning outcomes, little is known or understood about the lived experiences of this group of students. Faculty doubt their skills to teach these students with hidden and mysterious disabilities, and may avoid working with this population. To promote understanding, this study explored the past and present experiences of 14 postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Consistent themes emerged from the data, including lasting emotional scarring related to learning differently, and a resiliency buoyed by interpersonal relationships and social connectivity. Findings are discussed in terms of resiliency literature; suggestions for faculty are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]