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Topeka council approves rule changes to permit secure electronic voting by members
Summary
Council amended governing body rules to allow members to cast votes using an approved app or city tablet; staff said devices will be issued and secured by IT and the rules remove the distinction between in‑room and remote voting.
The City of Topeka on Feb. 18 amended its governing body rules to permit electronic voting by council members via an approved app or city‑issued tablet.
The city attorney explained that the revision to Rule 2.2.D removes the previous distinction that required voice votes for remote members and allows the new electronic system to record each member's selection. "The new system will allow you to vote using an app and it'll allow you to vote, if you are at home or here, in a legally authorized way," the city attorney said, describing the legal basis for the change.
Council members asked practical questions about device security and misuse. Councilman Dunc an (spoke during the discussion) asked what recourse the city would have if an official let someone else operate their device. The city attorney replied that permitting another person to vote on an elected official's behalf could be grounds for removal from office and that some actions could be voided depending on timing.
Dan Garrett, director of communications, described the planned technical approach: the city will issue "Citi tablets" tied to a city server and IT will add safeguards; there will also be an option to sign in through a secure web browser, subject to IT review.
Council members raised device‑management questions, including whether members must use a city device and whether existing city phones or tablets could be used. Garrett said the city will explore integrating the software with devices already issued but recommended a separate dedicated tablet to avoid conflicts with Zoom or other meeting controls.
After discussion and questions about authentication and safeguards, the governing body voted 9‑0 to adopt the rule amendments authorizing the electronic voting system. Staff said training and rollout details will be coordinated with IT and the city clerk.
