Due to widespread technical issues over an approximate 90 minute period Monday evening, several municipalities across the province made the decision to extend their voting period by 24 hours until 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 23.

Saugeen Shores CAO David Smith made the announcement to a room full of candidates, media personnel and well wishers at Lakeshore Recreation in Port Elgin.

The issue had to do with a new Internet Voting system adopted by 51 municipalities across the province for the 2018 election. Dominion Voting Systems has released a statement explaining that the system's challenges were the result of a Toronto-based Internet Colocation provider placing an unauthorized limit on incoming voting traffic that was roughly 1/10 of the system's designated bandwidth, resulting in slow response times and system time-outs.

Once aware of the problem, Dominion was able to quickly identify the source and resolve the issue, read the statement.

Dominion said they regret the challenges posed for election officials and voters and want to ensure Ontario voters that they will work to ensure the problem doesn't happen in future elections.

"It is important to note that at no time was the integrity of the system at risk of compromise or in any way insecure," read the statement.

If you have yet to cast your vote for the 2018 Saugeen Shores municipal election, you have until 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 23 to do so. Visit saugeenshores.ca/election for more information.

If you need assistance you can visit the Municipal office at 600 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, call 519-832-2008 extension 100 or email election@saugeenshores.ca.

See also: Voting extended 24 hours