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Delvinia Interactive-developed voting experience increases online voter turnout

TORONTO, Nov. 16 - For the second election in a row, the Town of Markham saw Internet voting make significant gains among the town's voters. Delvinia Interactive, developer of Markham's marketing and interactive experience to engage voters, reports that online voter turnout climbed from 7,210 online voters in 2003 to 10,639 this November. Offered as part of the
advance poll, Markham introduced Internet voting in 2003 and remains the only city in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to provide the new voter platform. Delvinia Interactive's voter program has increased Markham's online voter turnout by 48 per cent.

"This election was a victory for busy people looking for a convenient way to participate in the democratic process and for municipalities mandated to promote democratic renewal," said Adam Froman, President, Delvinia Interactive. "People want to vote, but need a new channel of expression that is flexible, engaging and online. Other governments can follow Markham's lead and successfully introduce online voting by providing a comprehensive online voting experience that informs, educates and addresses voters' concerns."

Of all 58,309 voters in Monday's Markham election, nearly one in five (18.25 per cent) cast their ballot online. In the advance poll alone, online voting made up 70 per cent of the vote, rising from 68 per cent in 2003. Delvinia will release a comprehensive demographic report of Internet voting's role in the 2006 Markham election in January 2007.

The site http://www.markhamvotes2006.ca, developed by Delvinia Interactive on behalf of Markham, acted as the primary communications hub, providing information on both online and 'in line' voting through compelling demos, video and animation. Traditional print and broadcast advertising, out-of-home, public relations, informational kiosks and voicemail broadcasts
all worked together to raise awareness of e-democracy. This year, additional components were added, including a refreshed site design, mobile text message alerts and an Add Your Voice feature that offers citizens the opportunity to sound off on the voting process and election issues.

There are 445 municipalities in Ontario. Of the 25 municipalities that offer citizens the opportunity to vote using alternative methods like the Internet, Markham is the largest municipality providing a true online experience. Markham voters had until November 1 to register to vote online and cast their ballots in advance polls between November 4 and 9.

In 2003, Delvinia's Adam Froman was recognized with a CANARIE IWAY award for breaking new ground in online communications to deliver public service information and moving Canadians towards e-democracy in a municipal election.
The Town of Markham won the E.A. Danby Award for the campaign by the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario.

About Delvinia Interactive
Delvinia interactive is a leader in the creation and implementation of interactive marketing strategies that deliver a true Digital Customer Experience. Founded in 1998 and based in Toronto, Delvinia integrates insight at every step of the digital and interactive process, from experience design and use of research to production, execution and measurement of results.
Delvinia has received awards for its work from Sympatico/MSN, CMA, CANARIE and MarketingSherpa.

For further information:
Megan Hooper, Edelman
Tel: (416) 979-1120 ext. 297
Email: megan.hooper@edelman.com

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