The B.C. government is asking chief electoral officer Keith Archer to form an independent panel to research the possibility of online voting.

Elections B.C. spokesman Don Main said Archer will chair the investigation, containing four other members "drawn from those with an expertise in technology, cryptography, and internet security" to evaluate secure Internet voting in provincial and municipal elections.

Main said the panel will be formed and meet in September. It is unlikely its recommendations will be implemented in time for next year's election. Last year, Vancouver tried to create an online pilot vote for its November municipal election but was thwarted by the province.