"Online voting will appeal particularly to Rotorua's younger community," Mr Gaston said.
Mayor Steve Chadwick said she would support anything that lifted participation in voting.
"Our rural community will certainly find it easier as they sometimes feel a little disconnected. I hope it will lead to a greater voting turnout."
Councillor Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said she was pleased the council was "putting its hand up. "
"It has the real potential to change representation for Rotorua in the future."
Councillor Karen Hunt called the decision a very progressive way forward.
"It's a very progressive way forward. It's more inclusive. And it offers an opportunity to reinvigorate our democratic space," she said.
The council's share of the total $100,000 cost of the online voting trial would be approximately $45,000. Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Lakes District Health Board would share the balance of the cost as both organisations hold their elections every three years in tandem with that of Rotorua Lakes Council.