Technology

TECHNOLOGY HAS HAD more of an impact on recent political campaigns and American elections than ever before. The elections of 1996 and 2000 occurred in conjunction with the rise of the internet, while the 2004 election signaled extensive use of online discussion sites. The 2008 election may likely become known as the “YouTube election” for its use of video technology to communicate a candidate's position. Voters and politicians alike have found new ways to interact by transporting them to any place on the World Wide Web they chose.

Web surfers with a political bent can peruse the positions taken and speeches captured of their favorite candidates and, similarly, understand the rationale of competing viewpoints. Instant feedback and campaign contributions can be provided just as easily. The national [Page 782]election of 2004 and the 2006 midterm elections saw an increase in volunteers registering online, the number of polling booths replacing paper ballots with electronic ballots, and the use of email and electronic surveys used to aid candidates in understanding the “top-of-mind” issues in their district. Technology is now an integral part of every political campaign and election.

Politicians use technology today to reach a new voting bloc never before tapped. This group is typically younger, mobile, and impatient to get to the point. Consequently, the use of text message updates, interactive website surveys, and podcasts have opened up new avenues for getting the message out and compelling new voters to enter the world of active politicking. The net effect has been to increase the number of registered voters across the country and set the stage for even greater voter turn out in subsequent elections. Technology assists here, too. Absentee balloting has increased in many counties that offer this voting tool. Sonoma County, California found that more than half of the registered votes cast in the 2004 general election were absentee ballots: about 113,000 absentee ballots versus 110,000 precinct ballots. Technology enhances direct democracy. With the internet, candidates or elected officials communicate directly with the majority of their constituents. Intermediaries such as party officials have become mostly irrelevant. Elected officials take their direction from voters and local referenda. Only the funding provided by lobbyists continues to hold sway over politicians today.