Electronic Government and Civics

Internet Voting

Civics and government in democratic systems typically rely on voting as a key mechanism of representation and choice through electoral and referenda processes. It is logical to expect that Internet voting would render civic participation more convenient and thus possibly increase participation in electoral and referenda politics. However, Internet voting raises a host of challenges that make it more difficult to implement than electronic commerce or other types of electronic government applications. A major study and workshop concerning Internet voting, supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, reached several conclusions: Internet voting from remote locations such as the home or office would present substantial risks likely to undermine the integrity and credibility of the voting process. It was recommended that remote Internet voting should not be used widely until several social and technical issues are resolved. However, use of the Internet at polling places is technically feasible and socially neutral in its implications. Internet-based systems could be developed that would tally votes quickly and accurately. Election officials could maintain control over such systems and over the voting process itself to ensure privacy and security. A third option, Internet voting at kiosks that could be more [Page 437]widely placed (for example, at shopping malls or public libraries) than traditional voting sites, represents an extension of centrally located Internet voting systems. Although a greater number of voting sites multiplies some types of risk, Internet voting by kiosk is a likely intermediate step between the use of the Internet at traditional polling locations and remote Internet voting.

Internet voting raises multiple research questions. It is not known, for example, what the effects of Internet voting might be on civic participation, on the credibility of the electoral process, on the role of deliberation and representation in government, or on political campaigns. A host of technical issues relating to security, scalability, secrecy, and reliability require further research. It is not clear what effect various interface designs might have on the choices voters make when voting. Further, socioeconomic differences may correlate with different Internet voting patterns, implying that research would have to take account of socioeconomic categories. Finally, legal frameworks that regulate jurisdictions, voter fraud, liability for election system failures, and absentee voting would require modification as the underlying technologies for voting change.

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