Internet voting advantages for accessibility and election participation

Internet Voting

What is your initial point-of-view?

My initial point-of-view on the subject of a system where people could vote online in local, state, and national elections is very positive, with some reservations. For example, while it makes sense to encourage voting in any way possible -- the turnout for national elections has been inconsistent and sketchy in the past few years, sometimes less than 50% of eligible voters come out -- the potential for abuse is always a consideration when dealing with online issues. Still, initially I think that enfranchising more voters in any reasonably safe way -- and giving honest, concerned voters an easier way to share in democracy -- is a good idea.

THREE: What is an example of your point-of-view?

An American soldier serving in Afghanistan, for another example, would simply log on, vote, and not have to go through the absentee ballot process. That soldier would not have to count on the fact that someone back in the states would properly handle his or her ballot. In the contentious 2000 presidential election, there were huge issues regarding absentee ballots sent from overseas. Bryant Jordan writes in www.military.com that Democrats during that highly controversial post-election period wanted some of the military ballots "…excluded since they arrive too late and were not properly postmarked." After all, there were strict guidelines regarding the receipt and proper postmarking of absentee ballots for the military personnel stationed outside the United States. Republicans charged that Democrats were just trying to "suppress military votes because most would likely favor Bush," Jordan explained.

And in 2009, Jordan continues, it was reported, "…about 25% of overseas service members who asked for absentee ballots did not get them counted in the prior year's elections." And in New York for the 2010 elections, Jordan asserts that about 50,000 absentee votes did not get out "before the deadline." This is outrageous and egregious. Our military personnel are out there putting their lives on the line for America, and we must make sure that they can vote for the elected officials whose political decisions sent them overseas in the first place.

FOUR: What is the origin of your point-of-view?

On the subject of things that are egregious and simply wrong in a democratic society, the disastrous and allegedly corrupt presidential election results in Florida for the 2000 presidential election offers an ideal backdrop for the need to launch online voting. Those notorious "hanging chads," the "butterfly ballots" that clearly showed voters were confused into voting for Pat Buchanan rather than Al Gore, and the disorder at the polling places -- tens of thousands of people of color were turned away, who likely would have voted Democrat -- gave me the idea eleven years ago that Internet voting would help eliminate the potential for the Florida nightmare.

FIVE: What are your assumptions?

One of my most powerful assumptions is that by allowing online voting many millions of 18-year-olds will be more likely to vote than they have been in past years. It's no secret that many young people don't feel that national politics impacts their lives enough to want to vote, and when they see the ineptitude in Congress it just verifies their belief that the whole system is corrupt. But allowing them to vote online -- it is also no secret that young people are very savvy with digital technology -- no doubt will bring many into the democratic process, especially for local and state elections that do relate to their lives.

Another assumption is that given the serious questions about the efficacy of the newest "paper-less" voting machines -- without a paper backup, how can anyone be sure there hasn't been corruption, tweaking votes, and more -- online voting would appear to me safer.

SIX: What are the reasons, evidence, and arguments that support your point-of-view?

A very cogent point needs to be made here. One, the American democracy is in trouble. Those paying close attention see bitter divisions and polarization from Washington D.C. To Washington state. Moreover, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that less than 40% of registered voters in Texas voted in 2010; the turnout in Maine was 55%; 61% of renters were registered to vote but only 52% of them voted. The public is frustrated and apathetic. The most common reason given in the Census polling is "they were too busy" (27% said this). The country needs an easier way for people to vote, and online should attract those who said they were too busy, as well. Something has to change in America.

SEVEN: What are other points-of-view on this issue?

Threats of computer viruses or hackers launching attacks and successfully implementing "denial of service" are of great concern, and need to be addressed, prior to national online voting. DeBardeleben explains that the "digital divide" (many low income people and recent immigrants do not have Internet access) is a concern. Also, there is the opportunity for fraud and "vote-buying"; if the government contracts online voting technology out to a private company, how can the public be certain that some underhanded deals are not in the offing?

EIGHT: What is your conclusion, decision, solution or prediction?

My conclusion is straightforward: America needs an upgrade in the quality of candidates and moreover America needs an upgrade in the way the country votes for candidates. Online voting is that answer, providing it can be done safely. My decision is firm: online voting for those that have the technology is a practical and politically viable solution. I predict that Congress will argue and haggle and be just as stubbornly recalcitrant about voting reforms as it has been on everything that needs to be done. Online voting is years away, thanks to the ongoing inability for this bitterly divided Congress to accomplish anything meaningful.

NINE: What are the consequences of your point-of-view?

The consequences are that America is supposed to be the shining light for freedom and democracy around the world, but that light has dimmed dramatically of late. The least the country can do is make voting easier, even if the quality of candidates has not been up to the standards that Americans have come to expect, voters should have the option of not driving down to the polling places, or mailing an absentee ballot that they can't be positive will arrive on time.