We can do awesome things on the internet: check our bank account, shop, create digital memory books, etc. Often, we take for granted all the amazing tasks we can complete in the click of a button, simply because we have come to expect it. I have noticed a strange theme throughout my blogs this semester—unintentional as it may be—and that is the idea of easy communication. With technology, people think everything should be one, two, three and done. Obviously, then, it should come as no surprise when I introduce my next topic. Elections…online?!
Think about it. What could easier than conducting your vote for president, governor, mayor in the comfort of your own home, on your personal computer, on your own time. The reasoning behind such a proclamation is valid. Right?
Well, as Doug Gross (2011) states, it depends on who you ask. Some advocate that, in this new digital age, we need to change our methods and embrace the technology before us. And it makes sense. How many votes cannot make it to the polls because of time conflicts? Lack of transportation? As Rob Weber (2011) points out, “The digital revolution has the ability to revolutionize our entire political system by revolutionizing our voting system.” Yet, we have steered clear of this, a method that could make the voting process swift, easy, and efficient.
However, not all are as supportive. Avi Rubin does not feel online voting is a safe alternative to the method we currently have. There is a reason we stick to paper polls: they work. His fear is the hackers. Would hackers find it difficult to invade an online poll and switch the tallies? One quality online voting does not possess is accuracy. Especially in a presidential election, accuracy is a key component. Remember the Presidential Election of 2000: one state with skewed counts set the entire election in jeopardy. Online voting could potentially open the doors for more issues of this nature.
Each side presents a strong argument. However, we must ask ourselves, just because the technology is there, must we utilize it? It’s like saying that a student has to use his personal answer sheet because it’s there. Ultimately, he’s cheating. Does placing the voting process online cheat us out of a true democratic system? The possible arguments are endless, and we could never reach a full consensus. Online voting software exists and is currently operational. Perhaps they need to be implemented on a trial basis. Like I said, people want easy, but when does easy go too far? Elections…online?! You be the judge…
