Another (list of) problem(s) with Internet voting
The following comment appeared in Newsscan for 2003-07-18 regarding the article INTERNET VOTING WOULD DIMINISH OUR DEMOCRACY, and adds several items to my arguments against Internet voting as it is presently "configured."
Using Internet voting is a really bad idea that takes a little bit more of our democracy away. Here's why:
- It's not secure;
- It's inner workings are hidden;
- The Feds cannot even keep secure their own web sites, on which there is no voting;
- There's no paper trail to verify the voter's intent;
- There are no recounts;
- There's built-in discrimination: the method proposed requires a Microsoft Windows-based computer with Internet access. So Mac or Linux users can't use it; neither can those who can't afford a PC or monthly Internet charges.
- Politicians cannot take office any sooner if we get faster results: several months elapse before their terms begin.
Yes, "Internet voting takes just seconds", but shouldn't our goal be a well-informed electorate that takes time to decide for whom to vote? And absentee ballots make voting from home possible and speedy, without compromising our identities or the voting process. (Rick Cullen)