Time to catch up on election technology

Almost every aspect of our lives is shaped by digital technology and its immense efficiency. Yet in one vital area - the election of our political leaders - we still use pencil and paper and count each cross by hand. Delivery of electoral democracy in Prince Edward Island is now in danger of falling out of step with the rest of the world. Many municipalities across Canada have turned to various forms of e-voting, either by adopting electronic voting machines or offering people the chance to cast their vote online.

While some privacy and security concerns remain, advocates say electronic voting helps uphold the accuracy and integrity of the result by preventing miscounts or any other mix-ups. As well as cutting election costs, internet voting offers the chance to boost turnout by engaging parts of the electorate not usually interested, or able, to get out to their polling station.

The option to vote online is the ideal chance to present people with clear information about what a particular election is all about and who exactly the local candidates are.

So, instead of people going to elections, maybe it’s time for elections to come to the people and to let them vote online. The crisis of confidence in democratic institutions is obvious. In most democratic countries, the turnout at local elections is pitiful. What harm could it do to try out other systems based on new technology? It would breathe new life into politics, increase engagement, stimulate debate and demonstrate that old democratic practices can be adapted to the digital age.

Jeffery Warren Reynolds, Emyvale