The technology developed during the 20th century, especially computing technology, has dramatically altered the way elections are conducted. While conceptually the basic tasks of electoral registration, voting and counting have remained more or less unchanged since the beginnings of the modern democratic process, the spread of suffrage, population growth and the growing reach of democracy throughout the century. XX have meant that much of the logistics of modern elections relies heavily on technology.
New technology has the potential to continue to change the way elections are conducted in the 21st century. What changes will technology bring about in future elections? Here are some predictions.
The disappearance of paper ballots or ballots
The ballots have been very useful for the elections. They are relatively easy to produce, mark, and count. But their printing and distribution is also expensive, they can only be used once and they do not represent a good use of resources. Recording a vote and counting them by hand can also be an imperfect process. They also require a physical method of distribution. It can be relatively easy to use them fraudulently. The development of reliable, inexpensive and reusable electronic voting methods may gradually replace ballots in many countries.
The disappearance of the polling place
The physical polling place, which has to be rented and equipped, can become a costly anachronism in many places where alternative electronic mechanisms can be used. The initiative to host state or government services online via the internet in public places can replace the need for a physical voting site.
The rise of electronic voting methods
As electronic devices become cheaper, more powerful, and more secure, it won't be long before various reliable and electronic voting methods are widely used.
Online voting
While some security and identity concerns led many to take online voting with reserve in the late 20th century, it won't be long before these concerns are addressed and online voting becomes secure. reliable and widespread. The potential of the internet to change the dynamics of both the electoral process and the political process as a whole should not be underestimated.
Internet referendums and initiatives
Increasing access to the internet can also give rise to the rise of "digital democracy", where an ordinary citizen can vote directly on legislative proposals and citizen initiatives. This type of vote can be strictly indicative or have legal force. In this way, voters can participate in the electoral process in a way that was not possible before. Whether these advances are good for the democratic process is debatable.
Electronic identification
At this time, electronic identity systems are being developed to ensure that citizens can participate in the new electronic world of business and government. As more and more human "needs" in the modern world are being served electronically, the need for reliable and secure electronic identity systems will witness the development of unique electronic identification methods at the national, if not global, level. Microchips are already being included in dogs and cats, how long will it be before all humans have one at birth? George Orwell must be smiling.
Electronic information delivery
The 20th century has often been described as that of the information age. Never before have ordinary people had so much information at their disposal. The continued development of the internet and other electronic means of supplying information will allow information available to people to continue to expand. This can have a profound impact on the democratic process, as opportunities for information sharing and sharing expand beyond the traditional media dominated by mainstream media. For electoral bodies, electronic information delivery methods will expand the options available to reach voters and other users with an extensive catalog of information products.
Electronic service delivery
In addition to the possibilities of electronic service delivery for the voting process and for the provision of information, many other services offered by electoral bodies have the potential to be supplied electronically. Among them we can mention the registry of voters, that of political parties, the nomination of candidates, the disclosure of donations and expenses, as well as specialized advice.
Wireless electronic infrastructure
Many people who read this may think that this is all very well for developed countries, but that there are developing countries without the proper infrastructure. It is possible that the development of wireless electronic infrastructure, sent by satellite, microwave or radio transmissions, could allow the delivery of electronic services in the most remote places. Combined with inexpensive, mass-produced electronic voting and registration devices, these wireless electronic delivery systems can make electronic voting systems available to anyone, anywhere in the world.
Remote delivery services
With electronic delivery services, it is not necessary for the service provider to be in the same suburb, city or country as the user. Perhaps the 21st century sees the demise of local electoral bodies, as services can be delivered remotely over the internet, wireless transmissions, or whatever emerges to replace current technology.
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