An online voting program is a system that allows voters to cast their votes online instead of offline. The online ballot can be done through an electronic device such as smartphones, computers, and tablets either at the convenience of your residence or at work. It means you do not have to go all the way to your polling area just so you could vote for your preferred candidate.
It is also a benefit to those people who are not really good with online transactions as voting online does not require any registration for payment and other personal information that could put their privacy at risk.
These programs are becoming more and more popular. People want to make their voices heard online, but they also need the security of knowing that their votes will be counted correctly. This is why these program producers have come up with 3 main points that will instill trust in this type of program: transparency, simplicity of use, and anonymity. Let’s take a look at each one!
Transparency: these programs need to be open-source so that anyone can review the program for accuracy and security.
The simplicity of use: these programs must have an interface that is easy to navigate, even if you are using a computer or phone with no prior experience.
Anonymity: online voters should not have any way of knowing how their vote was counted in order to make sure they aren’t receiving special treatment based on who they voted for. This will ensure fairness across the board!
Are they safe? What are the benefits? Are these programs reliable and accurate? What about anonymity, what do you mean by that?
Are they safe: these program has been used across the globe in smaller elections for years with no reported major issues. The biggest problem is usually communication-related – local officials don’t understand how to maintain an online system or get voters up to speed on using it.
What are the Benefits: this cuts costs, makes voter information more accessible, ensures voters who have trouble getting out of their homes can vote just like everyone else, increases turnout numbers (people often report being too busy to vote but absolutely make time for online voting), removes accessibility barriers at traditional polling places which include long lines/wait times at peak hours during the day.
What are the Drawbacks: it has its drawbacks, too; voters need to be computer savvy, and online security is always a concern (vote hacking). The biggest problem with this is usually communication-related – local officials don’t understand how to maintain an online system or get voters up to speed on using it.
In conclusion, online voting program is a great option for online elections. It provides accessibility, convenience, and efficiency to voters while removing barriers that traditional polling places may pose.