The Internet's Role in Politics Today
In this election year, the Internet is clearly a key player. Last week for the Super Tuesday
primaries, Democrats in Arizona voted online in the first legally binding public election in the world
conducted via the Internet. Before the election, more then half of Arizona's registered voters
wanted online voting and the democratic party gave it to them. The voters could vote via a secure
site from Tuesday, March 7 until Friday the 10th. 35,765 people voted online which is almost
triple the number that voted in the 1996 primary. This increase in turnout shows the growing
popularity if online voting. People in Texas, Louisanna, California, and many other states are
looking at the possibilities for online voting in the years to come. In CA, an "Internet Voting
Task Force" as been established to research issues of security and access. The Department of Defense
is currently testing a system that could be used nation-wide. This may become a reality!
The Internet today is not only effecting politics through voting but also through campaign
websites and other means of communicating with government officials. The Internet is providing a
method for people to send petitions to their representatives to voice their opinions. The Internet
is also having a huge effect on the current presidential race. All of the main candidates have
extensive websites that have aided them in getting their message across, gaining volunteers, and raising
campaign money. John McCain has raised over $3 million online, 2.2 of which came online right after
he won the primary in New Hampshire. After his win, he also obtained over 25,000 new volunteers
via the Internet. The other candidates have also utilized their websites. Current statistics show
that 70% of voter get political information on the web. The candidates realize this and are trying
to reach out to their voters. In the political debates recently questions were submitted online that
were used in the debates. This shows the influence this new mode of communication is having over
our lives. Politics today are greatly effected by the Internet, and perhaps the next president will
be chosen in part based on his Internet skills.