With the world becoming more digital and people spending more time on the internet, it makes sense for the act of voting to enter the digital age and be possible to complete online. While there are many arguments against this Act, legislation in certain states is supporting the ability for people to cast their votes using an online system. The cons are various with issues such as privacy being one of the most significant factors to be considered; however, there are many different benefits to using online voting systems as well. This article will provide information on these benefits.
Convenience and privacy
The first, and potentially the most prevalent, benefit of using an online voting system is the convenience of the system. Being able to cast a vote at any hour from any location is highly convenient for the voter. This is particularly beneficial for people who are unable to reach voting stations due to busy schedules, poor transport, or disabilities. It was also seen that convenience promotes willingness to vote because one is not required to attend a voting station.
The issue of confidentiality and privacy is considered a con when looking at electronic voting online, but it can also be considered a benefit. When using digital ballots, you will not be required to sign your name or be seen completing the ballot, which allows voters to speak freely about their vote in privacy. Anonymity offers a secure environment in which the voter can be completely honest about their vote.
A HIGHER RESPONSE RATE
The use of digital technology is more familiar to individuals in the 21st century, particularly the youth; therefore, it creates a higher response rate from voters. This means that people are more willing to engage in voting because they are more comfortable with the method of voting. It is quick, easy, affordable and offers a measure that people are willing to use.
Speedier Option
As is mentioned above, the act of voting itself is much quicker when using an online system; however, this is not the only means of voting that is sped up by an electronic system. The development and use of an online voting tool removes the need for lines and need to complete a ballot, find a stamp and mail the ballot. Using this electronic method, voting takes less than five minutes, whereas the traditional measure of voting could take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours depending on the time you arrive at the voting booth.
Highly Cost-Effective
The online voting system is a measure that is more cost-effective than traditional voting methods. Electronic systems remove the need for printing ballots, the cost of mailing the ballots, and paying people to complete all paperwork involved in preparing the ballots for voters.
Automatic Counting with Fewer Errors
The traditional means of tallying ballots would be to count the ballots and register the votes manually. This is a time-consuming act and can often, based on the counters being human, result in errors. Digital voting is beneficial in that it allows for automatic tallying of the votes with fewer or no errors in the counting.