Does Digital Voting help improve Democracy?

Digital voting, also known as electronic voting or e-voting, is a method of casting votes using electronic systems instead of traditional paper-based methods. It typically involves the use of computers, mobile devices, or specialised voting machines to record and tabulate votes. Digital voting systems can vary in complexity, from simple online voting platforms to more sophisticated systems that utilise cryptographic techniques to ensure security and integrity. 

 

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The potential of digital voting to remove obstacles that prevent people from participating in the political process is one of its biggest benefits. Physical access to polling places can be very difficult for those with impairments. Voters can use accessible technology, including speech recognition software, screen readers, or adaptable keyboards, to cast their ballots from the comfort of their homes, utilising digital voting platforms. 

 

Beneficial to people

By guaranteeing equal access to the voting process, this enables people with disabilities to exercise their fundamental right to vote without hindrance. Vulnerable people who would encounter difficulties participating in traditional voting procedures can also be empowered by digital voting.

 

Efficiency and convenience

The accessibility of digital voting is among its most alluring qualities. Voters can cast their ballots whenever it is most convenient for them via digital voting platforms, which are accessible 24/7, in contrast to traditional polling places with set hours of operation. 

How digital voting help voters? 

• Voters can participate in elections on their own schedule without being restricted by time or place, whether it's early in the morning, late at night, or during a lunch break.
• Voters no longer have to travel to physical polling places to participate thanks to digital voting, which also removes geographical limitations. 
• People who live in isolated places, have mobility problems, or struggle with transportation can particularly benefit from this. 
• Voters can participate in digital voting from the convenience of their homes, offices, or any other location with internet access—all they need is an internet connection.

 

Security Measures

One essential component of safe digital voting systems is end-to-end encryption. In order to avoid unwanted access or tampering during transmission, this cryptographic technique makes sure that votes are securely encrypted from the time they are cast until they are tallied.

End-to-end encryption ensures the security and integrity of voter data, shielding it from manipulation or interception by encrypting each vote with a unique key and using powerful encryption algorithms. Voters can examine a printed record of their vote before it is cast electronically, thanks to voter-verified paper audit trails, or VVPATs.

 

Challenges and Considerations

• Cybersecurity risks: Election integrity may be jeopardized by hacking, cyberattacks, and illegal access to digital voting systems.
• Vulnerabilities in technology: The security of digital voting systems is seriously threatened by software defects, faults in encryption algorithms, and vulnerabilities in hardware.
• Data protection and privacy: These are issues that are brought up by the collection and processing of sensitive voter data by digital voting systems.
• Possibility of data breaches: Vulnerabilities or inadequate security measures in digital voting systems might allow unauthorised access or exploitation of voter data.

 

Supporters and Non supporters

Advocates argue that digital voting can improve accessibility, efficiency, and accuracy in elections, but critics raise concerns about potential security vulnerabilities and the risk of tampering or manipulation.