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It seems the most ideal of choices: votes are to be conducted through online forums, no longer confined to tiny booths and malfunctions. The process is to be turned into a convenience – with individuals able to access their choices through wireless connections. Speed is now the only concern. All previous frustrations will be replaced instead to simplicity. Internet Democracy stands as a perfection never before achieved; and the masses are believed to soon be capable of voting as they always wanted (rather than how they were always forced). Virtual polls are deemed easy.
They are not, however, fully adequate.
Internet Democracy is – without question – a reinvention of politics. Information has been made available to the world, with opinions traded quickly. And this has, naturally, spawned the notion of revising the polling process and adapting it to the modern age. Most think this an inspiration. Others, however, have offered possible complications:
One: Cost. There is far more to virtual booths than simple forums. The initial price of creating this program on a national level would be immense – culminating in web design, technical support and lengthy campaigns for its announcement. Many believe this would be too great of a cost to combat.
Two: Inequality. Despite the assumptions of the masses, not all individuals have direct access to the Internet. While it is commonly found in most homes, there are still those who rely on public places to receive their information. This would then make voting difficult for them – causing them to choose areas ill-equipped for the sudden crowds.
Three: Distrust. While the younger generations have embraced Internet Democracy, there are still many who believe it to be a mistake; and these individuals would not wish to conform to the sudden use of computers and online polls. Their votes would therefore be lost.
The notion of change is to be expected. It cannot, however, occur without addressing all concerns.
