People’s Veto in the Digital Age: How Online Referendums Can Extend Participation Beyond Elections

The idea that citizens should have direct power to hold government accountable at all times gave rise to referendums. They remain as one of the most powerful expressions of direct democracy. From constitutional reforms to independence votes, referendums allow citizens to weigh in on major national decisions between election cycles.

In many democracies, citizens are increasingly turning to them as a way to influence policy and hold elected officials accountable beyond elections. Taiwan, for example, has seen a growing number of recall elections in recent years, the latest of which is set in July 2025. Recall elections and referendums share a key characteristic: they enable the electorate to exercise direct power over government.

In the digital age, this “people’s veto” is undergoing a quiet transformation. Spurred by new technologies and shifting expectations of civic participation, online referendums and recall elections promise to give the electorate an even louder voice in governance.

The emergence of secure online voting opens the door for a more agile form of direct democracy. Already, countries like Estonia and Mexico have successfully implemented internet voting, proving it’s possible to preserve both access and integrity in a digital format. As these technologies improve, it’s not hard to imagine a future where referendums, recall elections, and other citizen-led initiatives are conducted more frequently and conveniently—without requiring voters to visit physical polling places.

Such a future could lead to more responsive governance. Citizens could vote on key issues from their homes, participate in digital deliberations, and trigger recall votes when a critical mass of dissatisfaction is reached. When designed with robust safeguards—identity verification, cybersecurity, audit trails—online tools could make it easier for citizens to directly shape the direction of their communities and countries.

But this vision also comes with a caveat. The ease of digital engagement must not come at the expense of thoughtful debate. Populist waves, viral misinformation, or visceral decision-making could distort outcomes if checks and balances are not built in. Moreover, fair thresholds for initiating referendums and recalls must be determined and upheld to prevent their misuse or overuse.

Ultimately, the evolution of referendums reflects a more fundamental shift: citizens want more say, more often, and more conveniently. By harnessing the right digital tools and learning from real-world examples, democracies can move toward a future where direct participation becomes not just more feasible, but more meaningful. When used thoughtfully, such digital “people’s veto” serve as important safety valves in a democracy.

As the world reimagines democracy in the digital age, referendums may no longer be the exception—they could become the norm.

Philippines’ Election Tech Woes Spark Concern

 

The Philippines, long regarded as a regional pioneer in election modernization, is now in the midst of a crisis that threatens to unravel years of progress. The 2025 national elections—plagued by widespread technical failures—have cast a shadow over the country’s hard-earned reputation.

The breakdown began at the very start of election day, when President Bongbong Marcos himself struggled to cast his vote as the automated counting machine repeatedly failed to scan his ballot. This scenario—machines rejecting ballots, malfunctioning printers, and stalled voting lines—was not an isolated case. As widely reported, similar incidents unfolded in thousands of precincts nationwide.

Local election watchdogs like LENTE and the PPCRV warned that the problems were not merely technical hiccups but signs of deeper systemic failures. Overvoting occurred on a large scale due to low-quality paper ballots and substandard pens that caused ink to bleed and marks to be misread. Many voters also reported discrepancies between their selections and the printed voter receipts (VVPATs).

As voting ended and vote-counting machines began transmitting results, media tech teams discovered that thousands of vote transmissions had been duplicated—corresponding to nearly five million votes. COMELEC later claimed it had corrected the issue in the early hours of the morning, but the lack of transparency around the fix only deepened public distrust.

The magnitude of these glitches is difficult to overstate. They have cast a dark cloud over the credibility of the electoral process and triggered widespread public outcry. What’s worse, this is not the first time Miru Systems—the technology provider responsible for this year’s infrastructure—has been implicated in election failures. In Iraq’s 2018 parliamentary elections, Miru’s technology failed so catastrophically that the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) was forced to mandate a full nationwide recount. Today, echoes of that episode are reverberating in the Philippines, where some public officials, civil society organizations, and voters alike are starting to demand a similar audit.

Filipinos waited for hours under the punishing heat, queuing with hope and conviction that their vote would count. That trust now hangs in the balance. A transparent manual recount—as already requested by the PPCRV—is essential not only to confirm who truly won and lost, but also to begin restoring public faith in the democratic process. In parallel, election data must be made fully accessible to independent auditors.

The Philippines stands at a crossroads. The world is watching. These elections can still be redeemed—not through spin or silence, but through truth, transparency, and accountability. Without that, the country’s proud legacy of electoral innovation may be lost. But with courage and reform, it can emerge stronger—and once again lead by example.

Should Voting Be Compelled?

The debate over compulsory versus voluntary voting systems is central to discourse on democratic governance, voter turnout, and representation. Both systems carry distinct implications on political engagement, policy outcomes, and the perception of legitimacy of elected officials.

Countries with mandatory voting consistently report higher voter turnout compared to voluntary systems. For example, Australia enforces compulsory voting and achieves turnout rates between 90% and 95%. Belgium and Turkey also see high participation rates, with 87.2% and 86.4%, respectively.

These elevated turnout rates ensure that election outcomes more accurately reflect the preferences of the entire electorate, enhancing the legitimacy of governance. Conversely, voluntary systems often suffer from lower turnout, as evidenced by the United States' 63.7% turnout in the 2024 presidential election, Bulgaria’s 38.94%, and Pakistan’s 47.28% in their 2024 parliamentary elections. This disparity can lead to underrepresentation of certain demographic groups, skewing policy decisions toward more active voting populations.

Benefits of Compulsory Voting

Proponents argue that mandatory participation encourages citizens to become more informed about political issues, as they are legally obligated to vote. Research suggests that strong enforcement of compulsory voting can positively impact political knowledge by incentivizing individuals to educate themselves or by imparting incidental knowledge through the voting process.

Limitations

However, critics highlight that compulsory voting does not uniformly enhance political engagement. Studies have found that while turnout increases under mandatory systems, some individuals comply without becoming more politically aware, potentially leading to uninformed voting choices. Additionally, forcing uninterested citizens to vote may increase feelings of political alienation.

Inclusivity in Policy

Compulsory voting often leads to policies that address the needs of diverse socioeconomic groups. Research has linked mandatory voting with reduced income inequality, as governments become more responsive to a broader cross-section of society. In contrast, voluntary systems may favor higher socioeconomic groups with greater voter turnout, perpetuating existing inequalities.

Voluntary Voting's Appeal

Voluntary systems respect individual choice and may lead to higher satisfaction among participants who view voting as a deliberate act of civic engagement. However, low turnout risks undermining the perceived legitimacy of elected officials and institutions.

Compulsory Voting's Challenges

Mandatory participation can provoke resentment among citizens who view it as an infringement on personal freedom. Critics argue that forcing uninterested individuals to vote may weaken their support for democratic institutions. Additionally, compulsory voting often results in higher rates of invalid votes (e.g., blank or spoiled ballots), which can dilute electoral outcomes.

Enforcement Challenges

Implementing compulsory voting requires systems to monitor compliance and administer penalties for non-voters. This process can be resource-intensive and face public resistance. For example, Chile experienced a dramatic drop in voter turnout—from 87% in 2010 to 42% in 2013—after shifting from compulsory to voluntary voting due to enforcement challenges.

Both voting systems offer unique advantages. Compulsory voting ensures higher turnout and equitable representation but raises concerns about personal freedom and uninformed participation. On the other hand, voluntary voting respects individual choice but risks lower engagement and less representative governance.

The choice between these systems should consider a nation's specific political, cultural, and social contexts. Balancing inclusivity, freedom, and effective representation remains crucial for fostering healthy democratic processes.

9 Strategies to Combat Voter Suppression

Voter suppression refers to practices intended to disenfranchise specific groups, thereby influencing electoral outcomes. Unlike legitimate political campaigning meant to persuade, voter suppression seeks to reduce turnout among targeted demographics, often marginalized communities, and includes tactics such as restrictive voter ID laws, limiting polling locations, and spreading misinformation.

This nefarious practice represents a real danger to democratic participation by undermining fair representation and the legitimacy of electoral processes. When certain groups are systematically discouraged or prevented from voting, it skews the will of the electorate and erodes public trust in governance. The impact is profound, potentially leading to the disenfranchisement of large segments of the population, particularly minorities, the poor, the young, and the elderly.

Examples of Voter Suppression

In Nigeria's 2023 general elections, voter suppression was evident in several regions. For instance, in Borno State, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were reportedly used by some politicians to intimidate opponents and commit electoral violence. This led to a significant number of eligible voters being discouraged from participating in the electoral process, undermining the integrity of the elections.

During the Brazilian general elections in 2022, there were attempts to suppress votes by reducing public transportation services and increasing roadblocks in lower-income areas, making it more difficult for residents to reach polling stations. These tactics disproportionately targeted poorer communities, raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.

In the 2011 Canadian federal elections, voters received misleading robocalls falsely informing them of changes to their polling stations. Investigations revealed that such fraud had occurred and was likely perpetrated by individuals with access to the Conservative Party’s voter database. While the exact impact on election outcomes was undetermined, the incidents highlighted vulnerabilities in the electoral system.

What Strategies Can Help

1.     Voter Education and Assistance Platforms. Educational platforms play a crucial role in informing voters about their rights and the voting process. Organizations like Vote Riders in the United States provide comprehensive information on voter ID requirements across different states and offer assistance in obtaining necessary identification. Collaborations with tech companies such as Facebook and Snapchat help integrate voter ID information into widely used platforms, increasing reach and effectiveness.

2.     Election Monitoring and Reporting Tools. Mobile applications and online platforms enable voters to report irregularities or instances of suppression in real time. These tools allow election monitoring organizations to respond promptly to issues like malfunctioning voting machines, intimidation at polling stations, or the spread of false information, thereby safeguarding electoral integrity.

3.     Digital Voter Registration and Verification. Transitioning to digital voter registration systems simplifies the process, reduces errors, and increases accessibility. Online platforms allow citizens to register or update their information conveniently, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles. A growing number of countries like Estonia, Australia and Canada have implemented online voter registration systems, resulting in higher voter engagement and reduced administrative burdens.

4.     Mobile Voting Applications. Mobile technology can enhance voting accessibility, especially for individuals unable to visit polling stations due to distance, disability, or other constraints. Mobile voting applications enable secure, remote voting, significantly benefiting overseas citizens and military personnel. These apps can also provide real-time updates and notifications, keeping voters informed about the process and deadlines. They often integrate robust identity verification tools to ensure that only eligible voters participate, thereby maintaining electoral integrity. Moreover, continuous advancements in encryption and blockchain technologies further enhance the security and trustworthiness of mobile voting systems.

      Estonia serves as a prime example of how digital and mobile voting can be successfully implemented. Since 2005, Estonia has allowed citizens to cast ballots online using secure digital ID cards, demonstrating that mobile and internet voting can broaden accessibility while upholding rigorous security standards. This pioneering approach has contributed to higher voter engagement and has set a benchmark for other countries exploring similar systems.

5.     Combating Misinformation with Artificial Intelligence. Misinformation can deter or mislead voters, effectively suppressing turnout. Artificial intelligence can help identify and counteract false information by monitoring social media platforms and flagging misleading content. During election periods, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook could employ AI algorithms to detect and label false information, helping users discern credible information from deceptive content.

6.     Transportation Assistance through Ride-Sharing Partnerships. Limited transportation access can prevent voters, particularly in rural or underserved areas, from reaching polling stations. Partnerships between voter advocacy groups and ride-sharing companies can help alleviate this barrier. For instance, VoteRiders has collaborated with companies such as Lyft and Uber to offer discounted or free rides to polling stations, ensuring that transportation issues do not impede voting.

7.     Accessible Voting Solutions for Individuals with Disabilities. Technological advancements have led to the development of assistive voting devices that accommodate individuals with disabilities. Tools such as ballot-marking devices and audio ballots ensure that voters with visual or other impairments can vote independently and privately, reducing barriers to participation.

8.     Secure Remote Voting Options. For voters who cannot physically attend polling stations, secure remote voting options—such as mail-in ballots or online voting platforms—offer alternative means of participation. Robust authentication and encryption measures ensure that these remote voting methods remain secure and trustworthy.

9.     Data Analytics for Resource Allocation. Data analytics can identify regions with historically low voter turnout or areas experiencing targeted suppression tactics. Election officials and advocacy groups can then allocate resources effectively, deploying additional polling stations, providing targeted voter education, or monitoring for potential suppression activities.

Voter suppression remains a critical issue that threatens the foundations of democracy by disenfranchising specific groups and distorting electoral outcomes. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach: vigilant protection of voting rights, robust legal frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and the strategic application of technology.

By enhancing accessibility, providing accurate information, ensuring vote integrity, and facilitating participation, technological innovations can play a pivotal role in safeguarding democratic processes and ensuring that every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote.