Source: www.bbc.co.uk |
There are many possibilities for how
e-voting could be implemented in Great Britain and Bercow is open to exploring
a range of options. He understands how many people, particularly young adults,
have come to seen smartphones, tablets and other digital devices as extensions
of themselves. These devices can already be used to handle a range of private
and confidential information, including e-mail and banking, so why can't the
electoral process also be included in this? Bercow says that allowing citizens
to vote via their mobile devices is a natural step.
However, this isn't to say that the shift
should be taken lightly. Security measures must be in place to maintain and
protect the “integrity of the ballot box.” The voting process for the citizen
should also be painless and easy, as to encourage greater
voter turnout. The recent European Union elections only saw a 33.8 percent
turnout. That is far too low to be a truly representative democracy.
To Bercow, a 21st century democracy in
action should be epitomized by a good citizen who must pick up a postcard weeks
in advance before “dragging themselves down to an empty community hall or
primary school on a wet Thursday to put a cross on a tiny piece of paper.” In
line with modern technology and contemporary society, that ballot can be cast
and counted in an automated fashion and possibly even remotely. This would also
allow for greater access, particularly for voters who may have difficulties
getting to the appropriate polling place in a timely and convenient way.
Voters want their voices to be heard, which
is also why Bercow is pushing toward “crowdsourcing” ideas and public opinion
too. These so-called digital
consultations would not be binding, but they would help to advise the
Speaker's Commission on Digital Democracy on how best to implement the new
technology. “Perhaps the time has come,” said Bercow, “for the House of Commons
to allow greater choice, more flexibility and public participation.”
E-voting technology has already been
implemented in some fashion in the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and the
Northern Ireland Assembly. An expansion of this into other British elections
and votes only makes sense.
It is completely open to debate whether
Britain should move forward with full Internet voting by way of web-connected
devices like smartphones and computers or if they should start with electronic
voting terminals at set polling places. However, the democratic process in the
UK is due for an update one way or another.
The next United Kingdom general election is
scheduled for May 7, 2015. This will elect the 56th Parliament of
the United Kingdom.