Elections and Technology
Elections and Technology Index
The introduction of information and communications technologies (ICT) into the electoral process is generating both interest and concern among voters, as well as practitioners across the globe. Today, most electoral management bodies (EMBs) around the world use new technologies with the aim of improving the electoral process. These technologies range from the use of basic office automation tools such as word processing and spreadsheets to more sophisticated data processing tools, such as data base management systems, optical scanning and geographic information systems.
Some of these tools have been available for some time and their strengths and weaknesses are well known. Every year, however, new technologies and tools that are not as well known are introduced to the market. As this is being written, for instance, there are several voting systems in use that automate the recording and/or counting of votes cast. Other systems verify voter eligibility and voter authentication. Some countries are also experimenting with Internet voting as a way to facilitate voting and to increase voter participation in elections. All of these efforts aim to ensure the credibility of the democratic process and the reliability of elections results.
While these technologies open up new frontiers and offer new possibilities for the electoral process, especially for voting operations, there may be unforeseen risks involved, such as an increase in vote selling or difficulty in auditing election results. Careful consideration also needs to be given to the risks of inappropriate or untimely introduction of technology, especially if it has the potential to compromise transparency, local ownership or sustainability of the electoral process.
Among all of the new technologies being introduced, public attention is focused mainly on those that support electronic voting (E-voting), and the ACE Project has prepared a "Focus On" section on this subject. However, the aim of the Elections and Technology topic area is to introduce technologies that have an impact on a variety of activities related to the administration of elections.
EC-UNDP Partnership on Electoral Assistance
United States: Electronic Voting System Approval Manual
Overview of Elections and Technology
