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Internet Voting

Remote internet voting, or e-voting, allows voters to cast their vote anywhere, at any time, provided they have access to an internet-connected computer. It could make participation in electoral processes easier, more accessible and less time consuming, potentially leading to an increase in voter turnout. For young people studying away from home, voting via internet allows them to participate without traveling on election day. 

Internet voting also has the potential to increase the participation of young women, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities in societies where these people face restrictions to their engagement in public life.  

However, there are many compelling reasons why e-voting has not become popular; and why cybersecurity experts and electoral experts caution against e-voting. There are three main reasons for the caution: issues with the technology, vast possibilities of fraud, and concerns about protection of voters and their votes. 

There are other considerations for EMBs in assessing whether internet voting can be implemented successfully in their context: the take-up of digital services by the population and extent to which citizens have computers and internet access, and the level of confidence in EMBs to deliver a robust e-voting solution, without which the exercise could further alienate voters. 

See Internet Voting (in ACE Elections and Technology Topic Area) 

Example: In 2007, Estonia became the first country to introduce legally binding internet voting. Over 30 per cent of voters now vote online, although voting stations are still available. The peak online voting age group is 35 to 45 years, with a smaller uptake by young voters. Research has shown that online voting is not the most popular option among the youngest group of voters, those aged 18 to 25 years.[i] Estonia is highly digitally enabled, with many government services available through online portals. Nevertheless, some cybersecurity experts believe Estonia’s e-voting system is open to abuse.[ii] 


[i] Mihkel Solvak & Kristjan Vassil, E-voting in Estonia: Technological Diffusion and Other Developments Over Ten Years (2005–2015), (Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies University of Tartu In cooperation with Estonian National Electoral Committee, 2016), https://skytte.ut.ee/sites/default/files/skytte/e_voting_in_estonia_vassil_solvak_a5_web.pdf.