Internet web sites are excellent means of conveying large amounts of information to voters. Traditional communication methods such as newspapers, brochures, radio and television are only able to carry limited amounts of paid electoral information. In countries where internet facilities are widely available, election management bodies (EMBs) can greatly expand their information delivery capabilities by including references to their web sites in their paid advertising. Web sites can be structured to deliver as little or as much information as the user desires.
In addition to delivering information, electoral web sites can also be interactive. Users can complete transactions on-line, such as applying for electoral enrolment or voting in elections (see Electronic/Mechanical Voting Systems). Forms can be completed on-line, such as campaign finance disclosure returns, or forms can be downloaded for printing on the user's printer and returned by mail (particularly where a user's hardcopy signature is required).
EMBs should be careful that provision of information and services on their internet web sites does not discriminate against or unfairly disadvantage clients who do not have internet access. Wherever possible, alternative forms of access to information and services available on the internet should be available for clients without internet access.
For more detail on using the internet for electoral purposes, see Types of technology with electoral applications: Internet and Communications technology: The internet.
