Votation, formed in early 1999, has conducted more than 600 private online elections for companies, labor unions and the like. But this is its first public election, according to Mel Schrieberg, president of Votation, which is partnering with VeriSign for its digital certificates to keep things secure and legitimate. Arizona Democrats can vote from their home, their office or in some 40 designated polling places. There, voters can cast their ballots on a computer or, if they really feel queasy about that, they can fill out a paper ballot and have it compiled online with all the rest. It's doubtful that the general election in November 2000 will be available online, but in the future it's inevitable.
Internet voting is really no different from absentee or other proxy methods.
It's just up to the states to approve the process. When online voting becomes commonplace, we will find ourselves living in a new country, not only because of the new voters it will bring to the table, but because of all the concerned citizens who already vote and who will find in the Internet new ways to mobilize causes, raise funds and get out the vote. If you need any more convincing, consider that there are plenty of voters and groups already online who may not have your interests in mind. See more E-volution columns. All Rights Reserved.