Web-based voting avoids the election integrity problem caused by having certain constituencies favored by the location of balloting sites near them. It also addresses the problem of exclusion of branch campus students from the elections caused by having polling sites only in Pullman. The use of network ID and password provides a secure logon mechanism and allows the system to determine eligibility to vote. In addition, the fact that a person's network ID and password also allow access to course registration, student grades, student account information, and financial aid status should discourage students from giving their network ID and password to others. For those not familiar with using the world wide web, a computer will be set up in the CUB with someone present to provide assistance.
Some Internet users are concerned about the security of information transmitted over the Internet.
WSU uses public key encryption via Secure Socket Layer software. This means that all information transmitted between your Web browser and the WSU secured server is encrypted and cannot be unscrambled by a third party. Most Web browsers display a lock or key symbol at the bottom of the browser window. When the symbol is locked, whole, or unbroken, the information transmitted over the Web is secure. With this implementation there is virtually no risk that this information could be stolen.