Technology has deeply changed many aspects of our lives, and the electoral system is no exception. By adopting electronic voting, significant improvements in terms of convenience and increased participation in democratic processes are promised. However, this innovation has also raised concerns about the security, accessibility, and reliability of the system. In this article, we will dive into the pros and cons of electronic voting and assess whether it represents a promise or a risk for democracy, considering the opinions of delegates from the LIBE/JURI commission.
One of the representative voices of this commission emphasized the seriousness of the situation, attributing it to the limited implementation so far. This gap presents a dilemma because while European society is moving towards digitalization, it demands a safe, transparent, and accessible approach. Such complexity in adopting the electronic voting system motivates delegates to continue their search for solutions, confident that this represents the future of Europe.
After hearing the commission’s discussions, it is reasonable to acknowledge that some advantages of electronic voting include the ability to cast ballots from anywhere with internet access, eliminating the need to physically go to a polling station. Additionally, its capacity to increase electoral participation by making the process more accessible, especially for young people and those with reduced mobility, is highlighted. Furthermore, its efficiency is emphasized, as it allows for the rapid tabulation of election results, thus speeding up the counting process and reducing the chance of human errors.
However, a significant number of individuals have reservations about electronic voting, motivated by various factors. One of the main concerns revolves around the security of the electronic voting system. Risks of cyber-attacks, vote manipulation, and vulnerabilities in the technological infrastructure are raised. Moreover, it is pointed out that while electronic voting may make the process easier for some, it may also exclude those without internet access or familiarity with technology. The lack of a physical backup for electronic votes raises doubts about the integrity and the possibility of auditing results in case of disputes.
In response to these challenges, delegates argue that every major project involves risks, and that without risk, there is no reward. They caution that they consider and discuss all possibilities from a security standpoint and argue that it is necessary to take certain risks if it means that all individuals, regardless of their disabilities or circumstances, are heard and taken into account, as we are talking about human rights.
Despite the undeniable advantages of electronic voting in terms of convenience and participation, it is imperative to address legitimate concerns about its security, accessibility, and reliability. Only through the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures, ensuring accessibility for all voters, and establishing transparent audit procedures, can electronic voting fulfill its promise of strengthening democracy without compromising its integrity.
Author: Claudia Aguilar Fernánde