JeDEM - eJournal of eDemocracy and Open Government

Internet voting: A research agenda

Adrià Rodríguez-Pérez — 2024-10-02

Investigating transparency dimensions for internet voting

Samuel Agbesi — 2024-10-02

While internet voting is argued to have the potential to improve election processes, concerns about security risks remain one of its main adoption barriers. These concerns are furthermore aggravated by the lack of transparency of internet voting systems that are often perceived as a “black box”. Moreover, there is a research gap in conceptualising transparency and studying voters’ attitudes towards transparency in internet voting. In this work, we aim to address this gap by (1) Conducting a systematic literature review, from which we identified five dimensions of transparency; (2) Developing a questionnaire (Transparency Dimensions of internet voting, TDIV) to assess voters’ attitudes regarding the correlation of these dimensions with transparency; and (3) Conducting an online study (N=500) to investigate voters’ attitudes towards transparency in internet voting. We conclude that providing information about the security of the internet voting system, testing it by independent experts for security vulnerabilities prior to the election, monitoring the election process and verifying its integrity, and providing a remedy for security breaches while holding the responsible parties accountable, are perceived by voters as necessary, and enhance transparency in internet voting systems.

Trust and electoral technologies throughout the election cycle: Comparing the USA, Netherlands, Poland, and Kenya

David Duenas-Cid — 2024-10-02

Technology and election organization are increasingly intertwined, encompassing voting systems and supporting infrastructure. This interaction puts at the spotlight aspects related to trust and public confidence, fuelled by threat actors from actors aiming to disrupt electoral integrity using publicized attacks and disinformation campaigns against the use of such technologies. In the literature, there is still a lack of a cohesive, coordinated methodology for this issue that starts with a needs-based approach. This paper analyses the relationship between trust and technology implementation across the electoral cycle by presenting a set of selected case studies presenting diverse levels of democratic development and types of election management bodies. While examining how trust- and distrust-related factors influence implementation, this paper supports experts aiming to approach aspects related to the current erosion of trust in democracy and technology's impact.

An electoral exception? Quantum computing-readiness and internet voting

Adrià Rodríguez-Pérez — 2024-10-02

Developments in quantum computing may jeopardize the security of internet voting. Such developments could compromise important electoral requirements, including integrity, eligibility, or the secrecy of the vote. Even the contents of a vote cast online today, when quantum computers are not yet known to be available, could be revealed tomorrow. Countries are already working on a post-quantum setting, but elections seem to remain an exception. In this paper, we explore the existing strategies to mitigate the quantum threat or their lack thereof, as well as the views of different stakeholders on these matters. To do so, we have conducted a mix of desk research as well as interviews with 24 experts in different fields, from electoral administrations to cybersecurity agencies, vendors, and academia. We assess their perceptions about quantum computing, its impact on internet voting, and on transitioning towards quantum-resistant cryptography, as well as on interagency cooperation and trust issues. Whereas we initially assumed that elections were an exception in regards to the transition towards post-quantum cryptography, this research shows that the electoral field is neither alone nor the most adequate one to start the implementation of this kind of cryptography.

Election administrators' perceptions of verifiable online voting and its use in local elections

Iuliia Spycher-Krivonosova — 2024-10-02

Canada is the longest user of online voting in municipal elections and has primarily used non-verifiable systems, raising concerns about the integrity of election results and public and administrator confidence in the process. In the 2022 Ontario municipal elections, 9% of municipalities offered online voters the option of individual verifiability. To better understand the considerations and challenges of introducing verifiability mechanisms in local elections, this article explores municipal administrators' perceptions and understanding of verifiable online voting through three focus groups with local governments in Ontario, Canada: (1) users of verifiable online voting systems,(2) users of non-verifiable systems, and (3) those without online voting. We find deeper reasonings for selecting non-verifiable online voting systems, such as administrators' perceptions of voters' needs and the perceived value of transparency. To enhance the adoption of verifiable online voting, the article suggests promoting the value and meaning of verifiability among all stakeholders.

Industrial Revolution 4.0 technologies for democratic e-government services: A systematic review of transformational frameworks

Christinah Kenosi — 2024-10-02

This paper uses the PRISMA framework to present a systematic literature review on e-government frameworks leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. It aims to identify, review, and analyze frameworks that incorporate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, algorithms, natural language processing, big data analytics, blockchain, Internet of Things, cloud computing, cognitive computing, and autonomous robots to modernize public administration service delivery. The review covers articles from 2019 to 2024, highlighting the potential of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to enhance government services, improve accountability, and foster citizen engagement. However, it also identifies gaps in current frameworks, such as challenges related to security, privacy, and the digital divide. The paper provides recommendations for developing transformational e-government frameworks that prioritize democratic values, social inclusion, and stakeholder participation.

Individual attitudes towards internet voting: The case of France

Felix-Christopher von Nostitz — 2024-10-02

Since the early 2000s, internet voting has developed considerably. However, limited research still examines citizens' expectations regarding its use in the electoral process, particularly in countries that have not yet introduced internet voting. This article addresses this gap by studying citizens' opinions about internet voting. We challenge existing preconceptions about their propensity to accept such a voting option. Our empirical analysis is based on a post-electoral survey in France. We demonstrate that French citizens broadly favour the introduction of internet voting. Such a system is rejected primarily due to political reasons or general social media usage. Indifference to the issue reflects the social divide traditionally observed in electoral and online political participation. Furthermore, we show that different groups emerge, depending on the arguments they use to support or oppose the introduction of internet voting.