The Internet is practically vital for every task in modern society. This technology is used for the search of information, accessing public services, and locating polling stations.
However, in the United Kingdom, the reality is that over 12 million citizens lack information on how technology can build a true digital democracy.
This is why Doteveryone is carrying out a pilot program to pair technology mentors with 12 MPs, so that this group of political authorities is aware of the scope of technology, including communication platforms, social networks, mobile apps, etc.
In Doteveryone, as in other groups that support the adoption of technology in electoral processes, there is the trust that innovation can break the barriers that traditional voting systems have erected between citizens (particularly the young) and those running for office or already elected.
Those who work toward the adoption of e-voting in the UK consider that there needs to be an educational campaign targeting all social levels; for instance, the legislators, who must be familiar with the latitude that technology and social media grant them to create channels of citizen participation.
In the days leading to the Brexit referendum, Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, Smartmatic Chairman, warned in an article on the Huffington Post that obsolete voting systems could silence certain voter groups. As it stood, during the June referendum a large number of voters residing abroad did not have the chance to express their views due to an obsolete voting system.
For Malloch-Brown, a paradigm shift is needed, one that leads the British to adopt electoral solutions that increase turnout and guarantee a stronger democracy, empowering citizens.
Source: Huffington Post UK