Internet Voting - What New Zealand Can Learn From International Trials & Errors (original) (raw)

This study will examine the potential for implementing internet voting, as a companion to traditional ballot voting, into the New Zealand electoral system and take into consideration broad issues related to this implementation including democratic, technical and economic aspects. Internet voting will be defined and differentiated from electronic voting because both are very different tools and given the small population of New Zealand, there is no need for implementing electronic voting. The development of secure and reliable platforms to perform the technical process will be examined as well as considering the advantages, disadvantages and ways to mitigate risks inherent in internet voting. At the same time, a comparative perspective will be offered of various countries where internet voting has already been implemented, aiming to determine to what extent New Zealand can benefit from this experience and knowledge. The study will demonstrate that internet voting, while raising many concerns and fears-most of which can be adequately guarded againstoffers New Zealanders a safe and convenient way to increase their involvement in the democratic system.