National Internet Elections.

A research paper written by Craig L. Wilkening, Senior in Political Science at Iowa State University

Written as assigned for Pol Sci 487x Electronic Democracy, Fall Semester 2001. Course taught by Prof. Steffen Schmidt

Abstract

The Internet has allowed and caused many inovations in the daily lives of Americans, along with those of the rest of the world. Following the fiasco in Florida during the 2000 Presidential Election, many people, both scholarly and not, are considering the use of the Internet while electing government officials. Is this a possibility? Overwhelmingly yes, if you neglect all of the pros and cons of an Internet Election system. This paper's sole purpose is to decide if an Internet Electoral system is the answer to a more effective and inclusive election, or a gamble using our privacy, democracy, and country as the chips.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Originally the plan was to include a butterfly ballot that would direct you throughout my report. Unfortunately, my attempt to be creative and poke fun at the Floridans was unsuccessful. I could not figure the damn thing out either.


Introduction
The Possibility
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Sources
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