Lessons and Trends in E-Voting: Initiatives in the US andAbroad

Around the world, several countries are moving toward more advanced electronic voting systems. The goal of these reforms or voting techniques varies from nation to nation. Some nations are attempting to increase turnout in elections, others seek to reduce election fraud, and still others want to enfranchise difficult-to-serve voting populations. In general, all election reform efforts are intended to improve the democratic process by making voting easier, more accurate, more accessible, and more secure. This article examines the lessons that can be leamed by studying election refonns in US, UK and other nations. & ince the 2000 election, there has been a debate over rhe role of voting ~technology in the election process. In 2000 and 2001, this debate focused on the deficiencies associated with paper ballots-especially the punch card and the ballot errors associated with rhese baHots. However, Ihis debate has shifted since 2002 to a conflict berween concerns about the accessibiliry of vOIin