Should the U.S. Allow Online Voting?

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Recommended: Advantages and disadvantages of e voting

In the age of technology, we do almost everything through the Internet. We can take classes online, check bank accounts, shop, and even date in the virtual world. If we can do all of these things then why not vote online as well. The idea of cyber voting has not been accepted as well as one would think in this day and age. The many security risks that come with computers and technology scares many Americans to stray away from exploring this new horizon. Voting online in theory is appealing, but in practice is not realistic. Security issues and a social issue known as the “Digital Divide” provide major drawbacks to online voting, but the convenience and cheap cost can be sufficient enough to convince the United States otherwise.

Security issues are the main setbacks when it comes to the topic of online voting. The Internet not only makes the average person’s life easier, but can also be abused if in the wrong hands. One result of this potential abuse is identity fraud. With an online voting system, there is no way of positively knowing that the person behind the screen voting is really who they say they are. Yes, the incorporation of one’s social security number and driver’s license or id number can make it more difficult for someone to commit identity fraud, but still does not make it impossible. The risk of identity theft is too prominent to ignore. “The average number of U.S. identity fraud victims annually is about 11,571,900.” (Statistic Brain) Computers are far too vulnerable to be secure enough to create a safe environment for voting in presidential and even congressional elections. “Personal computers, from which emails are sent, are easily and constantly attacked by viruses, worms, Trojan Horses and spyware.” (Verified V...

... middle of paper ...

...the correct precautions in order to take care of the legitimate security concerns.

Works Cited

"The Advantages of Voting Online." Elections Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.

"Comparing Annual Costs of DRE and Optical Scan Systems." Voters Unite. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.

"Digital Divide - ICT Information Communications Technology - 50x15 Initiative." Digital Divide - ICT Information Communications Technology - 50x15 Initiative. N.p., 21 Mar. 2014. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.

Falk, Tyler. "Why You Can't Vote Online in the U.S. Election." Smart Planet. N.p., 5 Nov. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.

Gross, Doug. "Why Can't Americans Vote Online?" CNN. Cable News Network, 08 Nov. 2011. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.

"Identity Theft / Fraud Statistics." Statistic Brain RSS. N.p., 18 June 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.

"Internet Voting." Verified Voting. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.

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