June 17, 2024

Selin Salmi

11th Grade

Pine Crest School

Technology has changed many parts of our lives, including the way we vote. In the past, voting was done on paper, with people marking their choices on a ballot and putting it in a box. This way of counting votes, however, took a long time and could have mistakes. Over time, technology started to help. In the 1960s, punch-card voting systems were introduced where voters used a machine to punch holes in a card to show their choices, which made counting votes faster and more accurate.

Today, many places use electronic voting machines. These machines let people touch a screen or push buttons to vote and then votes are counted quickly by the machine. Some countries also use internet voting, where people can vote from their computers or phones. This makes voting easier for people who cannot go to a polling place, like those living overseas or with disabilities.

Some benefits of technology in voting include:

• Speed: Counting votes is much faster with machines. This means election results can be announced sooner.

• Accuracy: Machines reduce the chance of counting mistakes.

• Accessibility: Technology makes voting easier for people with disabilities. For example, machines can be set up to help blind people vote on their own.

Some challenges of technology in voting include: 

• Security: Electronic and internet voting systems can be targeted by hackers. It is important to keep these systems safe from attacks.

• Reliability: Machines can break down or have software problems. This can cause delays and confusion during elections.

• Trust: Some people do not trust electronic voting machines. They worry that the machines could be tampered with or that their votes might not be counted correctly.

In the future, we might see even more advanced technology in voting. For example, blockchain technology could be used to make voting more secure. Blockchain is a way of recording information that is very hard to change once it is set. This could help prevent hacking and ensure that votes are counted correctly. Biometric systems, which use fingerprints or facial recognition, could also be used to make sure only eligible voters can vote.

Some examples of technology in voting: 

• Estonia: Estonia is a pioneer in internet voting. Since 2005, Estonian citizens have been able to vote online in national elections. This system allows people to vote securely from anywhere in the world.

• India: India uses electronic voting machines (EVMs) for its elections. These machines are simple to use and have helped to speed up the voting process in the world's largest democracy.

• United States: Some states in the US use electronic voting machines, while others use optical scan systems. Optical scan systems allow voters to fill out a paper ballot that is then scanned and counted by a machine. This provides a paper trail that can be audited.

Technology has significantly improved the voting process by making it faster, more accurate, and more accessible for people around the world. Electronic voting machines and internet voting have streamlined how votes are cast and counted, reducing human error and speeding up results. However, these types of advancements came with challenges, such as the need for robust security measures to prevent hacking and ensure the reliability of voting machines. Trust in electronic systems is crucial, as concerns about tampering can weaken confidence in election results. As technology grows, new solutions like blockchain and biometric verification could further enhance the security and accessibility of voting. It is essential to balance innovation with safeguards to protect the integrity of elections. By focusing on the tech aspects, we can continue to improve electoral processes while addressing the associated risks. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure fair, efficient, and trustworthy elections for everyone.