Bridging the Digital

Divide Electronic voting is the first new election technology to be introduced in years. Of course, this change doesn't come without criticism. Traditionally, people are resistant to change, even if it offers an opportunity to simplifying their lives. And to be fair, e-voting does have its drawbacks. Here are just a few: Computers will disenfranchise the computer illiterate, including the elderly, the poor and minorities. It will be very difficult to verify voters' identities. Computers are susceptible to attacks by computer viruses and hackers. The digital divide is a rather new term, referring to the gap between the technology haves and have-nots. Those with computer knowledge are typically younger and more affluent than those who lack computer skills. The electronic voting system used in Riverside County has already drawn protests from minority groups who say that this computerized system intimidates voters who have limited access to computers. Studies show that whites and Asians are more computer savvy than blacks and Latinos, that younger voters have more computer knowledge than older voters and that those with money have more access to the Internet than those without money. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 poses the biggest legal barrier to e-voting. This act called for an end to discrimination against minorities in the election process, and prohibits some states from making changes to voting procedures without federal approval. The courts could declare computer-based or Internet voting a violation of this act.