Tag: E-democracy

On Tuesday, US votes will go to the polls and select their next president. This election will mark the first time the Internet has played a significant role in politics and it seems there is no turning back. In today’s column, I’m taking a look at how the Internet changed politics and what can be learned from it in the future. Web and Email: Essential Campaigning Tools In 1992, the Clinton/Gore campaign was one of the great innovator in that field. Using a list server, the democratic ticket sent out policy papers, press releases, and announcements of gathering to thousands of subscribers. After they moved into the White House, they continued providing detailed policy information via the Internet. In those days, however, few people cared as the Internet had not yet captured the public imagination. This year, politicians fully seized the Internet as an essential campaigning tool. As the presidential campaign hits its last few hours, tons of emails are invading my mailbox. They come from all parties and it is interesting to see them pile. People are asking me to vote for Bush, Gore, or even Nader. One has to give credit to all the parties involved: they are…