Technological Limitations to the Cost Saving Effect of Remote Internet Voting

Abstract

This thesis examines remote internet voting (I-voting) in the context of the Downsian (1957) theory of rational voters. I-voting could potentially raise turnout by providing a lower cost method for casting a vote, but only if the technology used is not a hurdle for adoption. Using data from the Estonian E-voters survey I-voters are contrasted to regular voters and change over the time span of 2007 to 2011 is examined. Findings indicate that there is a large difference between the initial cost of I-voting between different levels of technological aptitude, differences remain largely intact over time. When the regular cost of voting becomes too high, even the least adept might vote online.