On March 1, 2000, Emory College in Atlanta, Georgia will hold campus-wide student government elections completely on-line. In addition to being one of the first college campuses to hold elections in this way, the "e-lection" sets a precedent for the way technology and democratic government can interact in the future.

In the past, Emory's election record has not been impressive. Over the past four years, elections have been mired in campaign violations and ballot scandals. In the 1998 campus elections, the general election was declared illegal because of ballot stuffing and illegal campaign practices. However, as information technology became more accessible and versatile, the solution to the problem became evident. In the Fall of 1999, College Council Elections Chair Bryan Richardson and College Council President Will Claiborne lead a pilot "e-lection" for the selection of Freshman representatives. The results were very encouraging. In one election, voter participation increased 275% and there was not a single instance of election misconduct.

On March 1, 2000, Bryan Richardson will oversee the first campus-wide "e-lection" at Emory College. On Election Day, students will have access to a secure electronic ballot over the campus Intranet. Students can vote at any computer with network access, whether on campus or at home. To prevent election misconduct, the elections board has designed a platform that prevents multiple voting, while protecting the voter's anonymity. The new platform also changes the campaign process. Rather than holding long office hours, Elections Board members may approve campaign materials instantaneously via the Internet. In addition, candidates can use individual web pages to post their views, bios, and policy ideas. Elections Board Chairman Bryan Richardson stated,

"We hear so much today about the way information technology has changed the economy, but we never hear about how it will change politics. The e-lection is an example of the Internet improving the democratic process. Not only will ballots and candidates be more accessible to voters; the whole process will be more secure, efficient, and transparent. If students have confidence in the way they elect their representatives, they will feel more confident in the ability of the student government to reflect their views. I think our past results show what a difference it can make."

Press Release
Contact: Bryan Richardson
Phone: (404) 486-8177
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 AM EDT, February 19, 2000