THE internet has revolutionised almost every facet of our existence. Online shopping, music downloads, booking holidays...
So it's hardly surprising that nowadays any party worth its salt has a decent website, complete with audio and video.
I suppose in a way this blog is testament to the interest in e-democracy. But despite all this there is still one thing you cannot do online - cast your vote.
Parties can have all the snazzy websites they want, but for some, not being able to vote online at the end of it all is a bit like the big cheeses at ebay letting people upload their stuff and then banning anyone from placing a bid.
People say the internet is too unsafe and that there's the possibility of fraud. I agree, but the traditional ballot box is not 100% foolproof - if it was you wouldn't have councillors in some parts of the country being jailed for poll fraud.
Everything has its risk but really, if you think about it, will online voting really open the floodgates for widespread abuse?
There's a growing band of folk who think that the sooner internet voting is brought in the better because, frankly, they see politics as living in the dark ages in comparison with the rest of the world.
They have a point, I mean, it was only a few years ago that they allowed postal voting!
Turnouts at local elections are notoriously poor so surely every effort should be put into ensuring voting is made as easy as possible.
Unless we're willing to take a leap into this brave new world, we could end up with councils and governments being elected on the back of 10% turnouts.
And if that happened, could we really call that true democracy?
What do YOU think? To have your say, click on the 'comment' link at the bottom right hand of this post.
You do not have to give your e-mail address or website and can use either your own name or a pseudonym if you prefer. Join the debate now!
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