E-voting in Canada: Does age affect attitudes towards online voting?

Abstract

Elections need to remain innovative and robust in the fast-changing world in the digital age. While previous literature focuses on the technicality, legality, security and practicality of e-voting in Canada, the purpose of this study is to find if younger voters would adopt a different attitude towards online voting than older voters. The question at hand here is; how does age affect attitudes towards online voting in Canada? For populations that are under-represented in Canada, online voting can be a conduit that leads to better civic engagement, increased political participation and a better perception of elections. Online voting makes it easier for younger voters to engage in civic duties rather than going into polling stations and filling out a ballot in the electoral process. Often, a cost and benefit analysis is the mechanism behind rational choice voting. Therefore, there is reason to believe online voting may lead to a better sense of engagement for younger voters who are currently disengaged from our political system. Online voting could also lead to better representation for the interests of younger cohorts.