Elections in the Internet Age

• Impact of the internet, especially social media, on electoral/voting choices

The impact of the internet, particularly social media, on electoral and voting choices has been
significant. Here are some key effects:

1. People are more aware of politics because they can easily find news and information online.
This helps them make better choices.

2. Candidates can use social media to talk to voters directly and share their ideas. This makes it
easier for voters to get to know them and might influence their decisions.

3. Social media lets people share their political views and choices with their friends. This can
convince others to vote in a certain way.

4. Political campaigns can use social media to show ads to specific groups of people. This can
make people more likely to vote for a certain candidate or care about a certain issue.

5. Social media can create "echo chambers" where people only see information that agrees with
their beliefs. This can make people more extreme in their political views.

6. Sometimes false information gets spread on social media, which can make people vote in the
wrong way.

7. Social media can also be used to organize protests, rallies, and other political events. This can
help people get more involved in politics and make changes in society.

•How does the automated election system work in the:

- Philippines

1. The vote-counting machines

In the Philippines, the automated election system involves the use of Vote Counting Machines (VCMs).
Voters feed their paper ballots into the VCMs, which count the shaded ovals representing their chosen
candidates. The machines also generate a voter receipt for verification, known as the voter-verified
paper audit trail (VVPAT). The digital images of the scanned ballots are encrypted and saved on SD cards,
while the physical ballots go into the ballot boxes. The VCMs are operated by software provided by
Dominion Voting Systems and licensed to Smartmatic-Total Information Management Corp. The software
undergoes source code reviews and certifications by local and international entities to ensure
transparency and security.

2. Canvassing, transmission

After the polls close, the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) in the Philippines transmit the vote counts,
known as election returns (ERs), to various servers and canvassing centers. The Consolidation/Canvassing
System (CCS) processes the ERs using the Real-Time Election Information System (REIS) software. The
Electronic Results Transmission Service (ERTS) handles the transmission of votes through public
telecommunications networks, with satellite as a backup. Modems are used for transmission, and each
machine can only transmit once. The ERs are sent to the central server, transparency server, and
municipal board of canvassers (MBOC). The transparency server provides real-time results to media,
election watchdog groups, and political parties. There is a backup server for contingencies. Results are
transmitted from the MBOC to the provincial board of Canvassers (PBOC) and then to the national board
of Canvassers (NBOC) for national positions.

-US

In the United States, election systems vary by state, and there is no uniform automated system across
the country. However, most states employ a combination of electronic voting machines and paper
ballots. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Voting machines: Electronic voting machines are used in many states to facilitate the casting and
counting of votes. These machines can be touch-screen devices or optical scanners that read
marked paper ballots. Some machines produce a paper record that can be used for auditing or
recounting purposes.

2. Voter registration: Each state maintains a voter registration system where eligible citizens
register to vote. The registration process verifies the voter's identity and eligibility to cast a
ballot.

3. Paper ballots: In some states, paper ballots are still used alongside electronic voting machines.
These ballots can be marked by hand or using ballot-marking devices. The paper ballots serve as
a physical record of the vote and can be used for recounts or audits.

4. Tabulation and reporting: After voting concludes, the votes are tabulated and recorded by
election officials. The process involves aggregating results from different precincts and
calculating the tallies. The results are then reported to state and local authorities, as well as
made available to the public.

•What are the challenges to ELECTION technology

Philippines:

1. Technical issues: The automated election system in the Philippines faces technical challenges
such as malfunctioning machines, connectivity issues, and power outages. These issues can
disrupt the voting process and hinder the accurate and timely transmission of results.

2. Security concerns: Ensuring the security and integrity of election technology is crucial. There
have been concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the automated system, including hacking
threats and tampering of electronic voting machines or transmission processes. Safeguarding
against these risks is essential to maintain public trust in the electoral process.

3. Voter education and awareness: With the introduction of new technology, it is important to
educate voters about the use of automated systems, including the proper marking of ballots and
 the verification of their votes. A lack of awareness or understanding of the technology could lead
to voter confusion or potential errors during the voting process.

United States:

1. Security and hacking risks: Election technology in the United States faces persistent
cybersecurity threats. Hackers targeting voter registration systems or attempting to interfere
with the voting process pose a significant challenge. Protecting election systems from
unauthorized access, tampering, or manipulation is a critical concern.

2. Aging infrastructure: In many parts of the United States, election technology infrastructure is
outdated and in need of modernization. This includes aging voting machines, inadequate
resources for maintenance and upgrades, and difficulties in ensuring the accuracy and reliability
of the technology.

3. Accessibility and equity: Ensuring equitable access to election technology is crucial. Issues such
as the availability of accessible voting options for individuals with disabilities, language barriers,
and disparities in digital literacy can impact voter participation and representation. Addressing
these challenges is essential to ensure inclusivity and equal access to the voting process.

4. Transparency and public trust: Maintaining transparency and building public trust in election
technology is vital. Concerns about the lack of transparency in the functioning of electronic
voting machines, the integrity of data transmission, and the role of technology vendors can
undermine confidence in the electoral process. Enhancing transparency and accountability
measures is crucial to address these concerns.

• Pros and Cons of the Automated Election system

• Philippines

Automated Election System in the Philippines:

Pros:

1. Efficiency and speed

The automated system has significantly reduced the time required for counting and tabulating
votes compared to manual processes.

2. Accuracy and reduction of human error

Automation minimizes the chances of human errors in vote counting and tabulation.

3. Transparency and auditability

The automated system provides a digital trail of votes, making it easier to audit and verify the
results.

Cons:

1. Technical challenges and reliability

The automated system has faced technical issues, such as machine malfunctions and
connectivity problems, in some elections.
 2. Security concerns
The use of technology introduces potential vulnerabilities, such as hacking threats and
tampering with electronic voting machines or transmission processes.

3. Voter education and accessibility

The transition to an automated system requires sufficient voter education and training to ensure
voters understand how to use the technology correctly.

•US

Automated Election System in the United States:

Pros:

1. Efficiency and timely results

Automation streamlines the voting process, making it faster and more efficient.

2. Accuracy and reduced human error

Automated systems minimize the risk of human errors in counting and tabulating votes.

3. Accessibility and inclusivity

Electronic voting machines can provide accessible options for voters with disabilities, such as
audio or tactile interfaces.

Cons:

1. Security vulnerabilities

Automated election systems face cybersecurity risks, including hacking attempts and potential
manipulation of voting machines or data transmission.

2. Cost and infrastructure challenges

Implementing and maintaining automated systems can be expensive, requiring investments in
technology, training, and infrastructure upgrades.

3. Trust and transparency concerns

Some individuals may have concerns about the transparency and accountability of automated
systems.
Existing Laws in Information Technology (Philippines set-up)

•Name/Description of these laws

•When these laws were implemented

•Details / Implementation guidelines

• Challenges faced by the government and its people when these laws were implemented

Information Technology's Role in the new normal

•During the Pandemic

• Post Pandemic

https://online.maryville.edu/blog

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/91663-philippine-automated-election-sytem-explained/

rappler.com/nation/elections/230425-vote-counting-machines-errors-technical-issues/

https://www.academia.edu/33150509/
ADVANTAGES_AND_DISADVANTAGES_OF_AUTOMATED_ELECTION_SYSTEM_AN_OPINION_SURVEY_AM
ONG_MINDANAO_STATE_UNIVERSITY_SELECTED_FACULTY_MEMBERS

https://www.ezvoteonline.com/Blogs/Pros-Cons-Electronic-Voting/