e‑Voting in the UK: A Work in Progress

Abstract

The research project on which this paper is based is investigating the reasons that some English local authorities engaged in pilot projects of e‑voting and some did not. This paper offers a brief summary of the initial findings of the literature review as it identifies factors, which impact upon the decision‑making process of English local authorities. The factors identified include the local authorities' attitude to e‑voting, their consideration of the citizens' attitude to voting, the risks to the integrity of the ballot and the changing political environment instigated by central government. The analysis is based on Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory. Early results of this on‑going research suggest that in a voluntary situation where there is an over arching organisation (central government) trying to introduce an innovation to an agency organisation, Rogers' diffusion of innovations framework requires modification.