The new proposed law on electronic voting in Estonia has brought about a shift in the way citizens cast their votes. From now on, voters will be able to use mobile devices to vote through special applications instead of computers. However, this change will not take effect until October and therefore cannot be used in the upcoming European Parliament elections in June.
Estonia has always been at the forefront of digital innovation, and it was the first country in Europe to introduce online voting in 2005. The new law reflects the country’s commitment to digitization and e-government, making e-Estonia more accessible on smart devices. Over half of all votes in the March 2023 parliamentary elections were cast digitally, showcasing Estonia’s dedication to its vision of a fully digital society.
Despite the success of online voting in Estonia, it remains a contentious issue due to concerns about reliability. Many people worry that electronic voting systems may be vulnerable to hacking or other forms of manipulation, which could compromise the integrity of the election process. Nonetheless, Estonia’s experience with online voting and digital governance sets it apart as a pioneer in Europe, demonstrating how technology can be used to improve democracy and make it more accessible to everyone.