State Sen. Emily Couric (D-Charlottesville) announced yesterday that she has proposed a resolution to the General Assembly that would form a study on Internet voting in state elections, with the University's Center for Governmental Studies providing staff for the study research.
"Internet voting sometime in the not too distant future will be available to the states," Couric said.
The resolution stems from Couric's interest and participation in the Youth Leadership Initiative.
The Center for Governmental Studies created the Youth Leadership Initiative to promote interest in the electoral process among young people.
In November the Youth Leadership Initiative sponsored a mock Virginia election - the largest online election in history.
More than 4,000 students and 16 schools participated in the mock election. Couric, who was on the ballot, participated in debates hosted by high school students.
Given "our local experience during the mock elections, we should identify the pros and cons of Internet voting in Virginia," Couric said.
In February, students in all regions of the state will be able to participate in the largest mock Republican presidential primary in the nation through the Youth Leadership Initiative's latest online project.
"The Youth Leadership Initiative is the link between the Center [for Governmental Studies] and the legislation," Center Program Director Alex Theodoridis said.
"Sen. Couric wants to see if there is a direct application of Internet voting in a general election," said Larry J. Sabato, Center director and government and foreign affairs professor.
Couric said she thinks the program will be beneficial in increasing the number of people who vote in elections because voter turnout has been very low in the past few years.
"If we can overcome the hurdles that citizens have on security, we can increase participation in the electoral process," she said.
Youth Leadership Initiative Director Ken Stroupe said he agrees with Couric.
"The Internet provides tremendous opportunity to expand the number of the people that vote in elections," Stroupe said.
"We are not advocates for or against Internet voting, but we appreciate the opportunity to explore its usage in a general election," he said.
Before the study is formed, the resolution must go through several committees and be passed by both the House of Delegates and Senate.
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