Considering the advancement, the rapid exchange of ideas, and the people more than willing to take technology to the next level, is it the right time for the voting process to go digital?
We live in a world where companies, startup groups, or even sixth graders with enough knowledge, time, and resources can come up with a technological breakthrough. A modified version of this, a tweak in that, and they’ll come up with a better solution with the potential to change our landscape. Some technology is open source, meaning that their source code is available for the public to use, modify, or distribute. This is one of the reasons why developers can easily create new software or apps as a hobby, a profession, or just for the sake of doing something in their free time.
Considering the advancement, the rapid exchange of ideas, and the people more than willing to take technology to the next level — is it the right time for the voting process to go digital?
In the words of Manila Bulletin’s resident geek and technology insider Art Samaniego, “If we can bank online, why can’t we vote online?”
Sounds practical, doesn’t it? But there’s more to it than just passing a law or tapping the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to ditch the traditional pen and paper, falling in line for hours at voting precincts, and pushing for electronic voting.
A Bad Idea
In his October 6, 2023 article, Samaniego explained that cybersecurity professionals have warned that internet voting is not the next logical step in voting technology, but a “significant threat to democratic elections.”
Let’s face it: technology has transformed our lives by leaps and bounds. However, the Information Superhighway — call it the Internet or the World Wide Web — is a volatile environment with more insecurities than securities. Ironically, hackers use technology to breach technology, and they have proven it time and again, not only in the Philippines but all over the world.
Security
One of the key reasons why Samaniego is not in favor of online voting is security. It’s not hard to imagine that if hackers can breach the Internet on any given Sunday, how much more if they are paid well enough to manipulate the outcome of elections? All they need is to gain access to a site and work their hacking magic. The results could be disastrous — potentially compromising the fundamental principles of our democracy.
Privacy
The electoral process thrives on the anonymity of voters for their safety. While vote buying is still rampant in the country, the decision still relies on the voter. Anything can change during D-Day, and it’s only a matter of choosing whose circle to shade — whether coerced by the envelope they’ve received or guided by their conscience to vote for the people who can make the Philippines a better place.
Dumping a voter’s entire information over the Internet will have its consequences, particularly in terms of security, and will raise concerns about the fairness of the outcome. Voting for our leaders should be without bias, after all.
Accessibility
Yes, many of us own smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices making online voting seem easy and convenient. But that’s not the reality for everyone.
What about individuals who are unable to read or write, or who lack the digital literacy needed to navigate an online voting system?
Millions of Filipinos, especially from marginalized and less fortunate communities, are at risk of being easily manipulated — influenced or misled into voting for the wrong candidate. These individuals may be more vulnerable to vote buying, coercion, or digital misinformation if left without proper safeguards and support.
Technology must not become a tool that excludes or exploits the vulnerable. Voting should remain accessible, secure, and fair for all — regardless of education, income, or connectivity.
