Effects of the internet on participation in Brazil

A study of the traits and attitudes of over 22,000 internet voters from Rio Grande do Sul during a referendum on state-level spending priorities.

This research paper analyzes the profiles and engagement of online voters, showing that online voting increased participation among non-engaged people. It also increased turnout and promoted political engagement and inclusiveness of the referendum, despite concerns about the security and effectiveness of remote internet voting.

The study considers what this means in the larger context of using internet communications technology to engage people in democratic processes.

Source: The World Bank Open Knowledge Repository
Author information: Paulo Spada, Jonathan Mellon, Tiago Peixoto, Fredrik M Sjoberg
Language: English

Year of publication: 2015