tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750343339904865739.post3711799918360538632..comments2023-11-02T20:45:14.873+11:00Comments on eGov AU: Gaming of online polls and ways to mitigate vote fraudCraig Thomlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18350603210658700252noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750343339904865739.post-81367682610362632352010-08-30T16:21:27.971+10:002010-08-30T16:21:27.971+10:00Insightful post Craig, thanks.
Personally I would...Insightful post Craig, thanks.<br /><br />Personally I would never advocate e-democracy, we have democratic institutions to take decisions for good reasons. On top of the issues you cite relating to gaming we have to be mindful that there are important sections of the community who are not online and are excluded from these polls. Also those taking the time to vote will always be a skewed sample.<br /><br />However, online polling can be an important part of e-participation which supports the decisions that our democratically elected institutions make.<br /><br />Polls can give a very quick indication of the pulse of an issue and can also be a great way to allow people to easily participate and to draw them in to get them involved in deeper engagement. After voting in a poll (especially if they have signed up to vote) they may feel they want to discuss why and might join a forum where their ideas and opinions may be of real value to decision makers.<br /><br />Of course the ultimate protection against gaming in polls lies in the understanding of the decision makers and their discretion in interpreting results. <br /><br />A Government making decisions based on online polls alone would be almost as unthinkable as one making decisions based only on the results of focus groups...............hmmmMatt Crozierhttp://bangthetable.comnoreply@blogger.com