Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Digital Divide

The idea of a digital divide occurs in "Voting Technology" and it made me think about voter age groups. The elderly generation tends to come out to vote in large numbers which gives them a larger voice in elections. Due to the larger voice they are pandered to by politicians much more so than the younger generation. If the increase in voting technology decreases the elderly voting turn out, will it also increase the younger generation turnout. Could the young citizens of this country finally find their voice, and force politicians to address issues that are of relevance to them?

1 comment:

Jenna said...

The effects of the digital divide today are undeniable, and I think they will continue to encourage candidates to take young voters into consideration in elections in the near future. I think other aspects of the networked information age have already incited candidates to pay attention to young voters (candidates on Facebook and YouTube videos like "Hillary and the Band," seem to be attempts to appeal to young voters)but I think that eventually the gap will narrow and close, as the young voters of today become the technologically savvy grandparents of tomorrow. I think it is more likely that the trend of older voters comprising the majority of votes and support will continue, even if it does disappear for a while (until the gap closes).