While Americans (and the Dutch) are still trying to figure out
exactly how to implement this "e-voting" thing without hackers
exploiting them, people cracking them open (literally), and
machines counting votes in triplicate, it looks like the Brits
are disregarding all the red flags already waving and are giving
it a go in select locations. New pilot schemes are slated to
"help people vote more conveniently at the Local Government
Elections in 13 local English authorities come May 2007," and
while some areas simply get the option to vote in advance,
Bedford, Breckland, Dover, South Bucks, Stratford-on-Avon
District Council, and Warwick District Council will be graced
with "electronic scanning technology to count ballot papers,"
while Rushmoor, Sheffield, Shrewsbury & Atcham, South Bucks, and
Swindon will actually be able to "use the internet or telephone"
to cast their vote if they so choose. The move is apparently
tailored to fit the "more modern lifestyles" that most folks
(mostly younger) are living, and o