Pens, pencils or iPads: what role could new technology play in future elections?

THE Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters wants to know if new technology has a role to play in Federal elections.

Committee Chair, Senator James McGrath, said technology such as tablet devices have now become mainstream and a new generation of voters are more comfortable with swiping rather than scribbling.

"Australian elections are still reliant on pencils and paper. Personally I don’t think electronic voting is the solution – but we do need to consider how the AEC can use new technology to improve service delivery," Senator McGrath said.

"It’s not just about what happens in the polling booth. We need to find out how technology can help with the huge job of maintaining the electoral roll, processing information between polling centres – and even replacing electoral related snail mail."

Submissions close on September 20 and the Committee expects to hold public hearings later this year.

Anybody can make a submission that address the terms of reference. Submissions attract protection under the Parliamentary Privileges Act 1997.

People wishing to make a submission can call the secretariat for advice or visit aph.gov.au/em for more information.

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