Is it feasible to design public polling in libraries via the Internet?

[SmileMaker]

We could also use paper printouts to verify accuracy. Everyone would be encouraged to use their libraries - so, even those w/o Internet would be able to vote.

Imagine if we could engage some of the interest groups on the right and left to design polls? I think that this could be done quickly.

I'm in Princeton, btw. I work in a library and the public library here is the home of the new head of ALA and the home district of Congressman Rush Holt. I think that this could work.

[salvorhardin]

1. No.

Nothing involving computers or the internet is safe for voting. Period.

[SmileMaker]

2. I'm talking about polls with auditable paper trail

This could be done for public polling on issues like Filibuster, Stem Cells, etc.... it could be a check on official polls.

[salvorhardin]

3. No.

Assuming you're interested in reliable results, then you're talking about recreating pretty much the entire election infrastructure for another purpose.

Then there's the problem of who designs the polls, and the methods they use to design them.

In order for this to be reliable in any way I see huge potential breaches of personal privacy.

If half the eligible voters can't even be bothered to vote, what makes you think they'd take the time to participate in a scheme like this?

Finally... Why? What advantages are there to doing this?

On edit: Even if the results were reliable, there is very little chance they would be meaningful. For instance, take the recent brouhaha over cloning. Very few people understand enough of the basic science involved to make a reasoned judgement on the issues involved with cloning. Unless the mass media makes a quantum leap in their reporting so that they actually attempt to educate as well as report then you're just replicating the ignorant responses of current online polls.

[SmileMaker]

4. Purpose is to engage people on issues in a place that

is best known for separating facts from fiction. I think that it can't hurt to have one more measure of public opinion even if it's marginalized. Librarians are also quite famous for protecting privacy of readers. That's why a printout could serve as a paper record. How about getting young people engaged in the project of cournting the paper and comparing it to the Internet record. As far as I'm concerned, this would be another check on a system that needs more public engagement and participation.

[salvorhardin]

5. I see it as harmful to our system

Most people will either look at it as a meaningless gesture that never translates into policy or they will look at it as fulfilling their civic duty, and then sit on their asses.

[SmileMaker]

6. I think your argument is defeatist. I understand resistance, but

we must be creative.

[salvorhardin]

7. I'm not trying to be defeatist

I'm just being a contrarian. :evilgrin:

I certainly recognize the need for, and your attempt at, thinking about creative ways of getting people to engage in their own governance.

That said, I still don't see where your idea offers any benefits and requires the creation of a large infrastructure unlikely to provide meaningful results.

Keep thinking though. Just because I'm critical of this idea, doesn't mean I'm critical of you or what you're attempting to do.