The internet and the UK elections

Acccording to the Pew Internet and American Life Project…

"The internet became an essential part of American politics in 2004. Fully 75 million Americans – 37% of the adult population and 61% of online Americans – used the internet to get political news and information, discuss candidates and debate issues in emails, or participate directly in the political process by volunteering or giving contributions to candidates" http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/150/report_display.asp

I’ve disagreed with the Pew people in the past, most notably in my MPhil thesis where I rubbished some of their research methods, so I do post the above link with caution. Nevertheless, I wonder what impact the internet will have upon voters going to the polls in the UK’s Parliamentary elections which are expected to be held on the 5th of May. The sites below might get you in the mood to start pondering this particular question or, at the very least, help you browse your way through the rest of a boring day at work…

The Public Whip : See how any MP has voted on Parliamentary business http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/

TheyWorkForYou: See what your MP has said in Parliamentary debates and search Hansard (the official Parliamentary record) by keyword:

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/

FaxYourMP: Find out who your MP is and send them a Fax for free:

http://www.faxyourmp.com/

Official Website of the UK Parliament:

http://www.parliament.uk/

Guide To Government (from DirectGov): "A step-by-step guide to the major seats of power in UK politics from 10 Downing Street to the regions, from the Houses of Parliament to the European Union"

http://www.direct.gov.uk/QuickFind/GuideToGovernment/fs/en

Party Picker: Helps users find the party they should vote for (might not yet be suitable as it only lists the Lib Dems at the moment):

www.partypicker.co.uk

 

Independent monitor of elections and referendums. Also aims to get more people involved in the democratic process

http://www.electoralcommission.gov.uk/

Innovative website which encourages people to vote tactically in parliamentary elections, and enables people to ‘swap’ their votes, with the aim of increasing the pressure for electoral reform

http://www.tacticalvoter.net/

The New Politics Network is looking for volunteers for a project that will monitor the amount and quality of communication between political parties and the electorate during the General Election.

http://www.new-politics.net/general-election/