Digital society; analogue voting

It’s voting day today here in the UK. As part of Europe’s election, millions of us are weaving our way to community halls, churches and local government buildings, taking part in democracy. In my ward in Kensington there are even a dozen campaigners at the tube stations urging people to take part - and with the background of economic collapse, a ceaseless expenses scandal haunting MPs, and the ugly resurgence of the right wing BNP, there’s quite a buzz. It’s a sunny day, hopefully turnout will be good. But whatever your politics, chew on this. The polling station in my ward covers a dozen streets. Inside there are 2 observers, one supervising officer and about 5 other volunteers. This is repeated in thousands of buildings across hundreds of towns and villages. That means tens of thousands are involved in the administration, and still our turnout won’t top 1/3 of the electorate. One day it will become digital, one day turnout will be higher, one day voting will be effortless – but why isn’t that day already here?