State of the Digital State: Part III

Electronic government is no longer an option for states. It is a requirement. The third installment of the Digital State Survey, covering digital democracy and management and administration, illustrates how important e-government has become across the nation. Online access to the democratic process is making it possible for citizens to participate more fully in representative government, and states have implemented management policies to foster that participation.

Digital Democracy
Visionaries believe online access to the legislative process has the power to transform the relationship between citizens and government. The ability to observe live sessions of a state legislature, to e-mail ones opinions to representatives, to receive updates on pending laws and to get prompt responses from elected officials makes government more interactive. Citizens can be personally involved and engaged as never before.

The survey of digital democracy demonstrates that state officials grasp the potential of the Internet to profoundly enhance citizen access to government. Seven of the top 10 states were new to the list, indicating that digital democracy has become a priority throughout the nation. The most dramatic change was observed in the implementation of electronic voting technology. Last year, only a handful of states used direct recording systems, touch screens, optical scanning systems or Internet voting. This year, 35 states reported some use of electronic voting systems.

Alaska occupies the top position in digital democracy, rising from seventh place in last years survey. According to CIO Larry Walsh, state legislators and Lt. Gov. Fran Ulmer, who chairs the states technology council, have been digital champions. In addition, Alaskas residents have been very receptive to electronic government. "Alaska has significant use of technology in day-to-day living," Walsh said. "That reflects on our citizens interest in having access to their government."

South Carolina follows in second place, up from 13th position last year. Nebraska is in third position followed by Kansas in fourth place. Nevada, Arizona and South Dakota earned fifth, sixth and seventh places, respectively.

North Dakota soared from 38th place to the number eight spot. From a pilot online voting project to robust audio and video access to legislative proceedings, North Dakota has made remarkable progress in its efforts to bring government to its citizens, making it the nations most improved digital democracy.

"We have invested ourselves in e-government," said state CIO Curtis Wolfe. "We have come a long way in 18 months."

Wolfe said access to information about pending legislation was particularly important in the past year. "We did get a good response from citizens," he said. "They dialed in on the Internet and listened to the debate and progress on the bills. They found it very important. There were controversial bills and there was interest across the state."

Management/Administration
State	Points	Rank
New Jersey	100.00	1
Washington	99.50	2
Maine	99.00	3
Idaho	98.00	4
Ohio	97.51	5
California	94.44	6
Illinois	91.46	7
Maryland	91.46	7
N. Carolina	88.69	9
Kansas	87.90	10