Citizens in Charge

California voter Michael Ni’s signature on a statewide petition could “reshape American politics forever.” That is because Ni’s signature, which was delivered on a flash drive to the San Mateo County clerk last week, is the first in history to be recorded and transmitted to elections officials electronically. You can read the whole story here.

As a totally new process, electronic signature collection hasn’t been tested with elections officials and courts, and electronically collected signatures are sure to be challenged by initiative opponents fearful of giving voters a say on this issue or that. What is clear is that electronic signature collection opens up new potentials for citizen-led government and gives the voters an even greater chance of having their voices heard. With this in mind, it is something that voters and elections officials alike should embrace.