Nearly half of the voters participating in Arizona’s 2000 Democratic presidential primary cast their votes via the Internet. Arizona is the first state to use “e-voting” in an attempt to make it easier to vote, thereby encouraging more American citizens to participate in elections.

E-voting is just one of the ways that the Internet has been used in an effort to improve American democracy. Another way that democracy is being influenced by the Internet is through the proliferation of websites designed to provide a forum for political discussion. Unlike mainstream television or newspapers, the Internet is not controlled by a central editorial board, which allows more diverse opinions to flourish. Such open communication, Internet advocates maintain, is vital to democracy. In addition, the Internet allows concerned citizens to contact their government representatives via e-mail. Tracy Westen, president...