Digitalisation of the electoral process: global trends and Russian practice

Introduction. The digitalisation of the electoral process is becoming a key factor in increasing the effectiveness of democracy, which requires a careful study of both global trends and the specifics of their implementation in Russia. The application of electronic voting systems and new technologies in electoral processes offers great opportunities, but also creates risks that require analysis.

Purpose. This study aims to identify current trends in the digitalisation of the electoral process globally and to compare them with Russian practice in order to assess both positive and negative aspects of the introduction of digital technologies in the electoral process.

Materials and methods. The study uses data from international and Russian scientific sources, official documents, statistical data and expert opinions. The methods of comparative analysis, case study, qualitative analysis and content analysis were applied for a comprehensive approach to analysing current practices and their implications.

Results. The results of the study show that the digitalisation of electoral processes increases the accessibility and convenience of voting, but the creation of systems with a high level of trust remains a major challenge. In Russia, the introduction of remote electronic voting allows more voters to participate in elections, but also raises security and privacy issues. There is a need to revise legal regulations and strengthen data protection.

Conclusions. Digitalisation of the electoral process has the potential to increase the legitimacy and transparency of elections, but requires effective legal regulation and active citizen participation in electoral procedures. Recommendations include the implementation of international experience to address current challenges and improve public confidence in digital technologies in elections.

1. Pushkina A. Ya., Belova V.V., Mityaeva Y.V. Digitalisation of the electoral system of Russia: stages of development and prospects. Citizen. Elections. Power. 2024;3(33);194-202. EDN XABWPV. (In Russ.)

2. Lopatin A. I. Digitalisation of electoral actions and procedures in Russia: issues of law. Journal of Russian Law. 2022;26(5):43-55. (In Russ.). DOI 10.12737/jrl.2022.051. EDN EHNGIL. (In Russ.)

3. Stepanyan S. A. Digitalisation of electoral procedures and ensuring citizens' trust in the electoral process. Electoral Legislation and Practice. 2024;(2):36-38. (In Russ.). DOI 10.18572/2500-0306-2024-2-36-38. EDN DLGSDR. (In Russ.)

4. Akchurin A. R. Digitalisation of the electoral process – a key vector of development of the election institute in Russia. Civil. Elections. Power. 2022;3(25):120-128. (In Russ.). EDN UVLLHN. (In Russ.)

5. Baranov N. A. From distrust – to legitimisation: the difficult path of digital electoral technologies on the example of Russia. Bulletin of Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Series: Political Science. 2022; 24(3):433-446. (In Russ.). DOI 10.22363/2313-1438-2022-24-3-433-446. EDN BXVZVR. (In Russ.)

6. Durasov A. V. Digitalisation of the political process of Russia. Political Science Issues. 2020;10(4(56)):1100–1109. (In Russ.). DOI 10.35775/PSI.2020.56.4.005. EDN RKONQI. (In Russ.)

7. Petrova S. V., Sidorova A. V. Transformation of political and electoral process in the conditions of digitalisation. State and Municipal Management. Scholar Notes. 2021;(1):209-213. DOI 10.22394/2079-1690-2021-1-1-209-213. EDN VRSXEJ. (In Russ.)

8. Uvarov A. A. On the influence of digital technologies on law and order in the electoral process. Constitutional and Municipal Law. 2024;(8):31–34. DOI 10.18572/1812-3767-2024-8-31-34. EDN ISPTEK. (In Russ.)

9. Stepanyan S. A. Improvement of measures to ensure transparency and openness of the electoral process in the Russian Federation in the conditions of digitalisation of elections. Eurasian Law Journal. 2024;4(191):150–151. EDN ANBWBK. (In Russ.)

10. Vilner I. A. Digitalisation of the electoral process. Political Science Issues. 2023;13,2(90):618–637. DOI 10.35775/PSI.2023.90.2.016. EDN KJQSQT. (In Russ.)

11. Uvarov A. A. On the influence of digital technologies on law and order in the electoral process. Constitutional and Municipal Law. 2024;(8):31–34. DOI 10.18572/1812-3767-2024-8-31-34. EDN ISPTEK. (In Russ.)

12. Subochev I. A. Digital innovations of the electoral process in Russia. Scientific Notes of the Altai branch of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation. 2021;(18):129–133. EDN WFXJXN. (In Russ.)