Smartmatic CEO responds to Obama’s call for e-voting

Smartmatic’s CEO, Antonio Mugica, has expressed his support for President Obama’s call to action to make online voting, or e-voting, a reality in the United States.

“President Obama’s call was surprising in only one respect—that it caused a stir. In a world where we can buy a house, take a degree course and access government services online, it does not make sense that elections don’t use tried and tested technology,” commented Mugica. “I agree with the President. The future of democracy is digital.”

Smartmatic is a leading provider of voting technologies and solutions worldwide. Of the eight countries currently pioneering election automation, Smartmatic provides technology and services to six of them including Belgium, Brazil, Estonia, the Philippines, USA and Venezuela. The company has managed elections across five continents and processed over 2.5 billion votes.

Smartmatic says Obama’s call for change is backed by company research. A recent survey of more than 1,000 registered US voters revealed that 81% of respondents want changes to the current US voting system, and more than 50% agreed that many people do not vote because the voting process is time-consuming and inefficient.

“Solutions to modernize America’s voting systems already exist,” Mugica added. “The benefits of using modern technology in elections are obvious and proven all over the world—participation goes up, access becomes easier and transparency is increased. It can be used at all stages of the electoral process from voter registration right through to electronic and online voting.”

The Utah Republican Party is offering internet voting this month in an effort to ensure greater voter participation in the Presidential Caucus process that will take place March 22nd.

The Smartmatic deployed internet voting system will facilitate the vote for military personnel in country or overseas, voters with disabilities or just anyone who prefers to vote without disrupting their daily routine.

“America has pioneered so many technological advances and boasts world-leading innovations,” Mugica said. “It should take steps to ensure its voting system can make the same claim.”

Article Topics

biometrics  |  elections  |  online authentication  |  Smartmatic  |  United States  |  voter registration