Electronic Mail and the Reinvigoration of American Democracy

Abstract

In the last few decades American democracy has undergone a severe decline in the viability of one of its core elements: political participation. As a result, voter turnout has been steadily decreasing since the 1960 presidential election. However, new information technologies like electronic mail have the potential to reinvigorate the electorate by creating a medium in which the political discourse in this country can be made more personal and effective. This largely theoretical article examines methods by which electronic mail can be used to overcome the crisis that presently plagues the American democratic system.