Voters Depend on Internet For Political Information eMarketer reports that The Online Publishers Association (OPA) and the Center for Survey Research & Analysis at the University of
Connecticut surveyed adult Internet users about their use of the Internet to keep up with political candidates and found that 68% of voters have used the Net to research a candidate's position. And,
more that 1/4 of voters have provided their e-mail addresses to a candidate's Web site in order to receive more information.
Use of Presidential Candidates Web Sites April-May 2003 (%
respondents)
| Voters | Non-Voters |
Research candidate's position | 68% | 42% |
Provide email address for information | 29 | 11 |
Download and watch videos | 24 | 14 |
Join online chat | 19 | 20 |
Volunteer for campaign | 17 | 6 |
Donate money | 14 | 2 |
Source:
Online Publishers Association Sept 2003
The report goes on to say that The Center for Survey Research & Analysis surveyed 642 adult Internet users between April and May 2003, defining "voters" as
those who had voted in one or both of the 2000 and 2002 national elections, finding that in the 2000 presidential election, 50% of voters went online for candidate information more than a few times
per month, 34% less than a few times, and 16% never did. (Source: OPA Sept 2003)
In the beginning of this year, the Council for Excellence in Government and Hart-Teeter found that 23% of US adults
have gone online for representatives' voting records and to contact local officials.
US Adult e-Government Usage Feb 2003 (% respondents)
- Look for tourism/recreation
information 53%
- Find information about road closures due to weather 28%
- Look for health information from government agency 27%
- Review elected representative's voting records/contact
local officials 23%
Source: Council for Excellence in Government/Hart-Teeter April 2003
You can find out more here at
eMarketer.