How civic technology can shape a smarter system of government | Ramon Perez | TEDxJacksonville Salon | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Digital Democracy Project offers a revolutionary platform that combines mobile voting and online accountability tracking to give power back to the people and enhance democracy.

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🚒 Democracy has been defended and fought for since its inception, highlighting its value and importance.
• 🖤 Current political systems often result in voter disenchantment and a lack of choice for individuals.
• 😒 The Digital Democracy Project aims to use technology to address these issues by providing a platform for convenient voting, increased accountability, and transparency in the political process.
• 🥹 The project allows voters to have a say in legislation and holds elected officials accountable for their actions.
• 💗 The platform's impact is evident in the success of Commander Tom Keane and the growing endorsement of other candidates and legislators.
• 🏈 While the project is not a complete solution, it contributes to the advancement of American democracy by inspiring voters to re-engage and take back ownership of their government.
• 👯 By utilizing this revolutionary technology, power can be returned to the people and create a government that truly represents the people's interests.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does the Digital Democracy Project make voting more accessible?

The project uses mobile voting technology, allowing voters to cast their ballots directly from their phones, providing convenience and eliminating issues with absentee ballots.

Q: Can voters have a say in legislation between elections?

Yes, the digital platform allows voters to weigh in on pending legislation, enabling them to directly impact the decision-making process.

Q: How does the project ensure transparency and accountability?

The app displays real-time aggregated votes on bills, allowing voters and legislators to see what their constituents want. Legislators are given a scorecard based on their voting record for voters to evaluate their performance.

Q: How has the project influenced elections and elected officials?

Commander Tom Keane, an early supporter of the project, used the app's results to provide greater accountability to his district and won a closely contested special election. His success inspired other candidates and legislators to endorse the project.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lieutenant Tyler Brown, a natural leader, lost his life fighting for democracy in Iraq, highlighting the significance of the idea of democracy.

• The American democracy is facing structural deficiencies, voter apathy, and a lack of choice due to a captured political class and gerrymandering.

• The Digital Democracy Project aims to address these issues by providing greater access, accountability, and transparency in the political process through mobile voting and online tracking.