Americans should be able to vote online. Voting is one of our most precious rights, and it's kind of pathetic how many people take it for granted. I've got to admit though that it would be awfully nice to be able to submit my vote online, rather than waiting in line for an hour at my local polling place.

OK, so I can hear the immediate question about security and integrity of the vote. Well, why couldn't it be a secure transaction, similar to making a purchase online? Everyone could get an account number and PIN, and if you wanted to get really particular a security question to answer. Simple, right!?!

Alright, so now I can hear the second question about cost. Well, part of the cost could be absorbed in an eventual reduction in staffing and equipment for the traditional polling locations, which would have to remain open for people without Internet access or somehow didn't trust an online voting system. It might cost more in the beginning, but in the long run, I believe it will save money. For a decision as important as electing government leaders, though, isn't it worth it to spend a little more money to increase turnout and encourage more people to exercise one of their most sacred constitutional rights?

I heard a commentary a couple weeks ago about how great it would be to get a fifty percent voter turnout for the primaries. Fifty percent? Only half of the registered voters in America are going to determine who gets the Presidential nominations? That's scary! Not to mention that many localities also bundle in elections of other local officials, like Board of Education members, along with the primary candidates and convention delegates.

In addition, in a political forum in which I participate, it has been asserted that we shouldn't try to make voting easier because it would encourage more people are uninformed to make bad decisions, essentially voting based on looks or personality. What? Who ever said that there are qualifications other than age and citizenship to qualify a person to vote? People don't vote now because they don't think that their vote matters, but you've got to get them voting one way or another to change that belief and encourage involvement and understanding of issues.

It STRUCK me that we need to be taking the next step in voting and go beyond electronic systems at the polling places - we need to find a way to allow everyone to vote online.

Don't forget to vote in the primaries today (or whenever your state has them), as well as the general election in the fall.

Mark 'Rizzn' Hopkins over at Mashable inspired me to write this rant with his Ron Paul post.