Minokamo City implements tablet-based electronic voting

Minokamo City in Gifu Prefecture recently introduced tablet-based electronic voting during its city council election, marking the first such implementation in the Tokai region. The system allows voters to select candidates by their initials, a process described by participants as quick and intuitive, often taking only about five seconds.

The shift to digital voting has altered campaign strategies, with candidates now emphasizing their initials during street speeches and on social media to facilitate easier selection on screen. Proponents suggest the method could increase voter turnout and eliminate issues related to illegible handwriting or disputed ballots.

Despite these benefits, the adoption of electronic voting has faced historical hurdles. The report cites the “Kani Shock” of 2003 in nearby Kani City, where system overheating and discrepancies between voter counts and tallied votes led to a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the election results. This incident resulted in the loss of office for all elected council members and necessitated a re-election, highlighting the significant risks to electoral integrity if digital systems fail.