Intention to adopt e-Voting: A Perspective of South African Youth

Abstract

In July 2020, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa tabled its intention to introduce electronic voting (e-voting) to lower the costs of voting, improve electoral transparency and efficiency, and to improve overall voter participation. However, more research is required to explain the factors that could potentially influence voters, particularly the youth demographic (18-35 years), to adopt e-voting technology. This research investigated the factors that influence the intention of young South Africans to adopt electronic voting in South Africa by combining constructs from three theories: theory of planned behaviour (TPB), technology acceptance model (TAM) and the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI). An online survey was used to collect data (n=412). Confirmatory factor analysis applied on a pre-tested and pre-validated quantitative survey reveal that technology stickiness, access to ICT, ICT skills, attitude towards ICT, relative advantage and political affiliation influence the intention to use e-voting. This research provides actionable insights for stakeholders in the electoral process management regarding e-voting adoption in the global South.