Bridging the quality divide in state legislature websites: New Jersey leads by example

Abstract

The digital divide is not the only gap relating to the Internet. The Websites of state legislatures have demonstrated widespread differences in content and design so as to create a quality divide. This disparity potentially inhibits these sites from stimulating public participation. New Jersey, rated as the top site, serves as an example of best practices. Legislatures with poorer sites should adopt some of these practices so as to better develop the Internet as a public resource.