E-government in Alabama: An analysis of county voting and election website content, usability, accessibility, and mobile readiness

Abstract

Previous scholarship has evaluated the quality and content of state voting and election websites, often finding that states do not provide voters with the type of information and tools they need in a format that is usable and accessible. Although states establish voting and election rules, much of what voters experience on Election Day is determined by the decisions of county election officials. However, limited scholarship has investigated the content and quality of information provided by these individuals. This study analyzes the content and quality of county voting and election websites in Alabama. To evaluate content, a 22 point Election Information Content Score (EICS) is used. Website accessibly, usability, and mobile readiness standard compliance are assessed using a combination of heuristics, automated evaluation tools, and manual inspection. A series of correlations are also presented to evaluate the relationship between EICS and the demographic, socioeconomic, partisan, and participatory composition of a county. The findings suggest that across the state, counties provide limited voting and election information and are not in full compliance with accessibility, usability, and mobile readiness standards. Further, the extent to which voting and elections information is provided, is related to county composition.