Online Campaign and Voting in Issy-les-Moulineaux

Abstract

The French town of Issy-les-Moulineaux, situated on the edge of the capital, is an average-sized town characterized by a growing population, a dynamic economic activity, a relatively young population, a high Internetaccess level, and a strong participatory culture. It is said that in Issy “there are more councilors than residents” for, thanks to the driving force of its deputy mayor, André Santini, the town created a large number of places where citizens could express their opinions on the management of town matters. These include traditional committees, such as the economic and social council, the municipal council of seniors, and the municipal youth council. But there are also more individual and innovative ways for people to participate, such as the interactive municipal council or the citizens’ panel. The interactive municipal council, which was created in January 1997, allows residents who have registered with a cable network to follow the municipal council meetings directly on their television and to directly ask questions to the councilors by telephone or by mail. The citizens’ panel corresponds to a representative panel of the Issy’s population formed by an independent organization (Opinion Way) that is regularly consulted via the Internet in order to get their feedback on town projects and initiatives. The participative culture of Issy is also visible through the strong civic orientation of its inhabitants.