An estimated 68 million U.S. citizens have accessed government services and information via the Internet, up from 40 million two years ago, a recent study concluded.
According to the non-profit research firm Pew Internet and American Life, 60 per cent of government Web site visitors say such sites improved their interactions with at least one level of government, mostly on a federal and state level. The study found:
– 42 million Americans have used government Web sites to research public policy issues;
– 23 million have used the Internet to send comments to public officials regarding policy;
– 14 million have used government Web sites to gather information on how best to cast their votes; and
– 13 million have participated in online lobbying campaigns.