Modern technology makes it possible to re-create the direct democracy as it was invented in ancient Greece. All Greek citizens, with the noteworthy exception of women and slaves, participated in day to day decision making about their society. The Greek model is a far cry from today’s democracy allowing citizens to elect a candidate every four years or so. But a candidate for the city council of Boulder, Colorado, is determined to change that. He will give up his vote to an app he invented himself were he to win the election. That’s right, instead of making decisions himself, he will allow people in his community to vote through the app. If more than 50 percent of the people in his community vote “yes” on an issue through the app, he will vote the same way they do. Take note: this is the beginning of direct democracy.
The return of direct democracy: This politician will give his seat to an app
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