Affiliations: [a] Social and Communication Studies, University of
Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, UK. Tel.: +44 1244 512069; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: This article reviews the existing literature on the study of on-line
aspects of elections along three well-rehearsed theoretical frameworks:
equalisation vs. normalisation, information vs. engagement, and mobilisation
vs. reinforcement. It then examines the contribution of this volume to the
field, first by direct reference to existing literature, then more generally,
touching upon the notion of the 'comparative' – theoretical, geographical
and empirical. I examine the contribution of the articles, considered as a
collective effort, in relation to the increasing specialisation in the study of
on-line aspects of elections. Then the framing of issues and the evidence
presented within and across individual articles are used to assess the import
of the internet for election campaigns with respect to increasing pluralism,
professionalisation, and audience activity (or the lack thereof). It will be
argued that this theme issue represents a first, necessary contribution towards
gaining a cross-national understanding of the growing role of the internet for
electoral practice. The last section further elaborates on possible future
directions of online campaign studies, drawing on the study of the 2004 EP
online election.
Keywords: Internet, elections, European Parliament, political communication, comparative research
