Considering the central principals of holding elections in Finland it is important that voting takes place in front of election authorities. This is why electronic voting is possible only at the advance polling stations and the polling stations on election day.
In internet voting (distance voting), taking place at home or at work, it would not be possible to ensure that every voter has an equal voting right and a secret and free election. It would be impossible to ensure that no one sees who the voter votes for. Voting could turn into ”family voting”, where the head of the family decides who the family vote for.
Some of those entitled to vote are not interested in elections or voting. This could lead to situation where a person chooses to surrender his or her right to vote to someone else. Also selling votes might become a problem.
According to section 9 of the Finnish Local Government Act (365/1995) municipal elections shall be direct, secret and proportional. All qualifying voters shall have an equal right to vote.
An election by secret ballot means that no one will know who the voter has voted for or if he or she has cast a blank vote.
Equal right to vote means that every voter has an equal right to influence the election results, i.e. everyone has the same number of votes.
Free elections mean that voters are free to choose who they want to vote for. Voters can not be forced to vote against their will.