Will a major global election be conducted entirely online before 2030?

The push and pull of online global elections

Digitizing elections promises accessibility, speed, and convenience. Nations experimenting with online voting often cite increased turnout among citizens abroad and younger voters more comfortable with digital tools. The dream of a fully online nationwide vote, however, remains tangled in layers of cybersecurity risks.

A globally significant election—such as those in G20 or large democratic nations—faces amplified scrutiny. Trust is the lifeblood of democracy, and any perception of vulnerability could trigger political fallout. Encryption, identity verification, and transparency mechanisms would need to be flawless.

My prediction: while hybrid voting will expand, no major nation will conduct its entire national election online before 2030 due to security and trust concerns.