eParticipation for Lurkers and Stand-by Citizens? Evaluating a Norwegian Rapid Feedback eParticipation System

Abstract

This paper presents an evaluation of an eParticipation system for rapid feedback and dialogue between citizens and politicians. The system consists of a mobile application with survey-like functionality and a methodology for politicians' use of the app. We report the findings from our evaluation of a pilot involving five Norwegian municipalities. Our findings clearly show that this type of system has the potential to engage so-called lurkers and standby citizens to provide feedback on politicians' concrete issues. Further, the system's complexity level places it between existing systems for open/unstructured debate and systems that are more complex. Both politicians and participating citizens report that they were happy with the pilot results and would like to continue using the system. A test of an extended version of the system is planned in 2021.