Government and the Internet

By: Kasaundra Muldrow

The internet really does make everything more convenient when it comes to the government. There are many features offered online that make life just a little bit easier.
Taxes for example are made effortless because of the internet. Now everyday people like you and me can do their taxes online by just following simple directions. I have personally used TaxAct.com and it was pretty simple. Registering your vehicle has become less of a hassle because of the internet. Now you can avoid those ridiculous DMV lines by paying your fees over the internet. Soon the government will probably have many other necessities available online maybe even voting.

Different states have different luxuries available online. I noticed the difference between Georgia’s and California’s online options once I moved here. In California when you receive a ticket it is electronic. They type everything into this little machine and a few seconds later your ticket is printed out. Within 24 hours your ticket is then in the system and you are able to pay it right away. When I first arrived in Georgia I was unaware of exactly what the parking signs meant, (why not just paint the sidewalk RED) and I received a parking ticket, ON CAMPUS OF COURSE!!!! I attempted to pay it right away and they told me that it wasn’t in the system yet and it could take 1 to 2 weeks before it was put in the system. I thought this was the slowest thing ever. In one to two weeks I might be broke! I might forget I had a ticket! WHY prolong the process. If Georgia invested in this technology and were more efficient life would be easier. Another process I encountered in Georgia was attempting to get a personalized license plate. In California there is a website you can go to that you are able to input what you want your plate to read and it will tell you if it is available or not right then and there. Out here… when I inquired about a personal plate and they gave me a piece of paper that said write down your top 4 options, mail it in, and within 7-10 business days they will be able to inform you if your options are available. ARE YOU SERIOUS?! By then someone else could have mailed in what I wanted. What if someone else wanted to be CAPEACH too? GOSH! I just think if Georgia stepped their game up and created a webpage to take care of this issue that it would make life easier….. Well at least for me. 
Overall the internet is great tool for just about anything. Government should really invest in doing more with the internet.