Ah, the Internet. The technology that allows us to shop in our pajamas and correspond with friends with just a click of a button now will allow some citizens to exercise their American democratic rights without ever leaving the comfort of home.

According to The Associated Press, the Michigan Democratic Party will allow those participating in their Feb. 7 caucus to use the Internet in order to select their preferred presidential candidate. The decision came after receiving approval from national Democrats on Saturday.

Internet balloting is a great idea that has the potential to change Americans' views on voting. It's about time politicians made use of the available technology, especially if it encourages more people to participate in caucuses and elections.

In 2000, Arizona's Democratic Party allowed Internet voting to be an option in the state's presidential primary.

The results were huge - voter turnout was more than twice the previous voter record and close to half of the 86,000 ballots were cast online.

These facts are proof that many voters will want to take advantage of the options Internet voting could provide.

Not only does it provide quick and easy voting, it uses a medium that many are accustomed to.

A large portion of the population is at least moderately Internet-savvy.

We can use computers to do everything from conducting research to ordering a pizza, so it only seems natural that voting should be available online.

But Internet voting is not without its opponents. Some say online balloting is not secure and that it discriminates against impoverished and minority voters who are less likely to own computers or have Internet access.

The issue with minority and impoverished voters not having computer access is a weak argument. Computers with Internet access are available in many stores, coffee shops and public libraries.

And there still will be traditional voting methods available - voting will not be limited solely to those who own computers.

Tampering always is an issue with voting, but Internet voting will not be any less secure than other methods.

The 2000 presidential election is a fine example of how even the most traditional voting methods can become botched and lead to big problems.

If voters have a hard time punching chads in an efficient manner, clicking a mouse should be a welcoming alternative.

Some people are concerned that Internet voting will only benefit certain candidates, such as former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who has significant support among Web users. But Dean supporters are surely not the only people who can surf the Web.

The positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to Internet voting. It has the potential to greatly increase voter participation.

This is the 21st century, and if the technology is available, legislatures might as well take advantage of it.