E-democracy is the political and public participation side of the electronic revolution. It refers to activities that increase citizen involvement including virtual town meetings, cyber campaigns, feedback polls, public surveys, community forums, and access to meeting agendas and minutes.

Many NYS local governments use their government Web sites or e-mail systems to increase public participation at public meetings by posting upcoming agenda items. In one locality, citizens can e-mail council members during council meetings and have their questions or statements addressed during the meeting. This then becomes part of the official meeting minutes.

The Village of New Paltz is experimenting with live audio streaming of board meetings via the Internet. Citizens can access the live village board meeting from their personal computers and submit e-mail questions for the board's review. Other local and county governments are providing public access on cable television so citizens can watch public meetings from home.