PoliticsOnline 'Top 10'

At one point during the 2007 Federal Election, the media were calling it the YouTube election. Whether or not that turned out to be the case, there is no doubt that the internet has changed the way politicians interact with their constituencies, and more importantly how those constituencies are able to interact with us.

e-Democracy isn't just an Australian, or even a US phenomenon. It's become a global reality and PoliticsOnline and the World eDemocracy Forum have opened nominations for the Top 10 Who Are Changing the World of Internet and Politics.

This award seeks to recognise the innovators and pioneers, the dreamers and doers who bring democracy online. PoliticsOnline subscribers and visitors help select the top 10 individuals, organisations and companies having the greatest impact on the way the Internet is changing politics.

And that doesn't just include pollies on who have their own blog, or a presence on facebook. Last years winners included the ACTU's Your Rights at work campaign, which incorporated email campaigns educating people about IR changes and urging them to take action, with online petitions, and online donations to keep the campaign going. GetUp! also received a gong for attracting more members than all the major political parties in Australia and influencing policy at a Federal level.

Nominations are open until 21 July. You can submit a nomination by filling out a form at PoliticsOnline.com, asking for a brief statement (200 words or less) describing the person and or institution, and why he/she/it/they deserves recognition. Be sure to include all necessary URL's.

A "Top 10 nominee list" will be published July 28, from which voters will be asked to select the final top 10.