Political campaigns have begun to realize the power of the Internet to raise money, energize volunteers, and garner votes. One major presidential candidate recently collected more than $1 million via a campaign website in the course of a few days. Webcasting, instant messaging, and e-mail have become indispensable tools for organizing volunteers. At the same time, voters increasingly turn to the Internet to gather information and exchange views.

Political commentators and campaign experts contend that the Internet will influence the political process as profoundly as television, but no one can predict exactly how or when that will happen. The early rumblings from campaign 2000 suggest that change is already occurring.