Digitalization as a Tool for Participatory Democracy at the Local Level

The article deals with the analysis of digitalization processes that are actively developing at the local level and its role as a tool of participative democracy. By forming new mechanisms of relations between society and the state, digitalization contributes to democratic renewal and overcoming civil apathy and alienation of the state from civil society. Participation becomes the most important principle of local politics, aimed at improving the quality and conditions of life. Сonsultations with the population as well as various civic forums, where issues important to local community are discussed, are held via the Internet. Participatory budgeting, carried out with the help of modern information and communication technologies, is becoming increasingly popular. The development of digitalization, however, should not close traditional channels of civic participation. The digital component of local democracy is not so much a replacement as an addition to the existing mechanisms of participatory democracy, many forms of which continue to take place offline.