ABSTRACT
Chapters 4 and 5 consider how a member website operates as a distinct representational space; using these spaces, we evaluate how accessible a Member is online. We define online accessibility as the quality of the website’s facilitation of communication flowing from constituents to members and measure accessibility in four broad ways: 1) the quality and navigability of email; 2) the quality and navigability of the casework page; 3) the solicitation of input from constituents; and 4) the clear explanation of how to contact a member in any given situation. The findings of this chapter suggest member- and district-level variables account for some variation in web design choices impacting accessibility to constituents online, but overall members of the House Representatives do not utilize website features to make the office more accessible to constituent communications.
