Communication between citizens and political representatives by email. A case analysis of the Spanish delegation in the European Parliament for 2013 and 2014

Participation in public affairs has been expanded by new information technologies. Citizens have found more opportunities to interact with their public representatives. It might lead to an enhancement of people's political involvement. This paper analyzes the relationship between citizens and Spanish MEPs via e-mail. The researcher has conducted a group of people who, along three temporary waves, have adressed emails to the Spanish MEPs. Apart from observing the percentage of answers, a content analysis based on categories has been applyed in order to assess the quality of the answers. The findings point to low response rates when using email to communicate with citizens. However; those MEPS answering put a great deal of effort in resolving the questions asked by citizens.