Well Crap :-)

I went out to get my briefcase out of the trunk of my Dart, turned the key and nothing.
No spring back and no open, so I could totally picture the little arm that releases the latch hanging there loose from the lock mechanism and the coiled spring hanging on it broken.
Just got done putting the rear seat all back in from climbing through to get the trunk open.:D

It's all fixed and back together now, but maybe I will add an electric release after all.:D
I have electric release from a 80's Mopar. Haven't installed it yet. Like you said, power to it, a switch and ground. You could get a remote fob and receiver and hook it up with a relay as well. Keyless entry!