A blockchain is an online, continuously expanding list of data recordings. Such a list is made up of several data blocks that are arranged chronologically and connected and protected by cryptographic proofs.
Blockchain transactions take place within a peer-to-peer network of computers that are spread out around the world (nodes). Each node helps to the network’s operation and security by keeping a copy of the blockchain on hand. This is what distinguishes Bitcoin as decentralized digital money that is free from centralized control, censorship, and middlemen.
Voting and election issues at the moment
Most individuals still need to walk outdoors to cast their ballots in today’s environment. Not every problem is connected to voter fraud, voting machine security, or even the protection of personal information (such as who votes for which candidate). In reality, voter fraud is quite common in certain nations while barely occurring in many others.
In certain nations, there are also no indications that voting systems have been successfully hacked, but this is a problem in other nations. The handling of elections and votes varies greatly around the world. And there are different problems depending on whether a country uses paper ballots, electronic ballots, or a combination of both.
Every election, there are a number of ridiculous problems that crop up, including problems with the primary voting, a lack of voting machines, a lack of ballots or paper ballots, scanning problems, recounts, antiquated devices that break down on election day, and a number of other unimportant things.
All of that may theoretically be planned for. Even the late opening of polling places, which made them remain open to voters for hours longer than other sites, delayed the tallying of the results.
Is voting possible with a blockchain?
Elections and other events where voting is important should use blockchain. Disinformation and tampering with findings are the sources of many skepticisms and anxieties. With blockchain-based verification, there is an immediate and unquestionable proof of any tampering with the results or hacker access to a voting system.
Even now, in the United States, some states refuse to provide the White House access to information about the outcome of the election or any problems they may have had during the election itself, such as double voting.
There are many disturbing examples outside of the United States. Over 6 million persons had their information compromised in Israel as a result of a lack of security safeguards in an application. Information that was exposed includes complete names, addresses, and identity numbers, among other very private and sensitive data.
Although the problem was handled immediately, it shouldn’t have been feasible in the first place. Without a central database containing all of these records, it would be impossible for the database to accidentally leak or upload to a public, unprotected location.
Decentralized identity, where individuals maintain control over their own individually identifiable information, is relevant in this situation. Soon, we’ll go deeper into the advantages of identity voting systems for elections based on blockchain technology.
Elections utilizing blockchain: Criticism and Concerns
This brings us to a legitimate and much-needed critique of the use of technology in voting and elections. There is no voting method that is more secure than mail-in and paper ballots, no matter how inconvenient and antiquated they may appear. This is at the expense of (near) real-time or same-day election results and a lack of transparency.
Voting on a blockchain shouldn’t ever pose a danger to democracy; instead, it should free people and governments from problems with transparency and trust. Sadly, Computerworld reports that pilots are mostly launched for shareholder proxy voting and university student government elections in small numbers. However, during the past several years, state and local governments have begun trying mobile voting based on blockchain.
What does blockchain voting entail?
Several things could be accomplished depending on how blockchain technology is used. Transparency may be provided through a registered vote on a blockchain. Governments do, however, require some level of oversight to avoid the permanent storage of personally identifiable information on public blockchains for privacy concerns.
Therefore, a hybrid strategy would be most advantageous when used with decentralized identity management tools. Instead of creating vast databases of records that only serve to lure hackers and other bad actors, blockchain merely provides an additional degree of evidence, transparency, and ownership of your data.
To read our blog on “CEO of Titanium Blockchain admits guilt in $21 million cryptocurrency fundraising fraud,” click here
