A healthy democracy depends on free and fair elections, which must also be believed to be fair.
Most reputable accounts indicate that the U.S. 2020 presidential election was free of significant voter fraud. However, large segments of the population believe the election was unfair, and consequently, faith in democracy has been undermined. The results of the upcoming 2024 election—however it is determined—are bound to face challenges and disputes.
In a healthy democracy, it’s essential to ensure that electoral systems are free from fraud and perceived as such by the population.
To achieve this, an electoral system must be transparent, secure, and tamper-proof. Blockchain may offer at least part of a solution. A decentralized, digital ledger (e.g., a blockchain) can provide an immutable and transparent record of transactions or, in this case, votes.
Blockchain’s inherent characteristics make it an ideal vehicle for future voting systems. Firstly, its decentralized nature ensures that there is no single point of failure or control, reducing the risk of manipulation or fraud. Secondly, blockchain algorithms—the same ones that protect trillions of dollars of cryptocurrency—guarantee the integrity and immutability of the voting data. Finally, the transparency of the blockchain allows for real-time monitoring and verification of the electoral process, enabling citizens to trust the outcome.
Imagine a voting system where each vote is recorded on a blockchain, creating an indelible and tamper-evident record. Voters would continue to use existing mechanisms, such as the voting machines used in many countries. Behind the scenes, the votes are recorded on the blockchain.
Blockchain voting would enable real-time monitoring of the electoral process, allowing citizens to verify that their vote was counted correctly. Furthermore, the use of Smart Contracts—unhackable programs that are stored on a blockchain—could automate the counting process, reducing the possibility of human error or manipulation.
Overall, the transparency and security of the blockchain can help to reduce the risk of electoral disputes, fostering a more stable and peaceful transition of power.
Several countries and organizations are already exploring the potential of blockchain-based voting systems. For instance, the city of Zug in Switzerland has developed a blockchain-based voting system for municipal elections. Similarly, the Indian state of Telangana has partnered with a blockchain startup to develop a secure online voting system.
Blockchain isn’t a complete voting panacea, and we probably have a way to go before countries adopt blockchain voting at the highest level. However, it is another example where blockchain can offer a far superior technical solution than existing mechanisms.
[This article was extracted from Guy Harrison’s book AI, Quantum Computing and Web3, available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGNW8RGZ. —Ed.]