Blockchain tech can restore trust in US elections | Opinion

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As a seasoned crypto investor and tech enthusiast with a background in Operations Research and Information Engineering from Cornell University, I have always been intrigued by the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize various industries. The recent discourse surrounding election integrity has piqued my interest, and I believe that we can leverage this groundbreaking technology to address the concerns about vote accuracy and confidence.

As an analyst looking back at the 2024 presidential race, it’s clear now that concerns over election integrity were unwarranted. In retrospect, it’s crucial for us to scrutinize the voting systems we employ nationwide to ensure any future doubts about election integrity are allayed – regardless of whether they originate from conservative or liberal quarters.

As reported by Gallup, the number of Americans expressing “no confidence at all” in the accuracy of voting and counting in presidential elections has significantly increased from 6% in 2004 to 19% currently. This trend is mainly attributed to a significant drop in Republican confidence in presidential elections, which has fallen by 16 points since 2020. In contrast, Democratic trust in these elections remains high, with approximately 84% expressing “very/somewhat confident” feelings.

For now, let’s set aside the reasons causing this difference among political parties. It’s significant that nearly one fifth of American voters have no confidence in the election process during a presidential vote. Issues like people possibly voting more than once with mail-in ballots, vulnerability of election machines to hackers as shown in the HBO documentary “Kill Chain”, deceased individuals casting votes, and voter intimidation tactics are some areas of concern that can be targeted by potential attackers, regardless of political affiliation.

In many places globally, such as Taiwan, elections are conducted on a specific day using paper ballots. These ballots are hand-counted in public view immediately after voting, allowing the results to be announced within six hours. On the other hand, it’s become commonplace in the United States for states like Georgia or Pennsylvania to take multiple days to tally votes. We often expect our elections to provide clear winners quickly, but sometimes, they hinge on tens of thousands of votes in crucial swing states (like in 2020). One might wonder why Taiwan can determine election results so swiftly when we cannot?

Blockchain is the solution

As a researcher delving into the complexities of modern voting systems, I find myself pondering over a potential middle ground that could appease both sides of the political spectrum. Instead of relying solely on paper ballots or expanding absentee/mail-in voting, or insisting on nationwide voter ID, what if we could enhance election integrity using a less contentious approach—employing blockchain technology with zero-knowledge proofs? But how would this work in practice?

To ensure the legitimacy of transactions within a voting contract, it’s crucial that consensus is reached among all parties responsible for verifying the blockchain. This isn’t limited to poll workers or election officials – instead, it involves every participant who validates the blockchain.

With a reliable blockchain-based voting system in place, one could establish a method for individuals to cast their votes remotely, either through a smartphone or a computer. For states requiring voter ID, this system would essentially confirm your identity by linking your vote to it, which can be authenticated using technologies similar to Worldcoin’s biometric iris scan. In states without voter ID requirements, this proof of personhood would still verify that you are who you claim to be and are currently using the device at the time of voting.

After setting up those boundaries, you’d be able to cast your vote securely, with each individual only being permitted to vote once due to its connection to their unique identity. The convenience and safety of voting from home is ensured, as it eliminates the possibility of intimidation that might occur at a polling station. On the privacy front, Zero-knowledge proofs could be utilized to confirm that a specific person has voted – without disclosing who or what they voted for. This type of cryptography, known as zero-knowledge, allows for verifying truth without exposing the involved data. It could serve as a crucial component in creating a robust, blockchain-based voting system.

By implementing an electronic voting system that links votes to individual identities, we could significantly reduce instances of fraud. This system would make voting more accessible, potentially boosting overall participation dramatically. Instead of waiting in lines for hours, people could simply use this digital platform during their convenience. Additionally, American citizens residing abroad could easily cast their vote using the app, eliminating the need for absentee ballots.

Democrats often resist voter ID requirements during elections, but a blockchain-verified system could potentially be more democratic and convenient for voters facing mobility issues or living far from polling stations. For instance, parents without cars may find it challenging to vote in person, and those residing in areas where the voting location is distant from public transportation also might face difficulties. This innovative approach could help ensure a more inclusive and accessible voting process for all citizens.

This year, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has digitized and stored 42 million vehicle titles on a blockchain system, significantly reducing the time needed for title transfers from weeks to mere minutes. Owners will now have the ability to manage their titles electronically through a credible mobile app, similar to a digital wallet for cryptocurrency. Given the reliability of blockchain technology in handling our automotive ownership records, wouldn’t it be sensible to consider its use for securing our votes as well?

A way forward

In an imminent era when zero-knowledge proofs are commonplace and transactions occur on the blockchain, it seems sensible that our voting systems should also evolve to match this trend. At first sight, such a system would be more democratic as it ensures equal access to all eligible voters regardless of their location, health condition, family responsibilities, work commitments, or distance from a polling station. This could significantly boost voter turnout.

Modern technology offers a tremendous opportunity for enhancing election processes and voting systems. We can work collaboratively, transcending political boundaries, to boost public trust in our electoral system. It’s high time we act decisively, as the American citizens deserve nothing less than unwavering confidence in their elections.

John Camardo

John Camardo is the director of product management at Horizen Labs, where he’s focused on zkVerify, a modular blockchain for zk-proof verifications. Passionate about zk-technology and data-driven products, John brings over six years of experience from Capital One, where he collaborated with data scientists to develop innovative solutions. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research and Information Engineering from Cornell University.

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2024-11-17 15:18