Why Blockchain Isn’t the Solution for Online Voting Without Fraud

Blockchain technology has been frequently touted for its transparency and security, making it a popular choice for various industries. However, its application in online voting has been met with skepticism by the tech and academic communities. Let's explore why blockchain might not be the perfect solution for ensuring fair and secure electronic voting.

Blockchain Misconceptions

It's important to clarify that the idea of 'blockchain' is often misunderstood. Realistically, it's a concept of a technology rather than a specific solution. When someone asks, "Why don't we use blockchain for online voting without fraud?" the question itself is somewhat redundant, akin to asking, 'Why don’t we vote using steel?'

Why Steel Can’t Replace Voting

Just as steel is just an engineering material and cannot directly be used for voting, blockchain is an idea and cannot be directly implemented for voting. It's clearly not a substitute for the sophisticated process of casting a vote. This misunderstanding can be misleading and impede the progress of finding a feasible solution to electronic voting.

Security Challenges of Electronic Voting

Electronic voting, whether through blockchain or other methods, faces fundamental security challenges. These include:

To unequivocally identify the voter as authorized to vote and to ensure this can only happen once. To keep the content of the ballot secret, unidentifiable, and nonrepudiable (non-repudiatable), and unchanged.

Even established technologies, like electronic financial transactions, struggle to meet these criteria. Financial transactions always link the owner to the transaction details (type and amount) to prevent discrepancies. In voting, a single transaction-oriented system fails to preserve the privacy and integrity necessary for a democratic process.

Complexity of Ballots

Many ballots are intricate, consisting of multiple items that might include write-in options and specialized questions. For example, my June 2020 primary ballot had 36 items, most of which could allow write-ins, and some required single answers. This complexity means electronic voting would have to manage numerous transactions – essentially 40 elements – each uniquely and securely.

Electoral processes involve more than simple transactions. Unlike financial transactions, voting involves a complex interplay of personal eligibility and specific location authorization, which electronic systems often fail to address effectively.

Security and Reliability Concerns

Current reliable security measures, endorsed by reputable computer security experts and academics, have consistently highlighted the risks associated with electronic voting. The Industrial Revolution's notable inventions spanned various fields, but electronic voting stands out as a particularly risky concept. Critics argue that such systems could significantly undermine the democratic process.

Risk and Democratic Integrity

A system based on blockchain technology could easily devolve into a dictatorship if implemented for online voting. The lack of robust safeguards and the ease with which voter fraud could be perpetrated make this an undesirable direction for democratic societies.

Limitations of Blockchain for Online Voting

Beyond the security concerns, other practical limitations arise.

No Secret Ballot

One of the core principles of democracy is the secret ballot, ensuring that individuals can cast their votes without fear of retaliation. Blockchain technology cannot guarantee this, as it inherently records every transaction and voter action.

Verification and Accessibility Issues

Not everyone is familiar with how to use blockchain technology, and those who are knowledgeable might not have the skills needed to operate a voting system. Furthermore, many people do not have access to computers or smartphones, limiting the accessibility of such a system and potentially leading to disparities in voter participation.

Scalability and Reliability

The idea of selling votes through a blockchain system presents a significant ethical and logistical challenge. If one can figure out how to vote, they might also find ways to exploit the system for personal gain. The ease of transaction has led to concerns about the potential for widespread manipulation and bribery.

In conclusion, while the potential of blockchain technology is undeniable, its application in online voting faces numerous challenges. The complexity of ensuring a secure, transparent, and universally accessible system for electronic voting remains a significant hurdle. It's crucial to focus on developing and implementing solutions that preserve the integrity and reliability of the democratic process.