Can blockchain be used for remote voting?

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using blockchain technology for remote voting. Startups have emerged, promoting the use of blockchain as a secure and transparent way to conduct online elections. However, experts argue that blockchains do not provide the necessary security guarantees for safe online elections. The National Academy of Sciences states that conducting secure internet elections would require significant scientific advancements. Blockchains alone cannot address the security issues associated with remote voting.

Key Takeaways:

• Blockchain technology has sparked interest in remote voting.
• Experts believe that blockchains are not currently secure enough for online elections.
• Scientific advancements are needed to ensure secure internet elections.

How does a blockchain election work?

In a blockchain-based election, the blockchain serves as a distributed ballot box that holds voted ballots. There are two main ways to deploy blockchains for voting: the multi-owner chain and the single-owner chain.

In the multi-owner chain, a group of independent participating organizations, including the local Election Agency, collects and stores voted ballots in the blockchain. This approach introduces a fundamental change in election administration, as the Election Agency outsources the collection of ballots.

In the single-owner chain, all co-owners are the same organization, offering little advantage over a conventional centralized database.

Comparison of Multi-Owner Chain and Single-Owner Chain

Vulnerabilities of blockchain in elections

While blockchain technology has been considered as a potential solution for secure and transparent elections, it is not immune to vulnerabilities and cybersecurity threats. These vulnerabilities can undermine the integrity and trustworthiness of blockchain-based voting systems. Let’s explore some of the key vulnerabilities and risks associated with using blockchain in elections.

Collusion among co-owners

In a multi-owner blockchain, where multiple organizations participate as co-owners, there is a risk of collusion. If a majority of co-owners collude, they can manipulate the blockchain to favor a particular candidate or declare fraudulent winners. This collusion can compromise the fairness and legitimacy of the election results.

External attacks

Blockchains used in elections are also susceptible to external attacks by malicious individuals or groups. These attackers can penetrate the servers hosting the blockchain and remotely manipulate the election by rigging the results. Such attacks can undermine the security and credibility of the entire voting process.

Manipulation in single-owner chains

In a single-owner chain, where one organization controls all the co-owners, manipulation can occur either from insiders within the organization or through external attacks. Insider manipulation can lead to biased or fraudulent election outcomes, while external attacks can compromise the integrity of the entire blockchain infrastructure.

Common cybersecurity problems

Although blockchain technology provides certain security features, it does not address all the common cybersecurity problems inherent in internet voting systems. For instance, reliable voter identification remains a challenge in blockchain-based elections. Malware attacks, which can alter or discard ballots, compromise voter privacy, enable coercion, or even facilitate vote buying, are also a concern. Additionally, denial of service attacks can disrupt the voting process by overwhelming the blockchain’s servers with fake traffic.

Addressing these vulnerabilities and cybersecurity problems is crucial to ensure the reliability and integrity of blockchain-based elections. Only by mitigating these risks can blockchain technology truly become an effective and trustworthy solution for secure online voting.

Limitations of Internet Voting Systems

Internet voting systems, including those utilizing blockchain technology, are not without their limitations. These limitations primarily revolve around cybersecurity problems, specifically in the areas of voter identification and protection against malware attacks.

Reliable Voter Identification

One major challenge faced by internet voting systems is ensuring reliable voter identification. Current methods, such as passwords and personal information, are prone to hacking and unauthorized access. This vulnerability raises concerns about the authenticity of votes cast and the overall integrity of the electoral process.

Malware Attacks

Another significant threat to internet voting systems is malware attacks. Infected devices can manipulate or discard ballots, compromising voter privacy and potentially enabling coercion and vote buying. These attacks can have far-reaching consequences, undermining the trust and confidence that voters place in the online voting platform.

Denial of Service Attacks

In addition to voter identification and malware attacks, internet voting systems are susceptible to denial of service attacks. These attacks overload the server with fake traffic, effectively disrupting legitimate voting and impeding the tabulation of votes. Ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted voting process is crucial for maintaining the fairness and accuracy of elections.

The aforementioned limitations highlight the unique security and privacy requirements of public elections that cannot be reliably met with online systems alone. While blockchain technology offers certain advantages in terms of transparency and immutability, addressing cybersecurity concerns is paramount to ensuring the credibility and legitimacy of internet voting.

The Potential of Blockchain Voting Systems

Despite the limitations and vulnerabilities of blockchain technology in elections, some companies are actively exploring its potential. Blockchain voting solutions aim to revolutionize the way elections are conducted by providing a secure, transparent, and cost-effective online platform for voters.

One such company, Follow My Vote, has developed an end-to-end verifiable online voting software using blockchain technology. Their system enables voters to confirm that their vote has been cast as intended and accurately counted. By leveraging the blockchain’s immutability and transparency, Follow My Vote aims to restore faith in the democratic process, build trust in the government, and empower voters to participate in a digital democracy.

By utilizing blockchain technology, a blockchain voting solution offers several key benefits:

• Security: Blockchain technology ensures a high level of security through its decentralized nature and cryptographic algorithms. Each vote is securely recorded and cannot be altered or tampered with.
• Transparency: The transparent nature of blockchain allows for real-time auditing and verification of the voting process. Every transaction is traceable and accessible to all stakeholders, promoting trust in the election results.
• Accuracy: The immutability of blockchain guarantees the integrity of the voting system, eliminating the possibility of fraudulent activities or manipulated results. This ensures that the election results are accurate and reliable.

Furthermore, a blockchain voting solution offers a convenient and accessible voting experience for individuals, allowing them to cast their votes securely from anywhere in the world. This eliminates geographical barriers and increases voter participation. Additionally, the use of blockchain technology reduces the costs associated with traditional voting methods, such as printing and distribution of paper ballots, leading to more cost-effective elections.

Overall, while blockchain technology may have its limitations and challenges in the context of elections, companies like Follow My Vote are spearheading the development of secure and transparent voting systems. By harnessing the potential of blockchain, they strive to create a future where accurate election results, a secure online platform, and transparent democratic processes are of paramount importance.

Example Implementation: A Blockchain Voting System

Let’s take a look at a simplified example of a blockchain voting system:

In this example, the blockchain voting system offers secure and accurate election results, bolstered by the transparency and immutability of the blockchain. It provides a reliable platform for voters to cast their votes confidently, while maintaining the trust and integrity of the democratic process.

Conclusion

While blockchain technology has been touted as a potential solution for remote voting, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations and vulnerabilities it presents. Although blockchains offer a secure and transparent method for storing and validating votes, they alone cannot fully address the security requirements of public elections.

Reliable voter identification and protection against cyber threats remain significant challenges in the implementation of remote voting systems. However, ongoing efforts are underway to develop secure and transparent voting solutions utilizing blockchain technology. The ultimate goal is to create a remote voting solution that ensures the integrity and accuracy of elections while maintaining the trust of the voters.

By leveraging the strengths of blockchain, such as immutability and decentralized verification, these solutions aim to provide a transparent voting system that is resistant to manipulation and fraud. Implementing measures to enhance voter identification, strengthen cybersecurity protocols, and address the unique challenges of internet voting are key to building a robust remote voting system.

Although blockchain-based voting systems are still in their infancy, they hold the potential to revolutionize the way we participate in democratic processes. As technology continues to advance and security measures improve, blockchain-based remote voting solutions could pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible electoral system, ensuring that every vote counts.