[ad_1]
According to Bitcoin News, the state of West Virginia is launching a blockchain-based voting application designed for military troops serving overseas. With the app, the troops stationed abroad will have the opportunity to vote in the mid-term elections this November.
The project, a partnership between the state and the blockchain project in Boston, Voatz, is the first of its kind to reach this goal. However, there are also many other companies that intend to explore the use of mobile apps as voting systems. Given the recent US concerns about the activities of Russian hackers during the 2016 elections and the increased tension on voting security, blockchain-based solutions could present a useful development.
Successive Successes of the Former State Election
At the beginning of this year, West Virginia State Secretary Mac Warner reportedly had to test a voting solution based on on blockchain for the primary elections of the state Senate. Assuming that this test run was successful, the state would allow all 55 counties to take part in the new method for the next general election. The Warner office reported that no problems were found after four software audits and after the electoral process took place.
For the pilot, the app blockchain was offered to military personnel serving overseas in two specific counties. For the moment, the app blockchain will be limited to those who serve abroad.
Benefits of the app
The app is designed to solve many of the problems caused by the absent votes sent by those who serve abroad. One problem is the late reception of these votes, both by absent voters and by the state after the presentation of the ballots. This slows down the voting and tabulation processes. Another concern is the anonymity of voters. In each of these cases, voting by app could help solve these problems.
Reject
Perhaps it is not surprising that there is also a substantial return to the idea of voting via mobile apps. A representative of the Center for Democracy and Technology suggested that "mobile voting is a" horrible idea ". While blockchain offers an immutable public ledger that is updated in real time, thereby increasing efficiency and theoretically increasing security, the example of blockchain-based cryptocurrencies is a sufficient reason for some 39; idea of the app blockchain vote.
has been subjected to intensive hacks, frauds and scams of various kinds. Given the critical importance of the vote, as well as the national debate on election day security, some are simply unwilling to introduce a radical change in the voting process at this time. Nonetheless, West Virginia took a critical first step in applying blockchain technology to another area of public life that needs revision and renewal.
