Blockchain Technology Could Be The Answer To True Democracy

With reports surfacing about the possibility of Russia meddling with the U.S. Presidential elections in 2016, the issue of true democracy has become more important than ever. Currently, paper-voting is still considered the most secure method, but in reality it’s not feasible.

Voting using a physical medium is still not reliable. Sometimes ballots cannot be accounted for, some can be destroyed, or voting numbers artificially inflated by simply printing more similar copies. If these evils don’t happen, changes can be made during counting and revivifying, which not to mention requires a huge workforce.

While we have had some progress with electronic machine voting, which help alleviate some of the workloads and accelerate queue times, they also have their own challenges. For instance, a specific model that was used in more than 23 states had vulnerabilities, while another mostly used in Virginia was allegedly subtracting one vote in every 100 of the cast.

Voting process needs some crucial upgrades. Blockchain technology happens to be the most suitable replacement for the traditional voting systems. For starters, voting a task any blockchain would be able to handle, since they are all designed for proper keeping of information, preventing any manipulation. Their transparency further enables anyone to accurately verify the contents, making it reliable and trustworthy.

In December 2017, Russia launched a pilot program to enable blockchain-based voting. Japan followed suit earlier this month, launching their first blockchain-based voting system. More countries are also mulling over turning their voting to blockchain, including Kenya and Sierra Leone.

Implementation of blockchain technology could help instill trust into online voting systems, attracting more voters to engage in their democracy. Irrespective of where they are at the time of voting.

Achieving a true democracy is a reality once more. Blockchain technology could help achieve a true democracy, allowing people to be directly responsible for the people they vote for and changes that occur in their city, state or country.

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