Debate is raging on the best ways to make it easier for people to vote. This problem is most acute in cities, where there are often too few voting machines for the local population.
I suggest we consider enacting Universal Vote by Mail, doing away with voting machines altogether. Nothing to be hacked, and there is a built-in paper trail.
How is mail hack-proof? At what point does a paper trail become a liability? Do I really want to allow someone to trace my vote back to me?
Voting by mail means there are no voting machines vulnerable to a cyber-attack. Instead, there are physical items (pieces of mail) that cannot be tampered with remotely via computer. It can be done so that the tallies are compiled on a machine that is disconnected from the internet.
The issue of having my vote traced back to me is a very valid concern. Here is how the State of Washington handles it:
1) Your signature on the outer return envelope is checked against the signature on file in your voter registration record to make sure they match.
2) You are credited for voting in that election. This ensures that only one ballot from each voter is counted.
3) The outer return envelope, which identifies you, is then separated from the inner security envelope, which contains your voted ballot. Your ballot cannot be traced back to you, ensuring the secrecy of your vote.
4) All ballots are inspected to make sure the tabulating machine will be able to read all votes. Tabulation equipment is tested before every election to make sure it is working accurately.
The blockchain presents some interesting potential capabilities for electronic voting. The main issue is ensuring the implementation is secure and that it can scale. But in theory, it has tremendous possible advantages.
I see how technology like blockchain can make the record hackproof, and that's certainly vital. It can give people faith that the votes cast in person are properly recorded. But we'd still have politically motivated claims of voter fraud. Absentee ballots are even more prone to fraud, but arguing that isn't politically convenient. So, my question is, are there technological solutions for electronic voting without having to appear in person? Can you ensure that the person voting on their computer is who they say they are? What if my mom tells me she can't figure it out and just tells me her password, and I cast my vote and hers? Can we give people faith that the potential for that kind of impersonation has been eliminated from the system?