Policy for Implementing Blockchain Technology in U.S. Elections
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Objective and Scope:
- Objective: To enhance the security, transparency, and efficiency of the electoral process using blockchain technology.
- Scope: Applicable to federal, state, and local elections within the United States.
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Blockchain System Requirements:
- Decentralization: The system must be decentralized to prevent a single point of failure and/ or manipulation.
- Transparency and Anonymity: Ensures the votes are transparent and verifiable, while still maintaining voter anonymity.
- Security: Implement an end-to-end encryption and robust cybersecurity measures in order to protect against hacks and ensure data integrity.
- Auditability:The system must allow for real-time auditing without compromising voter privacy, or manipulation.
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Voter Authentication:
- Biometric Verification: Utilize biometric data combined with a multi-factor authentication to ensure voter identity.
- Digital Voter ID: Issue blockchain-based digital IDs that are secure and verifiable.
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Voting Process:
- Smart Contracts: Use smart contracts to automate the voting process, this will ensure that only eligible votes are counted and the results are tallied instantly. No more waiting hours or days to find out the results.
- Voter Access: Provide options for online voting through secure applications or physical voting stations equipped with blockchain technology.
- Vote Confirmation: Each voter receives a confirmation that their vote was casted as intended and recorded on the blockchain.
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Public Accessibility and Observation:
- Public Ledger: A version of the blockchain should be accessible for public viewing to verify the process without revealing individual votes or voter information.
- Observer Nodes: Allow certified independent observers or organizations to run nodes to oversee the process.
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Testing and Certification:
- Pilot Programs: Initial implementation through pilot programs in smaller elections before scaling up.
- Certification: Blockchain voting systems must be certified by an independent body for compliance with election laws and security standards.
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Legal Framework:
- Legislation: Introduce legislation that accommodates blockchain voting, addressing digital voting rights, and cybersecurity concerns.
- Regulation: Establish regulatory bodies or expand the mandate of existing ones like the Election Assistance Commission to oversee blockchain implementations.
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Education and Outreach:
- Voter Education: Implement programs to educate the public on how to use blockchain voting systems and the benefits of such systems.
- Transparency in Development: Open-source development of blockchain solutions where feasible to foster trust through transparency.
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Interoperability and Standards:
- Standards Development: Develop industry standards for blockchain in elections to ensure interoperability and security across different platforms.
- Cross-Jurisdiction Compatibility: Ensure that the blockchain system can operate across different states and jurisdictions.
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Data Management and Retention:
- Data Retention: Define how long and in what form voting data will be stored on the blockchain, complying with legal requirements for election record retention.
- Data Integrity: Ensures that once a vote is casted, it cannot be altered or deleted.
- Incident Response Plan:
- Cybersecurity Protocols: Establish clear protocols for responding to breaches or system failures during an election.
- Review and Continuous Improvement:
- Post-Election Audits: Conduct thorough audits post-election to verify results and improve the system.
- Feedback Loop: Create a mechanism for receiving and integrating feedback from voters, election officials, and technology experts.