Introduction
In response to ongoing concerns regarding election integrity, particularly around mail-in ballots, this policy aims to establish a transparent, secure, and verifiable voting process for future elections. By implementing advanced tracking systems and ensuring public access to non-personally identifiable election data, this policy seeks to restore and maintain public trust in the democratic process while safeguarding voter confidentiality.
Policy Objectives
- Develop a robust tracking and data management system for all ballots using Write Once Read Many (W.O.R.M.) drives.
- Ensure full transparency of ballot-related data to the public while protecting personal identifiable information (PII).
- Establish protocols for error correction and data integrity to maintain public confidence in election outcomes.
Key Provisions
1. Central Ballot Tracking Database
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Creation:
- A central database will be implemented using W.O.R.M. drives to ensure all data is immutable.
- This database will track the creation, distribution, and collection of every ballot (mail-in, in-person, or other methods).
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Data Tracked:
- Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) for each ballot.
- Creation metadata:
- Date and time of creation.
- GUID of the creator and authorizer of the ballot.
- Location of ballot generation.
- Distribution metadata (for mail-in ballots):
- Date and time of sending.
- Method of sending.
- GUIDs of individuals handling and authorizing the process.
- Destination details that do not compromise voter confidentiality.
- Collection metadata:
- Date and time of return.
- Method of return.
- GUIDs of individuals acknowledging receipt and verifying ballot integrity.
- Verification metadata:
- GUID of verifier and time of database entry.
2. Public Access to Ballot Data
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Transparency:
- All non-PII data from the central W.O.R.M. database will be made publicly accessible through a secure online platform.
- Data will be presented in a clear format, including any corrections made, denoted with an asterisk (*) and accompanied by the original record for reference.
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PII Safeguards:
- A separate private W.O.R.M. database will store any necessary PII for investigation purposes, accessible only to authorized personnel during voter fraud investigations.
- Publicly accessible data will be anonymized to prevent the identification of voters, employees, or other individuals.
3. Error Correction Protocols
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Error Handling:
- No data on the W.O.R.M. drives may be overwritten to prevent evidence deletion or tampering.
- Errors will be logged as new entries, with clear documentation of corrections made.
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Public Display:
- The public-facing platform will highlight corrected records with an asterisk (*) and provide access to the original and corrected data.
- Corrections will be accompanied by explanatory notes.
Implementation Plan
1. Development Timeline
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Phase 1 (Year 1):
- Design and procurement of W.O.R.M. drive systems and software infrastructure.
- Development of public and private database platforms.
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Phase 2 (Year 2):
- Pilot implementation in select states for local and midterm elections.
- Training of election officials on database use and error correction protocols.
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Phase 3 (Year 3):
- Nationwide rollout in preparation for general elections.
- Public education campaigns to inform voters about the system and its benefits.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced Election Security: Immutable W.O.R.M. drives ensure the integrity of all ballot data.
- Increased Public Trust: Transparent data access reassures voters of the election process’s fairness and accuracy.
- Effective Fraud Investigation: Centralized and comprehensive data systems expedite investigations while maintaining voter privacy.
Oversight and Accountability
- A new federal division within the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), called the Election Data Transparency and Integrity Office (EDTIO), will oversee the implementation and operation of the database.
- Annual audits of the system will be conducted by an independent body, with results published publicly.
- A citizen feedback mechanism will allow voters to raise concerns or questions about specific data entries.
Conclusion
The Transparent and Secure Ballot Integrity Act provides a forward-thinking, technology-driven solution to address voter fraud concerns. By leveraging immutable data storage and maintaining transparency while safeguarding confidentiality, this policy strikes a balance between public accountability and individual privacy, ensuring trust in the electoral process for years to come.