Blockchain voting systems have been doing the rounds lately in the cryptosphere and there is good reason for it. These new voting systems would put an end to voter fraud and manipulation by parties who stand to benefit. They would ensure a fair outcome to the result of the election and no party can claim it was rigged in the event that they lose. Russian elections are constantly under fire from disgruntled media outlets and politicians, with many claiming the elections have been rigged. This new blockchain voting system would make these accusations a thing of the past and would clear the murky waters surrounding surprise election results.
Blockchain Entering Politics
As the popularity and awareness of cryptos and blockchain increases, so too does the number of uses related to their use. In America, a number of politicians are accepting cryptocurrencies as a form of donation. Jared Polis specifically – a Colorado governor candidate – is running with blockchain as part of his agenda. Polis has pledged to bring blockchain voting systems into place in order to curb voter fraud. Russia and America are two of the largest and most powerful countries on the planet, by ensuring that they have secure and fair elections makes them appear stronger to their adversaries.
Uses Around the Globe
It isn’t just western countries that would benefit from blockchain voting systems. Africa has long had a problem with dictators rigging elections to remain in power. Most infamously was Robert Mugabe who had been elected president every election since 1980 by over 80% each time. This has caused untold amounts of chaos, rioting, and a countrywide loss of faith in the system. If a low-cost blockchain voting solution can be developed, it can wipe out corruption in voting and give the people an honest and fair say in the election of their next leader.
Sports Turning to Blockchain to Prevent Fraud
UEFA has now launched a ticketing system built using blockchain technology in a bid to remove ticket touts and forged tickets from the black markets. The UEFA cup final in Lyon had 50% of its tickets sold using the blockchain system, while the UEFA Super Cup final had 100% of its tickets sold using this new method. A similar implementation can be used in voting systems, whereby voters download an app that lets them vote using a secret key they collect when proving their identity. These votes would then be transmitted to the chain and would then become immutable. This would prevent things such as miscounts and poll station workers submitting false entries – amongst other things. However, smart contracts that are involved could soon become a target for hackers. But, if the new AxLang is used, then these contracts should be flawless by design, meaning less chance of hackers corrupting the votes.
While blockchains are popular for their decentralized nature, if a blockchain was to become centralized, its immutability would instantly be called into question. The idea of a blockchain voting system appears rosy on the outside, inside it could very easily become a government controlled blockchain that is centralized – and therefore alterable. This new voting system could wreak havoc, making the rigging of elections even easier than it currently is. Governments would have to prove their blockchain for these systems is decentralized in order to win the approval of the public.
