The Election Commission (EC) is investigating the possibility of utilizing blockchain technology to facilitate remote voting, in an effort to tackle geographic impediments to casting a vote. Remote voting could involve casting a vote in person at a location other than the designated polling station, at a different time, or having votes submitted via post or by an authorized proxy. The move has been inspired by calls from several political parties urging the EC to allow migrant workers, who often miss out on voting due to financial constraints that prevent them from returning home during elections, to vote in their constituencies from the cities they inhabit for work.
Understanding Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology refers to a system in which a database of records, known as a ‘chain’, exists simultaneously on multiple computer systems while being updated with new digital information, also known as ‘blocks.’ This technology provides a unique blend of permanent, tamper-proof record-keeping, real-time transaction transparency, and audit capability. Initially, blockchain technology was used primarily for monitoring cryptocurrency transactions, but it has found other applications in recent years. For instance, the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have implemented blockchain technology for tracking land records, leveraging its easy traceability feature.
Blockchain Technology in Voting
Concerns regarding election security, voter registration integrity, poll accessibility, and voter turnout have prompted governments to contemplate blockchain-based voting platforms as a way to boost faith and participation in democratic processes. Electronic voting has been employed in various forms since the 1970s and offers significant advantages over paper-based systems, such as improved efficiency and reduced errors. Currently, the viability of blockchain for effective e-voting is under examination. Notably, the EC deployed a one-way electronic system for service electors, the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS), during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. Due to its decentralized, transparent, immutable, and encrypted features, blockchain technology could help decrease election tampering and increase poll accessibility.
Potential Implementation of Blockchain Voting
In a blockchain remote voting process, voter identification and authorization would be handled by a multi-layered IT system, utilizing biometrics and web cameras. Upon verifying a voter’s identity, the system would generate a blockchain-enabled personalized e-ballot paper. After the vote is cast, the ballot would be securely encrypted, and a blockchain hashtag (#) would be generated. This hashtag would then be sent as a notification to relevant stakeholders, including candidates and political parties.
Challenges and Limitations
Adopting new technologies like blockchain is not without challenges and risks. Such systems are susceptible to cyber-attacks and other security vulnerabilities that could result in vote manipulation, deletion of paper trails, or electoral chaos. Additionally, using biometric software for voter verification, such as facial recognition, could lead to false positives or negatives, enabling fraud or stripping citizens of their right to vote. Privacy risks and concerns are also prevalent when it comes to blockchain-based voting systems.
Future Directions
India has the potential to set a global standard for transitioning to next-generation voting systems. However, experiences from the 2018 US midterm elections highlight the need to balance security concerns with technological innovation. As such, any service should be facilitated by a thoroughly vetted technology provider and system. The EC might test blockchain-based voting as a mock exercise in select locations on a small scale, performing stress tests to ensure durability. From there, it could proceed to holding mock elections where people can simultaneously use Electronic Voting Machines for real votes and mock votes.
