Blockchain-Based Elections: A Real Option

Introduction

Emerging technologies may soon make blockchain-based voting a viable alternative to traditional paper ballots in elections. By utilising layer-2 (L2) network solutions, alongside zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, blockchain can offer the scalability and privacy necessary for secure and efficient electoral processes.

Understanding Blockchain Voting

ZK proofs allow for the verification of information, without revealing the underlying data. In the context of voting, this could protect voter identities while ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. L2 solutions aim to enhance the blockchains capacity to handle a large volume of transactions, making it suitable for elections with numerous voters.

Despite certain small-scale trials of blockchain voting, scepticism has still been evident. Critics argue that this technology might introduce more problems than it solves. A 2018 consensus study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in the United States, has advised against Internet-based voting until robust security measures are established, emphasising that no existing technology guarantees the secrecy and security of ballots cast online.

Paper Ballots vs. Blockchain Voting

While paper ballots have been the standard for elections, recent controversies, such as the disputed results of the 2024 Venezuelan Presidential election, have highlighted that traditional systems are not immune to manipulation claims. Additionally, allegations of election frauds, in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, have further eroded public trust in electoral integrity.

Verified Voting, a non-profit organisation focused on election security, has stated that despite the challenges faced in 2020, the evidence supported the legitimacy of the election outcomes. They assert that hand-marked paper ballots remain the most secure voting method, as Internet voting is susceptible to various cybersecurity threats that could compromise votes integrity.

Innovations in Blockchain Voting

However, many concerns about blockchain voting are outdated. Lasha Antadze, co-founder of the ZK social platform Rarilabs and founder of the election blockchain solution Freedom Tool, has argued that advancements in ZK proofs and L2 solutions can, significantly, enhance election security.

Blockchain voting tools like Freedom Tool allow citizens to vote using their smartphones. Voters must authenticate their identity through biometric verification, such as using chips from their ID documents. Once verified, the vote is recorded on the blockchain. The use of ZK cryptography ensures that the voting process remains private, as it prevents the connection between personal information and voting actions.

Historically, ZK proofs have relied on centralised servers, making them vulnerable to attacks. Recent technological advancements, now, enable ZK verification on smaller devices, enhancing security by eliminating single points of failure.

Ensuring Auditability and Integrity

A critical requirement for any voting system is the ability to audit the election process. Verified Voting emphasises that the most secure election procedures involve the usage of paper ballots, verified through risk-limited audits. However, blockchain technology offers the potential for enhanced auditability, which aligns with the fundamental requirements of democratic elections.

Mohammad Hajian Berenjestanaki, a PhD researcher, has noted that while blockchain can improve vote auditing, it poses challenges in maintaining voter privacy. ZK-rollups can help balance these needs by allowing vote verification, without disclosing sensitive information.

Despite the advantages of blockchain, Verified Voting points out potential vulnerabilities, such as off-chain threats before votes are recorded. Antadze has suggested using real-time photo verification to combat identity fraud, ensuring that the person voting is indeed the documents owner.

Accessibility and Cost Considerations

Voting via smartphone could improve accessibility for individuals who struggle to reach physical polling places. However, it may also exclude certain demographics, such as older adults or low-income citizens without access to smartphones. Antadze has proposed that traditional voting methods could complement e-voting to ensure inclusivity.

Moreover, blockchain voting could lead to significant cost reductions. U.S. Federal elections are estimated to cost over $2 billion, and the potential savings from adopting blockchain technology could incentivise its implementation.

Scalability Challenges

Elections require processing millions of votes in a short timeframe, presenting scalability challenges for blockchain technology. Eliézer Ndinga, vice president at 21Shares, has stated that a blockchain would need to handle at least 3,009 transactions, per second, to accommodate U.S. elections.

While some blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum have experienced congestion, L2 solutions can alleviate this by processing transactions off-chain. Rob Viglione, co-founder of Horizen Labs, has suggested that a dedicated L2 solution for voting could enhance scalability and security. Chris Yin, founder of Plume, has asserted that an Ethereum L2 could, theoretically, manage millions of transactions in a single day, making it a feasible option for large-scale elections. Techniques such as Batch Voting and ZK-rollups can further improve efficiency.

Building Trust in Blockchain Voting

Despite the promising advancements in blockchain voting, public trust remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption.

Blockchain voting has been tested in the U.S., with West Virginia implementing a pilot program using the Voatz app for military personnel and overseas voters. However, the program faced criticism for its lack of transparency, highlighting the need for blockchain-based voting protocols to address these issues effectively.

Conclusion

Blockchain technology holds the potential to transform electoral processes by enhancing security, accessibility, and efficiency. As advancements in ZK proofs and L2 solutions pave the way for more robust voting systems, the focus must remain on building public trust and ensuring transparency. While blockchain voting may not resolve all electoral challenges, it offers a promising avenue for modernising the democratic process.

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