Political Experts Oppose Using Blockchain For Voting After Midterm Elections

Tuesday’s midterm elections have reignited the discussion concerning the voting process and what the best method is. Blockchain was one of the methods discussed. Jasmine Boyce of NBC reported that there is a heated social media debate concerning whether there are benefits of using blockchain in polling venues.

Princeton professor Arvind Narayan stated,

Here's the deal, blockchain boosters. We know you're desperately pushing "X on the blockchain" ideas. If you're trying to convince Walmart it needs blockchains to track avocados or whatever, be our guest. But if you're messing with critical infrastructure, you've crossed a line.

— Arvind Narayanan (@random_walker) November 7, 2018

Another professor, Dr. Angela Walch of St. Mary’s University stated,

This is ridiculous. Please stop pumping #blockchain tech for critically important use cases like voting in public elections when all actual voting experts disagree. Misleading policy makers and the public on this is irresponsible. https://t.co/avrc3psrA0

— Angela Walch (@angela_walch) November 7, 2018

Narayan shares Walch’s position. He recently criticized the New York Times for pushing blockchain in voting. Interestingly enough, Boyce also called out those who have been stating that blockchain may be the equivalent of the “cure” for cancer concerning voting.

The New York Times published an amazingly irresponsible op-ed calling for blockchain voting, and election security experts responded with a giant facepalm. Here's why. Let's start with this roundup of opinions from people who've actually studied the topic: https://t.co/5hhoqByPq7

— Arvind Narayanan (@random_walker) November 7, 2018

At this point, the recent midterm election shows the discourse concerning the issue. The role of blockchain in the electoral process is a questionable one. Further, if the United States does adopt blockchain in the voting process, it won’t be the first to do so. For example, Tsukuba, a Japanese city, recently introduced blockchain into the voting system. Though, there is not much information in terms of how the integration has been faring.

The charlatans pushing for blockchain elections and online voting are doing the equivalent of advocating a healthcare policy that assumes we’re about to cure cancer. Maybe we will, but best not to bet on it. https://t.co/JXQmUy6luq

— matt blaze (@mattblaze) November 7, 2018