Blockchain E-Voting With Automated Identity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elections and voting systems face integrity issues due to in-person voter fraud, mail-in ballot fraud, and challenges in obtaining petition signatures, with health concerns and lack of candidate familiarity also impacting election integrity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing distributed ledger and blockchain technologies to secure and administer elections and voting activities, ensuring integrity through identity verification, online participation, and secure vote counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If in-person voting is conducted at polling locations, then voters can cast ballots face-to-face, but voter fraud occurs when voters are not properly vetted and identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated teller machine (ATM) as an intermediary device between the voter and the voting system. The ATM performs identity verification, ballot distribution, and vote submission functions automatically, eliminating the need for manual vetting by poll workers while maintaining voting accessibility. This intermediary device resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation (automated service) and reliability (verified identity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of poll workers verifying identities and handling ballots with an automated electronic system. The ATM uses electronic databases, card readers, and automated verification processes to substitute human operators, thereby preventing fraud while maintaining voter accessibility. This substitution resolves the contradiction by eliminating human error and malfeasance.
2Ease of operation
If mail-in ballots are distributed to voters, then voting accessibility is improved, but fraud occurs when someone else uses another's ballot or when counterfeit ballots are mailed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated teller machine (ATM) as an intermediary device that eliminates the need for mail-in ballots. Voters access the ATM to cast their votes in person with automated identity verification, thereby maintaining voting accessibility while preventing mail-in ballot fraud. The ATM serves as a secure intermediary that verifies identity through electronic databases and card readers, ensuring that only the registered voter can submit a ballot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vulnerable mail-in ballot component from the voting system and replaces it with an in-person ATM-based system. By removing the physical ballot mailing process, the patent eliminates the opportunity for counterfeit ballots and unauthorized use of mail-in ballots, while maintaining voting accessibility through the convenient ATM interface.
3Ease of operation
If traditional voting systems are used with poll workers, then voting can be conducted, but fraud occurs when voting ballots and vote counts are falsely manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of poll workers handling and counting ballots with an automated electronic system centered on the ATM. The ATM electronically records votes, stores them securely, and transmits results directly to election officials, eliminating the manual ballot handling process that enables manipulation. This substitution ensures vote count integrity while maintaining voting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the ATM system electronically tracks and reports voting data in real-time to central databases. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for manual vote counting and reporting, thereby preventing manipulation of vote counts while maintaining voting functionality. The system provides continuous verification and recording of votes.
4Reliability
If voters are required to obtain petition signatures in person, then candidate qualification can be verified, but time and expenses are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual in-person petition signature gathering process with an automated electronic system. Voters can electronically sign petitions through the ATM or online platforms, and the system automatically verifies signatures against registered voter databases. This substitution maintains the reliability of candidate qualification verification while dramatically reducing the time and expenses required, as voters can sign petitions remotely without physical presence requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, including: a receiver; processor; distributed ledger and Blockchain technology system; and transmitter. The receiver receives a request for an e-voting ballot regarding an election. The e-voting ballot contains information regarding the elected office race or referendum issue in the election, and a link or hyperlink to information regarding a candidate or referendum issue. The apparatus receives a digital file, containing information regarding a picture, photograph, or video clip, of the individual. The processor transmits the e-voting ballot to a user device. The apparatus transmits a voter account use message and the digital file to the user device. The apparatus receives and stores information regarding a vote or votes cast pursuant to the e-voting ballot. The apparatus stores the information regarding the vote or votes cast in the distributed ledger and Blockchain technology system. The apparatus transmits a vote confirmation message to the user device.