Mobile Voting Verification System Using Carrier Billing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The traditional voting system in the United States is inefficient and prone to voter fraud, as it relies on manual verification at polling locations, which is time-consuming and does not appeal to younger voters, and existing online voting systems lack security and verification mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A mobile voting system that uses a voter verification process involving a mobile messaging aggregator and server to verify voter identity through multiple checks with voter registrar and carrier billing systems, generating a voter verified code for secure in-person or remote voting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual verification at polling locations is used, then voter identity can be verified, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoter identity verificationVSAvoidvoting process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs voter verification in advance by sending text messages with verification codes to voters before they arrive at polling locations. The voter registrar server pre-validates voter eligibility and sends confirmation messages, so that when voters arrive, the verification process is already complete or can be quickly finalized, eliminating long waiting lines at polling places.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical verification process (election officials physically checking IDs and voter rolls at polling locations) with an automated electronic system. The voter registrar server automatically verifies voter information against the voter roll database and sends electronic verification messages via text messaging, substituting human manual checks with automated computer-based verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional in-person voting is used, then voter identity can be verified, but younger voters find it inconvenient and less appealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoter verificationVSAvoidvoting accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional in-person voting mechanics (physically going to polling locations during limited hours, standing in lines, presenting physical IDs) with mobile device-based voting. Voters receive verification messages on their smartphones and can cast ballots electronically, making the process as convenient as using a mobile device and accessible outside traditional polling hours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses mobile devices, which younger voters already universally possess and use daily, as the platform for voting verification and ballot casting. By leveraging the ubiquitous nature of smartphones and text messaging, the system makes voting accessible through a channel that is already familiar and convenient for younger demographics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If online voting systems are implemented, then voting convenience is improved, but security and verification mechanisms are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote voting accessibilityVSAvoidvoter fraud prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by checking the voter's mobile number against the voter roll database before issuing any voting credentials. The voter registrar server validates the voter's eligibility in advance and only sends verification messages to confirmed registered voters, preventing unauthorized access before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification layer between the voter and the ballot casting system. The voter registrar server acts as a mediator that verifies voter identity through multiple checks (mobile number validation, voter roll lookup) and issues unique verification codes that serve as secure credentials, adding a robust authentication layer that prevents fraud while maintaining convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If multiple verification checks are performed, then voter fraud is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoter fraud preventionVSAvoidverification system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple verification functions (mobile number validation, voter roll lookup, verification code generation and distribution) into a single integrated voter registrar server. This centralization consolidates what could be separate complex systems into one unified platform, managing multiple verification checks through a single coordinated system rather than multiple independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11575516B2Mobile voting and voting verification system and method

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 RUNBECK ELECTION SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A mobile voting system and method are provided. The mobile voting system may include a mobile messaging aggregator configured to receive voter verification requests from one or more mobile carriers, and a mobile voter verification server configured to verify a voter's identity in response to a voter verification request and generate a link to a mobile ballot once the voter's identity has been verified. The mobile messaging aggregator may cause the link to the mobile ballot to be transmitted to a mobile device of the voter, which when selected by the voter, allows the voter to cast a vote.