Mobile Phones for voting in Election.

My Prompt:

Is there a cryptographic method in such a way that in a group of voting, it is not possible to identify to what candidate each voter has voted but can evaluate the totals received by each candidate?

Chat GPT response:

Yes, there is a cryptographic concept that facilitates anonymous voting, ensuring that individual votes remain private while allowing for the accurate tallying of votes for each candidate. This concept is known as "homomorphic encryption."

 

In the context of voting:

 

1.   Homomorphic Encryption: Using this cryptographic method, each vote is encrypted in such a way that the encrypted votes can be combined to produce an encrypted tally. Once combined, this encrypted tally can be decrypted to reveal the total number of votes for each candidate, but individual votes cannot be decrypted to determine how each person voted.

2.   Mix-nets: This is another approach where encrypted votes are shuffled or "mixed" together in a series of servers, and then decrypted without revealing the association between voters and their choices.

3.   Zero-Knowledge Proofs: These are cryptographic methods that allow one party (the prover) to prove to another party (the verifier) that a statement is true, without revealing any other information beyond the validity of the statement itself. In the context of voting, it ensures that a vote is valid without revealing the content of the vote.

 

These mechanisms, when properly implemented, ensure that:

- An individual's vote remains confidential.

- Votes are accurately tallied without revealing individual vote choices.

- Malicious actors or voting authorities cannot tamper with the results without detection.

 

The combination of these cryptographic techniques with secure hardware and software protocols can lead to the creation of a robust and private electronic voting system. However, any implementation would need careful scrutiny and continuous monitoring to ensure its security and integrity.

 

My prompt:

Has any country implemented such a system, and used mobile phones to do the voting?

 

Chat GPT response:

Yes, several countries have experimented with cryptographic voting systems and some have even considered using mobile phones as a platform for voting. However, the adoption of mobile voting on a large scale has been limited due to various concerns, including security, accessibility, and verification of results. Here's a brief overview:

 

1.   Estonia: Often cited as a pioneer in the realm of electronic voting, Estonia has allowed its citizens to cast their votes online in parliamentary elections since 2005. While the system uses a secure digital ID card rather than mobile phones directly, it is one of the most prominent examples of a country adopting electronic voting.

2.   Moscow: In 2019, Moscow tested a blockchain-based electronic voting system that leveraged cryptographic techniques. This system was made accessible through various electronic devices, potentially including mobile phones.

3.   West Virginia, USA: In 2018, West Virginia became the first US. state to test mobile voting in a primary election. They used a platform called "Voatz", which employs biometrics (like fingerprint or facial recognition) for voter identification and blockchain to record votes. The pilot was aimed at military personnel stationed overseas.

4.   Other Experiments: There have been various smaller-scale experiments and pilots in other parts of the world. Companies like Voatz and others have proposed mobile voting solutions leveraging cryptographic techniques.

 

While these examples show promise, there are significant challenges:

 

- Security Concerns: Mobile devices and the networks they operate on can be vulnerable to attacks, malware, and other security threats. Ensuring the security of votes cast via mobile devices is paramount.

 

- Verification: Ensuring that votes are recorded as intended and that results can be verified by third parties without compromising voter anonymity is a challenge.

 

- Accessibility: Not everyone has access to a smartphone or reliable Internet, which can raise concerns about equal access to the voting process.

 

- Public Trust: There's a need for public trust in the integrity and security of the system. Many people are skeptical of electronic voting due to concerns about potential vulnerabilities or manipulation.

 

In conclusion, while there are technical solutions available that can potentially allow for secure mobile voting, their widespread adoption requires careful consideration of the associated challenges and risks.

 

My Prompt:

Now extremely poor countries the cost of conducting a vote is a big burden to the country's population. It is possible to use a dual system say mobile phones and manual voting. So majority might use electronic voting while accessibility problems can allow others to have a manual vote. The advantage is, that it can reduce the cost drastically, by spending only limited amounts for a manual system.

 

Chat GPT response:

Certainly, combining electronic (specifically, mobile) voting with traditional manual voting is a plausible solution for countries looking to reduce the cost of elections without compromising accessibility. Here's how such a dual system might work and some considerations to keep in mind:

 

Advantages:

 

1.   Cost Savings: As you pointed out, electronic voting, especially via mobile phones, can reduce the costs associated with printing ballots, deploying voting machines, and managing physical polling stations.

2.   Increased Turnout: Offering electronic voting can potentially increase voter turnout, especially among those who might find it challenging to get to a polling station (e.g., those with disabilities, expatriates, or individuals in remote locations).

3.   Rapid Tallying: Electronic votes can be tallied almost instantly, leading to quicker election results.

4.   Flexibility: Voters can have the choice of which method suits them best – electronic or manual.

 

Considerations:

 

1.   Security: As mentioned earlier, security is paramount. Mobile voting systems must be robustly protected against external attacks, fraud, and system failures. Adequate testing and third-party audits should be a requirement.

2.   Infrastructure: Even if electronic voting might save costs in some aspects, initial investment in a secure and robust infrastructure is essential. This includes secure servers, network infrastructure, and a reliable electricity supply.

3.   Public Perception and Trust: Transitioning to electronic systems might face resistance from sections of the population who mistrust technological solutions, especially in areas with limited technological exposure. Education and outreach are crucial to instilling confidence in the system.

4.   Hybrid Tallying: Implementing a dual system requires a reliable method of integrating electronic and manual votes in the final tally without errors or inconsistencies.

5.   Backup Plans: There should always be contingencies in place. If the electronic system faces an unexpected failure, there should be a mechanism to allow those affected to vote manually.

6.   Accessibility: While mobile voting increases accessibility for some, it's vital to ensure that manual voting remains accessible to everyone else, especially those without access to the necessary technology.

7.   Legal and Regulatory Framework: Introducing mobile voting might require amendments to electoral laws and regulations. Establishing a legal framework that addresses potential issues is crucial.

8.   Pilot Testing: Before a full-scale rollout, it would be prudent to conduct pilot tests in select areas to gauge the effectiveness and reliability of the electronic voting system.

 

In conclusion, while a dual system of mobile and manual voting offers many advantages, especially in cost savings, it's crucial to approach it with thorough planning, testing, and public consultation. If implemented with care and transparency, it can indeed be a viable solution for countries looking to modernize their electoral processes without imposing undue burdens on their populations.

 

My Prompt:

Can you put this chat in a blog-like article to promote this idea in Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka has a very high literacy rate, mobile phone connections of 30 million to the population of 20 million, 8 million social media users, 11 million Internet users. Recently QR code system using mobile phones was very successfully implemented to ration fuel, there was minimal protest, and surprisingly population adapted well to it. However, the country is bankrupt unable to pay off external debt and internal debt. Also, country-wide protests demand elections but the government is unable to have it on cost issues. Therefore reducing costs will have a huge advantage, though it may not be possible to implement until the country becomes stable.

 

Chat GPT response:

Certainly! Here's a blog-like article tailored to the context you provided:

 

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The Case for a Dual Voting System in Sri Lanka: Blending Modern Technology with Tradition

 

Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads. With widespread public demands for elections juxtaposed against the current fiscal crisis, the need for innovative solutions has never been more evident. One potential avenue? A dual voting system that amalgamates the convenience of mobile technology with traditional manual voting.

 

Why Consider a Dual Voting System?

 

1. Cost-Effectiveness: The financial challenges facing Sri Lanka are undeniable. Traditional elections, with their associated costs of printing ballots, manning polling stations, and extensive logistics, weigh heavily on the national treasury. A system that leverages the widespread use of mobile technology can drastically curtail these expenses.

 

2. Accessibility: With over 30 million mobile phone connections for a population of 20 million, the mobile phone is arguably the most widespread tool in the hands of Sri Lankans. The recent successful implementation of the QR code system for fuel rationing is testament to the population's adaptability and comfort with mobile-based solutions.

 

3. Quick Results: Electronic votes can be processed almost instantly, ensuring swift and transparent election outcomes.

 

4. Flexibility: A dual system ensures that every citizen can choose the voting method that suits them best, be it electronic or manual.

 

The Sri Lankan Context:

 

The high literacy rate, coupled with 11 million internet users and 8 million active on social media, indicates a populace that is informed, connected, and ready to embrace technology-driven solutions. The rapid and largely smooth adaptation to the fuel rationing system further showcases the potential for technological interventions even in critical sectors.

 

Challenges and Considerations:

 

1. Security: Ensuring that votes are cast securely and counted accurately is paramount. The mobile voting system would need rigorous testing and possibly third-party audits to guarantee integrity.

 

2. Infrastructure: Initial investments would be required to establish a secure and robust infrastructure, but these costs would likely be offset by savings from reduced physical election logistics in the long run.

 

3. Public Trust: Building public trust is crucial. Transparent processes, educational campaigns, and pilot programs can help in garnering this trust.

 

4. Legal Adjustments: The introduction of a new voting method might necessitate amendments to the existing electoral framework.

 

5. Pilot Testing: Before a national rollout, pilot tests in selected regions can provide invaluable insights and highlight areas for improvement.

 

Conclusion:

 

While the immediate implementation of a dual voting system might be challenging amidst the prevailing instability, the potential benefits, both in terms of cost and convenience, make it a proposition worth serious consideration. As Sri Lanka seeks paths to reconciliation and progress, blending modern technological solutions with time-honored traditions might just offer the balance the nation needs.