4 ms·

Wouldn't a public ledger of votes break the secrecy of the ballot?

• shawabawa3 9y ago
  No more than a public blockchain would
• philipodonnell 9y ago
  Blockchains can be designed to allow confirmation of something already known without revealing it to parties that only have access to the blockchain.
  • AlexandrB 9y ago
    "We want you to vote for X or else Y" or "Prove you didn't vote for X or else Y" attacks are possible as long as verification is possible. This seems like a huge drawback of blockchain voting. Edit: Example - people vote against unpopular candidate Paul. Paul then stages a coup and takes control of government. He then asks you to provide a receipt that you voted for him on the blockchain or all your property is confiscated by the state.
    • philipodonnell 9y ago
      Honest question, why would Paul need to do that if he took control of the government? I mean, "I can't" is an honest answer here, since its unrecoverable and many people won't care enough to try to verify their votes.
      • dragonwriter 9y ago
        > Honest question, why would Paul need to do that if he took control of the government? He might want to to punish enemies or reward supporters; “control of government” id, in practice, not infinite power, and people often use such a position to, first and foremost, secure the position. > I mean, "I can't" is an honest answer Which is a reason Paul might want to let it be known that some form of accountability will be asked in advance. (Which he also might due to push the actual vote results; if it is projected to be close, expecting a cost for voting the “wrong” way if one candidate wins will likely shift some votes.)