> how else can you have a paper ballot that cannot be altered? With simple, boring techniques requiring the presence of multiple scrutineers appointed by diffe

> how else can you have a paper ballot that cannot be altered? With simple, boring techniques requiring the presence of multiple scrutineers appointed by different candidates. The process relies on mutual suspicion to detect problems at every step. In an Australian election, all ballot boxes are numbered. The seals are also numbered. When a ballot box is assembled, the seal numbers and box number are logged, signed by the senior Electoral Officer present and countersigned by at least two scrutineers appointed by different candidates. Ballots are not numbered, but are counted as they are dispensed. Each is initialled by the official who hands it to the voter. This process is observable by scrutineers. When time comes to count, the box numbers are cross-checked with the logs, again under scrutineers. When the ballots are hand-counted, it happens with scrutineers watching. When the tallies are made, it happens with scrutineers present. When any of the scrutineers disagrees with some aspect of the process, they can appeal to the electoral commission. If they're dissatisfied, the matter can be taken to the Court of Disputed Returns. So far as I am aware, only once, in over a century of Australian elections, have ballot boxes been lost. That election was voided and rerun from scratch. Paper works. You just need to see how other people are already using it successfully.