Denver to apply blockchain technology in upcoming elections

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Denver, Colorado plans to use a blockchain system to store and track votes in its forthcoming municipal elections in May.

According to the announcement made on February 7, the city wants to use the blockchain system to allow active-duty, overseas voters and their eligible dependents to vote more easily in the upcoming elections.

Reportedly, the city will work in collaboration with Tusk Philanthropies and Voatz to facilitate the process. Targeted voters will be able to make their votes using a blockchain based smartphone app.

The deputy of elections at the Denver Office of Clerk and Records, Jocelyn Bucaro stated that the Denver Election Division is known for making the voting process easy and more transparent using technology. She added that using the blockchain pilot program fits perfectly into Denver’s mission. Bucaro further added:

“We believe this technology has the power to make voting easier and more secure not only for our active duty military and overseas citizens but also for voters with disabilities, who could potentially vote independently and privately using their phones’ assistive technology.”

People wishing to vote using the system are required to complete a few steps. First, they need to file an absentee ballot request. They also need to complete an authentication process through the Voatz mobile app. finally, if they are approved, they will be able to submit their ballot between March 23 and May 7 (Denver’s Election Day).

By using the app, people will avoid the usual hustle of having to print and scan the paperwork they would need if they were to file formal absentee ballots. The app has an added benefit for voters, unlike before; voters will be able to check whether their votes were recorded.

Denver, Voatz and Tusk Philanthropies have also collaborated with the National Cybersecurity Center (NCC). While speaking on the matter, Vance Brown, NCC CEO stated, this partnership display how promoting innovative technologies protects us from cyber –attacks that negatively in pact our world.He added, “The application of blockchain in our election system provides for secure, auditable, transparent and accurate counting of ballots and the increased integrity of our election system.”

Voltz’s technology was first used in West Virginia during the state’s primary and general elections in 2018. The system allowed active-duty military personnel to participate in the voting process. Since then, the technology has gone as far as to conduct 30 successful pilots, with more than 80,000 votes being cast on the platform.

Bucaro concluded by adding, “If the pilot is successful, we’re hoping other cities in Colorado that fall under home-rule might consider using it in some of their local elections.”