tl;dr
New York Assemblyman Clyde Vanel has introduced Bill A7716, proposing the use of blockchain technology in elections to combat voter fraud and enhance election integrity. The bill mandates the New York State Board of Elections to study blockchain's benefits and risks, consult experts, and report to t...
New York Assemblyman Clyde Vanel has introduced Bill A7716, proposing the use of blockchain technology in elections to combat voter fraud and enhance election integrity.
The bill mandates the New York State Board of Elections to study blockchain's benefits and risks, consult experts, and report findings to the governor and state assembly.
It encourages engagement with other regions using blockchain and consultation with leaders in blockchain, cybersecurity, voter fraud, and electoral technology.
The legislation allows for the use of both public blockchains and private, permissioned ledgers, aiming to deliver an “immutable, auditable and uncensored truth.”
This is Vanel's second blockchain-related bill this year, reflecting a growing focus on securing electoral processes and digital assets in the U.S.
Internationally, blockchain technology is gaining momentum in elections.
Malaysia's major political party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), has implemented blockchain-powered e-voting for its internal elections, enhancing transparency and security.
The party employs a two-step verification process: electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) to verify voter identity, followed by blockchain e-voting with encrypted, unique IDs to prevent unauthorized voting.
Nearly 97% of PKR members chose blockchain e-voting, marking a pioneering technological approach in Malaysia’s political reforms.
Romania has taken blockchain integration even further, incorporating it into its presidential elections.
Voters’ digital fingerprints were anchored on a network built atop the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), highlighting blockchain’s role in securing electoral processes on a national scale.
These global examples reinforce blockchain’s potential to provide secure, transparent, and immutable election results, as legislators and governments seek innovative solutions against voter fraud.