A new bill introduced in the State of New York could mark a significant turning point for the integration of blockchain technology in democratic processes.
On April 8, State Representative Clyde Vanel introduced bill A07716, a legislative initiative that pushes to explore the use of blockchain to enhance the security of registri elettorali and risultati delle elezioni.
This is a decisive step that could redefine the relationship between technology and democracy in the United States.
A study to evaluate blockchain and electronic voting by New York
The heart of the proposal is the task assigned to the New York State Election Commission, which will have to initiate an in-depth study on the applicability of blockchain in the electoral context.
Objective: understand if, and to what extent, this technology can improve the reliability and security of the State’s voting system.
The blockchain, known for its decentralized structure and the ability to make data immutable entered within the ledger, brings evident advantages in terms of cybersecurity.
The bill requires that, within a year, a rapporto conclusivo be drafted on the possible benefits of its application to the electoral system.
The study, furthermore, must be supported by the contribution of experts in blockchain, cybersecurity, electoral fraud, and vote recording: a multidisciplinary approach that aims to accurately assess the potential of the technology.
The interest in blockchain applications for voting is not an absolute novelty. In the past, systems capable of using decentralized networks have already been experimented with to ensure transparency, traceability, and trust in the entire electoral process.
A recent example comes from Williamson County, Tennessee, where the results of the Republican Party Convention elections were securely stored through the Bitcoin network.
Even overseas, the topic has sparked debate. About a year ago, Brian Rose, former independent mayoral candidate of London, stated that voting on blockchain could represent a true revolution for modern democracy.
His idea is based on the possibility of verifiably associating the identity of the voter with the vote cast, authorizing the creation of an immutable register that is accessible at any time:
“Wouldn’t we all sleep better at night if that identity and that vote could really be proven?”
Between promises and technological limits
However, experts warn against excessive enthusiasm. On one hand, the introduction of blockchain in electoral processes promises greater reliability, but on the other hand, there is a fundamental limitation.
That is, the blockchain is only as efficient as the data that is entered into it. A concept summarized in the English phrase “garbage in, garbage out,” meaning “if you input garbage, you get garbage.”
In other words, technology can protect data from tampering after recording, but it cannot guarantee that the original data, once entered, is correct, authentic, or free from human or digital manipulations.
Deputy Clyde Vanel has now built a reputation as one of the most active supporters of regulation and technological promotion in the State of New York.
He is not new to legislative proposals regarding cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and protection of digital investors.
Last March, Vanel proposed another bill to establish criminal penalties against fraud in the crypto field. Like the famous “rug pull”, where the creators of a project digitalize funds and then disappear with the investments.
The deputy’s vision has also been felt in public policies. In fact, as early as January of the same year, Vanel recalled how New York had become the first state to establish a task force dedicated to criptovalute.
This is aimed at delving into the use, regulation, and definitions related to the world of digital finance.
According to Vanel, who in the past has urged for greater participation of the blockchain industry in discussions with legislators, the sector needs to educate the regulators to promote a greater balance between technological innovation and public interest.
An idea that today is reflected in its latest proposal on electronic voting, in search of a more secure, transparent, and futuristic model.
Is New York Leading the Change?
If the bill is approved, New York could become the pioneer state of a digital transformation in American electoral systems.
The adoption of blockchain would offer a new way to ensure the integrity of elections. Consequently making any attempts at fraud more difficult and increasing citizens’ trust in democratic mechanisms.
However, in-depth analyses, rigorous testing, and expert opinions will be needed to transform a technological promise into a solid and widely adoptable solution.
The report expected from the Electoral Commission in the next 12 months will be decisive in understanding whether blockchain will truly represent the future of electronic voting.
Or if it will remain, for a little while longer, a technology waiting for its opportunity. One thing is certain: the path towards the modernization of electoral processes is now set. And New York seems intent on leading the way.
