The Cryptographic Fix for US Elections Is Still Sitting on the Shelf

Key Points

1. Michal Pospieszalski identified a lack of 'end-to-end cryptographic proofs' in ES&S's iVotronic voting system, making it vulnerable to vote manipulation.

2. Pospieszalski demonstrated that the same ballot could be run multiple times, counting as multiple votes, a flaw that remains unaddressed.

3. He proposed a software-based solution using cryptographic techniques developed by David Chaum to ensure unique ballot verification and detect fraud.

4. In Antrim County, Michigan, Pospieszalski analyzed a 2020 vote-counting error, finding no evidence of hacking but highlighting the need for cryptographic proofs to prevent such issues.

5. Pospieszalski advocates for a simple software upgrade to existing voting systems, emphasizing that blockchain is unnecessary and complexity should be avoided.