Blockchain in Elections? New York Politician’s Bold Move Will Shock You!

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So, apparently, a New York assemblyman—Clyde Vanel, if you’re curious—has decided to dive headfirst into the world of blockchain and elections. 🧐 Because, you know, nothing screams “trustworthy” like a technology most people associate with Bitcoin and memes. He’s filed a bill (Assembly Bill AA7716, for the bureaucrats among us) urging the State Board of Elections to study how blockchain could protect voter data and election results. Because, obviously, the current system is just too… *checks notes*… analog. 🙄

According to the official filing, the bill is all about studying how blockchain can safeguard voter records and ensure transparency in election results. Because nothing says “democracy” like a decentralized ledger, right? At the moment, the bill is being reviewed by the Assembly Election Law Committee, which is basically the political equivalent of waiting for your Uber to arrive. Once it advances, it’ll have to pass through the Assembly and State level before it lands on the governor’s desk for approval. 🚀

The bill also mandates that the New York Board of Elections collaborate with the Office of Information Technology Services and consult with experts in blockchain, cybersecurity, voter fraud, and election systems. Because, of course, you need a team of tech wizards to explain why blockchain is the future of democracy. 🧙‍♂️

If the bill gets enacted (big “if,” considering Vanel’s 2017 attempt flopped harder than a pancake), the Board of Elections will have to present the study’s results within a year. The findings must include examples of how other states have implemented similar tech in their elections. Because nothing says “innovation” like copying your neighbors. 😏

Vanel, a long-time crypto enthusiast, recently teamed up with Maryland delegate Adrian Boafo to push for a federal cryptocurrency regulatory framework. Because, clearly, the world needs more rules about digital money. 🤑

Interestingly, blockchain in elections isn’t exactly a new idea. In March 2024, Rarimo launched the Freedom Tool, a digital identity protocol designed to revolutionize electoral systems through blockchain. Unlike traditional voting mechanisms, the Freedom Tool uses blockchain and identity management to make each vote anonymous and verifiable. Because, you know, privacy is so last century. 😅

In October 2024, Rarimo’s Freedom Tool was implemented in Georgia’s parliamentary elections by the opposition party, the United National Movement. Their app, United Space, used blockchain to provide a system free of privacy violations and voter manipulation. Because, apparently, the only way to trust an election is to put it on the blockchain. 🤷‍♀️

So, there you have it. Blockchain in elections: the future of democracy or just another tech buzzword? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Clyde Vanel is determined to make it happen. 🚀

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2025-04-10 11:00