Nevada adds blockchain security in wake of fake electors fiasco

As a seasoned researcher with a keen interest in technology and politics, I find Nevada’s decision to implement blockchain technology into their electoral certification process intriguing. While the timing seems a bit late for this implementation, post-election, it’s commendable that they are focusing on ensuring election integrity for future elections.

On December 10th, it was announced by Nevada’s Secretary of State, Francisco Aguilar, that blockchain technology would be integrated into the verification process for the state’s elections.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the reason for the delay until December, over a month after the conclusion of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Aguilar’s office indicates that transitioning to blockchain technology is meant to enhance the integrity of future elections.

According to Aguilar’s declaration, the state is dedicated to organizing the safest elections within the nation, with blockchain technology playing a crucial role in these endeavors.

“Blockchain adds important protection by making it much more difficult to alter or counterfeit these vital documents, ensuring that our certification process is both transparent and trustworthy. We are proud to lead the nation in utilizing emerging technology to protect the integrity of our elections.”

At present, we don’t have much information about how they plan to carry out their project. It remains undecided whether they have created their own unique blockchain or if they are utilizing pre-existing commercial or open-source blockchain solutions. CryptoMoon reached out to the secretary’s office for clarification but haven’t received a prompt reply yet.

Essentially, the election certification procedure will be permanently logged onto a blockchain-based ledger, making it the official record of the state’s elections.

Fake elector allegations

The next phase involves getting the program certified by both state and national archives. Once this is done, Nevada will join Alaska and Georgia as one of the initial U.S. states to employ blockchain technology for electoral verification processes. Several other states are also working on plans to implement similar programs at different stages.

In Nevada, pledges to strengthen the integrity of elections emerged after six GOP certifiers were indicted in 2023, with accusations that “unofficial electors” had tried to unlawfully alter the outcome of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. However, the indictment was later dropped in court proceedings.

Among the six Republicans initially charged, two – Nevada Republican Chair Michael McDonald and Clark County Republican Chair Jesse Law – ultimately fulfilled their roles as official electors during the 2024 presidential election.

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2024-12-11 00:00