will we witness a blockchain based election in our life time?

[Rruchi man]

Well we've already seen a Blockchain marriage, there is a high probability to witness a Blockchain election soon also in the near future. Since the success of the Blockchain with bitcoin, developers have been finding ways to expand it's use because of its security record that has it as being incorruptible due to its decentralised nature.

If the people of the world really need free and fair elections, a Blockchain based voting system is the solution. And since the technology of bitcoin and Blockchain is becoming more rampant and going mainstream, there is a high possibility to be witness soon to such an election.

https://www.investopedia.com/news/how-blockchain-technology-can-prevent-voter-fraud/

[cabron]

Its about time I think blockchain had already achieved trust in the finance industry. However if it's going to be about government, it will stir a lot of debate before it can happen. Politicians like cheating, it's in their blood already so even if there will be a blockchain election, they'd find ways to cheat.

As far as I can remember, Japan did some testing, Tsukuba first in Japan to deploy online voting system.

So there are some countries dabbing on blockchain technology in election, so no doubt that in the next five years, we might see nations taking advantage of it. Of course, the potential of rigging the results might be there, but at least it will be difficult.

The orients practice honor and integrity particularly in Japan, it might work for them.

[mk4]

The problem is that anyone with 51% or more of the hash power has complete control of the block chain.

Yes, obviously. But we're just talking about theoretics here. Assuming we're using a blockchain that's actual decentralized enough to conduct such operation. Just like bitcoin, as per my example.

[Kong Hey Pakboy]

Probably will witness one, but it's going to take a long time, remember that a lot of corrupt and power hungry politicians will be using anything at their disposal for this to not happen. Remember that those politicians need to manipulate and cheat the votes.

[Kittygalore]

The average lifespan of a person is around 70 and I am around 20s so I think that we still have an enough if not adequate time to witness an election that utilizes blockchain instead of the traditional system that we currently use with blockchain.

[blockman]

Many are still not ready for a blockchain-based type of election. It has to go through several tests before it implements it with the actual election. If the government isn't open with this type of election and technology, they'll go with what's favorable to them. This is hard for those countries where corruption is high, they won't allow this transparency to be seen by anyone if they broadcast the blockchain of voting nationwide. We can all end up and say that this is very promising but there will surely be pros and cons.

[vapourminer]

while its a good idea, good luck selling it to the masses. to many/most blockcains are black magic (ask the average voter what a blockchain is, tehn post the best/funniest answers here), even though with a blockchain (done right of course) it would be the most open, auditable election there could be.

[mk4]

while its a good idea, good luck selling it to the masses. to many/most blockcains are black magic (ask the average voter what a blockchain is, tehn post the best/funniest answers here), even though with a blockchain (done right of course) it would be the most open, auditable election there could be.

I'm not saying that a blockchain-based election is a good or bad idea, but the trick to any complex technologies is to have the UI/UX to be polished enough for the masses to not even know they're using "blockchain". A blockchain-based election could mean the masses are simply going to use a typical website, just with a blockchain back-end.

[Ucy]

complete democracy is blockchain and as more people are adopting blockchain, i am really excited for blockchain based voting. no tampering with votes whatsoever.

Could really work well if it's well decentralized and the identity of voters are well protected. I prefer not to use the Word for voters/users with hidden identities so people don't misunderstand it and think we are trying to impose "masked" voters in their elections. The Word is part of main Bitcoin principles and will really help in protecting voters and preventing them from getting influenced by money bags and people who bribe voters.
You don't need Proof of Stake(or Proof you own lots of money) for that. That will limit the numbers of voters and make the voting system vulnerable to being hijack by special interests and dictators. Decentralized & encrypted voter's identity, mobile devices, plus Full nodes should do. The right consensus mechanism would be PoW or Proof you have voted accurately... Once that is done, you are rewarded with points to encourage more people to vote.