Posted on November - 03 - 2010

Could voting from your iPhone or Android device be in your future?

Rejoice and be glad, this election season is over. No more lies, half-truths, or slandering, at least until the next election cycle in 2012. Why are we starting today’s column off with such a cynical view of politics? Politicians in general, and the non-stop barrage of media and mail advertisement we thought would never end.

While standing in line yesterday waiting to vote, we had a brief thought of how convenient it would be to vote from a smartphone or computer. Once back in the light of day, the thought left, replaced by other pressing issues, such as where is the closest McDonalds. The thought came back again when we saw a “Tweet” from Mindgrub last evening. Their office question of the day; “Voting via Mobile App.”

Most of us would probably agree that mobile voting would be a huge convenience in our lives. The interface and visible workings of a mobile voting app could be designed and implemented to mimic the familiar oversized iPads we are accustomed to using now. The problem lies with overcoming fraud, and the inherent risks that still exist with the HTTP protocol.

One solution we see to combating fraud is fairly simple. Each voter is given a unique name and password to enter before they can vote. Once they log-in and cast their ballot, a simple decision statement inserted into the logic alerts the program not to allow this person access to the voting system. Like we said, it is fairly simple, which we like. It is also the reason we write this column, not source code. Head hurts just thinking about it.

The bigger problem we see is identity theft. We are sure by now you have heard of the bogus calls that went out yesterday evening, a few hours before the polls closed. The robo-calls informed voters that O’Malley and Obama had achieved their goals, and thanked people for their support. The message essentially stated, there is no need for you to vote. This was a problem in a number of states, not just Maryland.

The point is, some people will always try to manipulate a given process for evil. If a particular group’s vision of shaping the country could be achieved by hacking a mobile app and using it to their advantage, do you think they would pass up that opportunity? Would there be any hesitation?

We feel the answer is an emphatic yes. We have come a long way in dealing with Internet security, closing holes, and retarding breaches. Still, all networks are susceptible to hackers with less than honorable motives. Exposing something as important as a person’s vote to the threat of hijacking by unscrupulous people is a risk we personally are not willing to take.

Yet we are only one voice. Tell us what you think. Is this a good idea whose time has come, or should we wait? Use the comment section, and let us know your feelings. Maybe the solution will show up in the confluence of posted ideas. After all, isn’t that how we move forward? And why let the folks at Mindgrub have all the fun?

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