A Japanese city is turning to blockchain technology to allow residents to vote online in local elections.
According to an announcement on Thursday, Tokyo-based blockchain firm LayerX and digital ID solutions provider xID have teamed up to build a “safe and convenient” voting platform for the city of Kaga in Ishikawa Prefecture.
The city hopes the initiative will address some concerns with voting online and make it more convenient for elderly people living in more remote parts of the jurisdiction to vote on city policies.
Related: Digital Yen Would Make Crypto Markets ‘More Lively,’ Says CEO of Monex Group
LayerX has developed an e-voting protocol “that balances the transparency of the voting process and the confidentiality of voting content.” Meanwhile, xID specializes in digital identity systems.
LayerX said “it is possible to build a highly convenient electronic voting technology” by combining the two solutions.
While voting via electronic means is already available and legal in Japan, the stability and cost associated with certain voting devices are an issue, according to the companies.
“Voting over the internet presents more challenges, such as preventing double voting, high technical hurdles to keep voting secrets, and the cost of voting devices,” they said. The companies said blockchain was selected by Kaga city because it is “tamper resistant” and “transparent.”
Related: Leading Japanese Financial Firm SBI Holdings Rolls Out Crypto Lending Services
See also: Ohio Lawmakers Propose Blockchain Voting in Elections Overhaul Bill
Blockchain voting is a commonly cited use case for the technology and there have been various projects launched for the purpose. Most notably perhaps, voting platform Voatz has been involved in several U.S. city and state elections but has also been criticized over security issues with its app.
In Kaga, if the voting effort proves a success, other options for blockchain tech will be considered as a means to solve other problems in the city.
Related Stories
- Japan’s Banking Giant MUFG Plans to Launch Blockchain Payment Network in 2021
- 30 Japan Firms to Collaborate on Private Digital Yen: Reuters
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
