How Non-fungible tokens can solve voting issues

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Fungible tokens are cryptograms that are interchangeable and can be exchanged for one another. As an example, in contrast, nonfungible tokens have unique properties making each token unique. In the voting process, we see examples of both types of tokens being used now. Non-fungible tokens are used to record the identity of voters and allow them to cast one vote per candidate or referendum. Fungible tokens are used to keep a running tab on how votes go and utilize smart contracts for different phases of the voting process. There is also a hybrid approach that uses both types of tokens as well as some additional tricks we’ll get into below.

What are the issues with current voting methods?

On the federal level, the United States uses paper ballots, which are subject to tampering and are easily manipulated. There are also concerns around voter fraud, as well as the ability to prove results and determine what went wrong if there were any issues that arose. Another major issue is that many voters find the voting process to be inaccessible. In the United States, voting is a right that everyone has, but not everyone has the ability to exercise that right. People who work long hours and people who don’t drive are particularly impacted. In some areas, there are also language barriers, as many materials are only available in English. Many voters also find the voting process itself to be confusing. Ballots can be extremely long, and there is often a lack of clarity around how to rank candidates in order to support more than one party at once. In some areas, voting is being held up by restrictive voting laws. These laws make it harder for certain demographics to reach the polls, and make the voting process more confusing.

The benefits of using non fungible tokens in a voting process

In this scenario, a voter would be given an individualized token that represents their vote. This can be done by creating tokens on the blockchain and assigning them a unique ID. That token could remain in the voter’s possession, or it could be kept in a public repository where it would be easily accessible. This token would serve two primary functions in the voting process. First, it would keep track of the voter’s identity and ensure that one person can only vote once. Second, it would keep track of the individual candidate or referendum the voter is supporting, and allow them to cast one vote per candidate or referendum. If there are concerns that a voter’s identity could be faked, or that they might try to vote more than once, it is easy to check the blockchain to ensure that the voter is who they say they are. Once a person has voted, their token could be destroyed to prevent them from voting again. This system does leave room for voter coercion, but it does make it more difficult.

Benefits of using fungible tokens in a voting process

In this scenario, all voters are given a fungible token that represents their vote. The token could be sent to the voter’s phone, or it could be kept in a public repository where it would be easily accessible. This token would keep track of the number of votes for each candidate or referendum, and would be easy to tally and disperse as the results come in. This system makes it easy to keep track of the voting process. All that needs to be done is to add one to each token as each vote is cast, and keep track of who has received how many tokens. If there are concerns that a voter’s identity could be faked, or that they might try to vote more than once, it is easy to check the blockchain to ensure that the voter is who they say they are.

Hybrid Voting Scenario Using Non Fungible Tokens and Fungible tokens

In this scenario, voters are given both a non-fungible token and a fungible token. The non-fungible token would be used to keep track of the identity of each voter, as well as which candidate or referendum they are supporting. The fungible tokens would keep track of how many votes each candidate or referendum has received. The non-fungible token would be sent to the voter’s phone or kept in a public repository, while the fungible token would be sent to the voter’s wallet. This hybrid system would help to mitigate some concerns around coercion. The non-fungible token would be easy to keep track of, and would ensure that each voter could only vote once. The fungible tokens would be easy to tally and disperse as the results come in, and would make it easy to keep track of how many votes each candidate or referendum has received.

Wrapping up

Voting is the foundation of any democracy, but there are many issues that have arisen surrounding the way we vote today. These issues can be addressed by using non fungible tokens, fungible tokens, or a hybrid of the two. NFTs can be used to keep track of the identity of each voter, as well as which candidate or referendum they are supporting. Fungible tokens can be used to keep track of how many votes each candidate or referendum has received. These hybrid systems make it easier to address concerns around voter fraud, accessibility issues, and language barriers.

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