In US elections, the counting process differs greatly from countries like Brazil. Voting takes place in a variety of ways, with the use of paper ballots in many states, while the electronic ballot box is still very uncommon in the country. This choice makes room for a specific set of technologies, systems and security methods that ensure transparency and accuracy in the outcome of elections. In this article, we'll explore how American elections work, what technologies are involved and how they work together to protect one of the pillars of democracy: the vote.
How does vote counting work without an electronic ballot box?
In the United States, the electoral system is decentralized, which means that each state, and often each county, has autonomy to decide how to conduct voting and counting. Unlike Brazil, where the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) coordinates the use of the electronic ballot box throughout the territory, in the US there are a variety of methods. Some areas use paper ballots and manual counting, while others use voting machines and automated tabulation.
Voting Machines: The Role of Electronic and Printed Ballots
Voting machines are widely used in American states that do not adopt electronic ballot boxes. These machines can be of various types, such as touchscreen or optical scanners, allowing voters to register their vote digitally or on paper. Many of these machines print out a receipt, allowing voters to review their choices before confirming them. This verification process helps to ensure that the vote was recorded correctly, giving the voter more confidence.
For states that still use paper ballots, the counting process is done automatically by optical code reader machines, which scan the votes and tabulate them in a central system. Paper ballots play a crucial role in American electoral security, as they offer a physical record that can be audited and verified, which is fundamental in cases of recount.
Blockchain and Cryptography: The Security of Electoral Data
With increasing cybersecurity concerns, technologies such as blockchain and cryptography have emerged as alternatives to protect the electoral process in the US. The use of blockchain has been explored to securely record and track votes, allowing for a public audit of the ballots. Although still an experimental and small-scale method, blockchain is being studied as an additional tool for verification and data integrity.
Encryption, on the other hand, is already an essential part of electoral systems. All data transmission, from polling stations to counting centers, is encrypted to prevent hackers from intercepting or manipulating the results. In addition, encryption also protects the databases where the votes are stored, guaranteeing the privacy and integrity of the information.
Cybersecurity: Protecting the American Electoral Process
In an environment where the electronic ballot box is not widely used, digital security becomes even more crucial to protect the counting of votes. In the US, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is responsible for monitoring the cybersecurity of the electoral process. CISA collaborates with state and local authorities, as well as technology companies, to identify and combat possible cyber threats.
Every election cycle, systems are tested and updated to protect against attacks from phishingand other threats. CISA also provides training and awareness materials for government officials and election operators, helping to reduce the risks of human vulnerabilities. In 2020, for example, CISA launched the "Defend Today, Secure Tomorrow" campaign, which was widely recognized for its effectiveness in minimizing cyber attacks during elections.
In addition, secure communication networks, known as the Secure Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), are used to securely share election information between states. These systems help prevent fraud and inconsistencies, such as duplicate voter registration, offering an additional layer of security to the process.
Audits and Verifications: Ensuring Accurate Results
Even with a robust technological infrastructure, one of the main guarantees of accuracy in American elections are the post-election audits and checks. After voting ends, many states conduct rigorous audits to compare the electronic results with the paper ballots. This process is known as risk-limiting audit (risk-limited audit) and has become an increasingly common practice to ensure that the electronic voting system has correctly reflected the votes recorded.
These audits include manually checking a sample of ballots to see if the results match the electronic records. In cases where there are significant discrepancies, a complete recount is carried out. In this way, audits not only strengthen public trust, but also provide a layer of security against failure or tampering.
Automated Counting and Tabulation Systems
Automated tabulation technology is used to count votes quickly and accurately. Although ballots can be filled in manually by voters, the counting is usually done by machines, which reduces the time needed to tabulate the results and reduces the margin of error. These tabulation systems also record votes electronically, allowing data to be accessed and analyzed in real time.
To further guarantee accuracy, tabulating machines are frequently tested before the election and audited after the poll is over. Election equipment manufacturers also undergo rigorous certification processes, in which their products are analyzed and approved by regulatory bodies.
Challenges and Future of Technologies in US Elections
Despite technological advances, the US still faces challenges in counting elections. The decentralization of the electoral system can make it difficult to standardize security technologies and protocols, leaving gaps in some areas. In addition, cultural resistance to the use of electronic voting machines means that adapting new technologies faces obstacles.
With growing concern about foreign interference and cyberattacks, the demand for secure and auditable solutions is likely to increase. Technologies such as blockchain, although still experimental, may be integrated into wider systems in the future. However, experts point out that public trust is essential, and this is only guaranteed by a combination of security, transparency and constant audits.
In conclusion...
Technologies in US elections are constantly evolving to ensure that the process is fair, secure and reliable. From the automated counting of paper ballots to the application of encryption and post-election audits, the system is designed to maintain the integrity of the vote. Although the country does not widely use electronic ballot boxes, it adopts a number of advanced technologies that help protect the vote and maintain public confidence in the electoral system.
