By Howard Kopel
“Absentee voting leads to fraud!” “Absentee voting is essential to protect the right to vote!” We hear these arguments passionately made by politicians across the spectrum. But what if we didn’t have to choose? What if we could ensure both easy access to voting and robust security — so that only registered citizens vote, every ballot is accurately counted, and results are announced promptly?
This isn’t a pipe dream. The technology exists, and is already in use globally. Let’s explore how it could work here, in our communities.
Every day, trillions of dollars move securely across the internet. You likely shop on Amazon, pay bills with online banking and transfer funds between accounts. These systems work because they’re designed to ensure that money goes exactly where it’s intended, with safeguards against fraud and error.
It’s not just money. Many of us renew passports, file taxes, manage health records and sign legal documents online. We trust the internet with sensitive tasks because secure systems make it possible.
So why not apply this to voting? Here’s how a secure online voting system could work:
1.
Voter registration and authentication. Every voter would register once, providing proof of identity and citizenship. They would receive a unique digital key — perhaps biometric, like facial recognition or a fingerprint scan, features already built into most smartphones. This registration would be valid for life, updated only when they moved to a new jurisdiction, like from one county to another.
2.
Secure voting interface. Voters would access a platform using their digital key. The system would ensure that only eligible voters cast ballots — and only once. Encryption and multi-factor authentication would protect against tampering or impersonation, much like safeguards for online banking.
3.
Instant tabulation and verification. Votes would be encrypted, transmitted and counted in real time. Results could be announced within minutes after polls close, eliminating delays and reducing opportunities for confusion or manipulation.
Countries such as Estonia, Switzerland and Brazil already use versions of these systems. Estonia has offered secure online voting in national elections since 2005. Switzerland has piloted it in several regions, and Brazil’s electronic voting machines tabulate results quickly and securely. If they can do it, surely the United States, with its technological leadership, can, too.
Of course, there are concerns that would have to be addressed. Privacy is a core right that we cherish. Voters must trust that their ballots are secure, anonymous and accurately counted. No one — not election officials, hackers or third-party vendors — should be able to trace a vote to an individual.
Cost is another concern. Building an online voting system wouldn’t be cheap, but we don’t need to start from scratch. We can adapt proven technologies that are in use in other countries, saving time and resources. Over time, such a system could reduce the costs of printing ballots, staffing polling stations and mailing absentee forms — savings that could benefit our local budgets.
Accessibility is a major advantage. Online voting would make it easier for seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents and those with demanding schedules to vote without traveling or waiting in lines. Imagine a farmer in our county casting a ballot from home or a nurse voting between shifts.
We don’t have to settle for outdated systems or false choices between access and security. With investment and political will, we can build a voting system that’s secure, accessible and worthy of our democracy. Let’s bring the future of voting to our communities — because every voice deserves to be heard, safely and fairly.
Howard Kopel represents Nassau County’s 7th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s presiding officer.
