Episode 254- Reimagining Voting: Blockchain, Technology, and the Future of Elections. With Kahlil Byrd

Richard Helppie's Common Bridge

This is an episode repeat from December, 2020 that we think is even more relevant today. Can blockchain technology transform the future of voting in the United States? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Khalil Byrd, a leading voice in political technology, as we explore the intricacies of the nation's voting system. Khalil breaks down the current state of voting, highlighting the system's trust-based foundation, insufficient funding, and the diverse rules across states. We tackle the perennial issue of low voter turnout and the challenge of maintaining vote integrity, all while envisioning how cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and smartphone apps can revolutionize accessibility and security in our elections.
We then navigate the promising advancements in electronic voting, spearheaded by companies like Votes, backed by Jonathan Johnson and Medici Ventures. Khalil sheds light on the unique challenges faced by disabled voters, rural residents, and military personnel stationed abroad. With blockchain technology at the core, we discuss how secure, private, and verifiable voting from personal devices is no longer a distant dream. This segment underscores the critical importance of voter privacy and the potential for biometrics to enhance the safety of electronic voting systems, setting a global standard for democratic practices.
Finally, we reflect on the lessons learned from the controversial 2000 election and the strides made since. Our discussion delves into the bipartisan efforts that have shaped today's election infrastructure and the continuous need for investment in both hardware and software. Khalil emphasizes the potential of app-based voting systems that employ biometrics, encryption, and blockchain technology to offer secure and anonymous voting. The conversation rounds off with the importance of piloting new systems, gathering feedback, and the broader implications for democracy, advocating for a more inclusive and trustworthy electoral process. Tune in to discover how we can reimagine elections and rebuild trust in our democratic institutions.

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1. The Future of Voting Technology (00:00:00)

2. Advancing Voting Technology for Accessibility (00:16:36)

3. Enhancing Election Systems Through Technology (00:26:20)

4. Reimagining Elections and Trust (00:36:50)