Phrase-Verified Voting: Verifiable Low-Tech Remote Boardroom Voting
Enka Blanchard (LORIA), Ryan Robucci (UMBC), Ted Selker (UMBC), Alan, Sherman (UMBC)

TL;DR
Phrase-Verified Voting is a simple, transparent remote voting system using off-the-shelf software, allowing small groups to verify their votes without cryptography, demonstrated in a university election with positive user feedback.
Contribution
The paper introduces a low-tech, verifiable remote voting system that is easy to use and suitable for small private elections, enhancing transparency without cryptographic complexity.
Findings
System was well-accepted by 43 voters.
Performed effectively in real election setting.
Voters found it easier and more private than traditional methods.
Abstract
We present Phrase-Verified Voting, a voter-verifiable remote voting system assembled from commercial off-the-shelf software for small private elections. The system is transparent and enables each voter to verify that the tally includes their ballot selection without requiring any understanding of cryptography. This paper describes the system and its use in fall 2020, to vote remotely in promotion committees in a university. Each voter fills out a form in the cloud with their vote V (YES, NO, ABSTAIN) and a passphrase P-two words entered by the voter. The system generates a verification prompt of the (P,V) pairs and a tally of the votes, organized to help visualize how the votes add up. After the polls close, each voter verifies that this table lists their (P,V) pair and that the tally is computed correctly. The system is especially appropriate for any small group making sensitive…
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Taxonomy
TopicsInternet Traffic Analysis and Secure E-voting · Benford’s Law and Fraud Detection · Spam and Phishing Detection
