New technology for the Brazilian electoral system: blockchain and transparency in elections

Abstract

This article aims to analyze to what extent blockchain technology can be used to improve transparency in the counting of votes in Brazilian elections. Blockchain is understood as a technology that involves, due to its architecture, transparency, resistance to change, and auditability. The Brazilian electoral system is one of the most sophisticated in the world, and the electronic ballot box has inspired voting systems in several countries. The hypothesis that guides this work is that these technologies can increase citizens’ confidence in the electoral process,
based on the transparency it promotes. The paper proposes a literature review on blockchain technology and its possible uses in the electoral system, focusing on the public tabulation and recording of the vote count. The final considerations point out that blockchain technology can be an important instrument of digital governance for Brazilians in the future.