TRIP: Trust-Limited Coercion-Resistant In-Person Voter Registration

Core Concepts

TRIP introduces a coercion-resistant voter registration scheme using physical security.

Abstract

TRIP presents a novel approach to voter registration, addressing coercion and verifiability concerns in remote electronic voting systems. The scheme leverages in-person interactions to ensure the integrity of real credentials without relying on multiple registrars or trusted hardware. By allowing voters to create fake credentials that appear identical to real ones, TRIP enables them to resist coercion and vote buying effectively. The process involves kiosks in privacy booths printing paper credentials with interactive zero-knowledge proofs for verification. A user study demonstrated an 83% success rate with TRIP, indicating its practical usability and effectiveness.

Stats

In a user study with 150 participants, TRIP had an 83% success rate.
TRIP received a System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 70.4.

Quotes

"TRIP satisfies coercion-resistance and verifiability." - Study findings
"Voters learn the difference by observing the order of printing steps." - Implementation details

Key Insights Distilled From

TRIP

by Loui... at arxiv.org 03-19-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2202.06692.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can TRIP be adapted for large-scale elections

TRIP can be adapted for large-scale elections by scaling up the infrastructure and resources needed for voter registration. This would involve deploying multiple kiosks, envelope printers, and officials to accommodate a larger number of voters. Additionally, the system would need to handle a higher volume of credentials being created and activated during the registration process. Ensuring that all components are efficiently coordinated and managed is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of the registration process in a large-scale election.

What are the potential drawbacks of relying on physical security for voter registration

One potential drawback of relying on physical security for voter registration is the increased logistical complexity and cost associated with managing in-person interactions at scale. Setting up physical booths, ensuring privacy within these spaces, distributing paper credentials securely, and coordinating with multiple officials can be resource-intensive. Moreover, there may be challenges in maintaining consistency across different registration locations in terms of security protocols and procedures.
Another drawback is the possibility of human error or misconduct within the physical setup. Despite stringent protocols, there is always a risk of unauthorized access or tampering with equipment during voter registration processes. This could compromise the integrity of credentials issued to voters or lead to inaccuracies in recording registrations.

How might TRIP impact voter trust and participation in elections

TRIP has the potential to positively impact voter trust and participation in elections by providing a secure method for voter registration that addresses concerns related to coercion and vote buying. By offering voters an option to create fake credentials alongside real ones, TRIP empowers individuals facing coercion scenarios while safeguarding their true voting choices.
The transparency built into TRIP's design through verifiable credential creation can enhance voter confidence in the electoral process. Knowing that they have control over distinguishing between real and fake credentials gives voters agency over their decisions without compromising their privacy.
Additionally, TRIP's focus on individual verifiability allows voters to confirm that their votes will count as intended without revealing specific details about their choices publicly. This assurance can encourage more people to participate in elections knowing that their voices will be heard accurately.
Overall, TRIP's emphasis on security measures combined with user-friendly processes could contribute towards building trust among voters and potentially increasing participation rates by mitigating concerns around coercion-resistance during online voting systems.