I'd like to forward this to the demexp lists as it is relevant to the recent discussion about identification. I like the idea about not using identification to restrict voting, but instead push the problem onto whoever is supposed to act on the vote result. :)
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: echarp <address@hidden> Date: Oct 12, 2006 9:27 PM
Subject: [top-politics] Re: Software initiatives To: address@hidden
Identification is, always has, probably always will be, a big pile of
troubles!
How do you recognize one individual from the next?
There is already no simple solution in the physical world. There is next
to zero chance we could ever find something better in the virtual world.
Thus, let's each group define its legitimate participants according to the procedure it desires.
A small city could enlist each individual citizen on an electoral list,
using physical recognition and any kind of ID card and proof of residence.
Or it could require the physical presence of someone already on the list. To obtain a chain of trust.
An association could also require a PGP chain of trust *and* a
cotisation.
Me I'd rather not pick side, but open the choice. Basically anybody should be able to set up any number of electoral list according to any procedure of their choice. Then an organisation will choose or not to
use one electoral list to legitimize votes and calculate results.
In a democracy, control of that electoral list is an important power, it must be constantly scrutinized.
In france one of the most regular fraud is one involving dead people!
Ain't that some participation?! :)