Student Projects
Beyond Election Day: An Analysis of Post-Election Voting Procedures - Allen StoneAbstract: Post-election procedures include the actions of the voting body after an election has been held, including the transportation and storage of votes and voting equipment, as well as the possible audit and recount of the votes themselves. When considering the desired properties of the entire election process from Òcradle to grave,Ó the post-election procedures have remained much the same for as long as elections have been held. Beyond Election Day focuses on these procedures to answer the question of whether or not post-election procedures that are currently in practice can be improved.
Past research efforts in improving election practices and equipment have been extensive, but they have not yet went into great detail with respect to the after-election procedures. That makes this research effort unique. The assumption is that most states are not well prepared to defend the votes and machines after the election, and therefore this work could be significant on a large scale.
Cell Phone Usage and the Integrity of Voting Systems - Natalie Podrazik
Abstract: With the streamlining of cellular telephones to incorporate personal computer power and abilities, a new threat to large scaled critical systems sits at the ear of over 203 million Americans. Voting systems, particularly electronic ones, are at risk. Recording devices and wireless capabilities allow for the capturing and sending of sensitive data, as well as coordination of voting system attacks. This paper is meant to increase awareness of the modern attacker, and to encourage election officials to place a protocol of prevention, recognition, and recovery into place.
By first observing the capabilities of many modern cell phones, this project identifies features that could potentially disrupt the privacy, integrity, or overall functionality of a voting system. An in-depth look at specifications and Election Day procedures of the WINvote electronic voting system allows for a solid case study. Identifying key areas for attack, discussion follows for possible attacks using todayÕs cell phones to compromise the WINvote system. Reflection on the simple exploitation of these vulnerabilities indicates that these attacks are quite possible in the upcoming election. Closing recommendations allow election officials to reconsider the use of certain electronic voting systems and cellular telephones around polling precincts.
Punchscan System Design and Security - Richard T. Carback III, Sandi Lwin, and Kevin Fisher
Abstract: Punchscan is a new and unique voting system concept, combining paper ballots with a cryptographically secure tabulation system. It represents a significant departure from the current field of voting systems, which rely largely on technologically advanced voting machines to ensure voter privacy and vote integrity. However, the Punchscan protocol involves concepts that have not been formally defined in any previous work.
It is important to define these concepts, the technological artifacts which will implement them, and the interfaces between these artifacts, not only to implement the system, but also to lay a foundation for further critical analysis and discussion. We outline the objects, events, people and interactions necessary to perform an election using the Punchscan system by analyzing how data flows throughout the system. We give clear requirements for the hardware and software. Lastly, we analyze the security properties of the Punchscan protocol in the context of our specification of the system, and show that Punchscan is highly resistent to several potential weaknesses found in other receipt-based systems.
Matthew Jarjoura
Abstract: Unavailable
Peter Schmolze and Kristian Kuhn
Abstract: Unavailable
Steve Silva
Abstract: Unavailable