New Online Voting System Introduced in Tsukuba

September 3, 2018

Tsukuba, Ibaraki Pref.- A new online voting system based on Japan's My Number identification system and so-called blockchain technology has been introduced in the city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo.

Tsukuba, which hosts many scientific research institutions, is the first in the country to introduce such an online voting system, according to the city government.

The system allows a voter to cast a ballot on a computer display after placing his or her own My Number card on a card reader. Blockchain technology is used to prevent voting data from being falsified or read.

The voting system has been used for a selection process for proposals on social contribution projects using cutting-edge technologies.

"I had thought it would involve more complicated procedures, but I found that it's minimal and easy," Tsukuba Mayor Tatsuo Igarashi said after casting a vote using the system.

Some problems emerged, however, including that many voters did not remember their passwords for voting and that it was difficult to see indications that a vote has been cast.

"Due to fears of errors, administrative organizations and election boards are likely to find it difficult to introduce (online voting systems)," said Tohoku University Prof. Kazunori Kawamura, who is knowledgeable about online voting.

"It's necessary to first enhance the reputation (of online voting) by using it for voting by expatriates and on the ocean," Kawamura said. Jiji Press