A cryptographic approach to the secret ballot
Hannu Nurmi, Arto K. Salomaa · Systems Research and Behavioral Science · 1991
This article focuses on living systems at the group level. Cryptography is the study of secret writing. Cryptographic protocols are methods of systematically utilizing cryptosystems in devising communication systems that effectively exclude non-legitimate persons (eavesdroppers) and enable the legitimate users to transmit secrets necessary for the achievement of common goals. Of particular interest are protocols that do not rely on trusted middlemen. Cryptographic protocols could also be used in improving the secret ballot systems in the context of elections. We list four conditions that characterize any satisfactory secret balloting system. We then outline three cryptographic protocols that under specific conditions would satisfy these conditions.