[Apologies if you receive multiple copies of this announcement]
BCS-FACS Evening Seminar Series
The Computer Ate My Vote
Professor Peter Ryan
University of Newcastle
4 September 2006
6pm start
BCS London Offices
First Floor,
The Davidson Building
5 Southampton Street
London WC2E 7HA
For centuries, we have largely taken democratic process for granted
and placed trust in the paper ballot approach to casting and counting
votes. In reality, the democratic process is one of considerable
fragility. This was recognized at the dawn of democracy: the Ancient
Greeks devised mechanical devices to try to sidestep the need to place
trust in officials.
For over a century, the US has been using technological approaches to
recording and counting votes, level machines, punch cards, optical
readers, touch screen machines, largely in response to widespread
corruption with paper ballots. All have been prey to various scams and
forms of corruption or just plain malfunctions. In the last few years,
the UK has been experimenting with alternative voting technologies.
In this talk I will discuss approaches to achieving assurance of accuracy
and privacy in election systems. In particular I will present a
cryptographic scheme that has the remarkable property of providing
voters with the opportunity to verify that their vote is accurately
counted whilst still ensuring the secrecy of their ballot. At the same
time, minimal trust need be placed in the technology or officials.
Refreshments will be served from 5.15pm
The seminar is free of charge and open to everyone. If you would like to
attend, please email Paul Boca [[log in to unmask]] your name by
>>> 31 August 2006 <<<< Pre-registration is required, as security at
the BCS Offices is tight.
Location of the venue: http://www.bcs.org/upload/img/londonsscolour.jpg
FACS Evening Seminars: http://www.bcs-facs.org/events/EveningSeminars
Dr Paul Boca
BCS-FACS Newsletter Editor and Secretary
http://www.bcs-facs.org
|