This would be a radical new system, the first of it's kind in the world. It would mean drastic changes to our government, the elimination of an entire branch of government and replacing it with electronics, it's almost unfathomable, but it can be done in a smooth and efficient manner without shutting down government for even a single minute.
Here is what I propose, and how I think it should be done.
1) In the last election in which the legislative branch is voted upon as representatives, to insure redundancy, we would go ahead and elect members to both houses as we have done for hundreds of years. If you have read this blog, you will notice I make sure there is redundancy at every corner. This is our government we are talking about, we must make sure there is a backup plan, and a backup plan to the backup plan.
2) Several months before the election, the tablets would be sent out to the people. They would be operated through cell towers, with independent transmitters, segregated from all other forms of communication. The tablets issued for voting purposes would be only used for voting. These would not literally be Ipads handed out to the people to play on Facebook between votes, they would be machines strictly issued for voting. The network they would connect too would be both automatic, free, and completely separate from the other data streams going through cell towers/satellites. This must be done to ensure the American Vote can under no circumstances be tampered with. They would communicate with a unique encryption, ensuring nobody can hijack the signals. They would be issued as a machine directly attached to your social security number, and voter registration information. I would recommend the requirement of insertion of a unique card issued to it's owner to actually cast the vote. Something such as a drivers license. Again, redundancy to protect the vote. The vote of the American people under this system is scared in my opinion. Everything possible must be done to prevent even the most skilled hackers from manipulating the system.
3) In the months leading up to the election, the equipment would be handed out, and tested with a series of votes designed to assure the strength of the system. These votes would not be on laws, but simple questions with no goal aside from testing the system. Whitehat hackers would be deeply involved in trying every way possible to manipulate, or break the system. They would remain at their job forever, White Hat hackers would be retained to permanently try on a daily basis to find flaws in this system, using any technology they think might do the trick. They would essentially act as the "police" of this radical new voting system. The votes would no be legitimate votes, only a stress test of the system, but it would be the start of the new system.This time would allow for any problems to be addressed. If the system were found to be flawed to a point that it needed an extended period of work, the officials elected would be sworn into office as usual to do their jobs while the system is perfected.
4) Once the system has been proved safe, redundant, and solvent; the representatives either wouldn't be sworn into office (if this happens before terms are up and new terms begin), or they would be sent home, with their job in government done.
5) At this point, a series of votes would be posed to initiate the new system. The American people would vote on the parameters of the new system. A series of not yes or no, but rather A,B,C,D votes would be posed establishing what percentages of "yes" votes would be needed to pass a law. What percentage to make a change to the constitution, or apply a new amendment. How many votes must a piece of legislation proposed by the people themselves must receive to be put to an actual vote.This would involve a different system, where people looked over legislation proposed by the people on a separate page, and voted to put it to an actual referendum or not. This would work much like a petition, only it would be posed directly through the same system.The people would vote "yes I would like to see this put to a national or state vote", or "no I would not like to see this put to a national or state vote". Thereby making it a petition. Anyone would be able to make a petition, just like they can today, only the people would decide if it was to be voted on or not.
6) People would be put in place to help those who aren't up to date on technology understand and use their voting tablets. The system would be made exceedingly simple to allow much easier use of these machines than an Ipod, or other tablet. These people would act as the people who work at the polls. They would also assist the disabled in voting, much like poll workers do today.They would be sworn in to do their jobs, and see the will of those having trouble, and if they mis-used their power, would be subject to imprisonment, and serious legal charges.
7) A system of backup representatives would always be elected at every election, to be sworn in and act as representatives in the event of an attack on our country, or other event that rendered the system not solvent for a period of time. In the event they were called to task, they would be sent home as soon as the system was solvent again. Likely these people would only be called on in case of a national emergency, such as an attack on the mainland United States. There would be two people elected per state, basically putting the Senate back in place in event of such an emergency.
8) The tablets themselves would be designed to take a beating, and a system would be in place to repair or replace broken machines.
9) A delegation would be elected who's task would be to oversee the tally systems, and a rotating Jury like group to oversee them. The Primary Delegation would oversee the IT professionals working and maintaining the system to make sure no tampering takes place. The rotating "Jury" would oversee the delegation.
10) All of this would be funded by the pay previously received by the houses of representatives, along with the money they spent on frivolous bills and filibustering.
11) The commission responsible for the tally would take direct copies of the laws voted upon and passed to the president to be signed into law. There would be no option for veto as this would be a law spoken for directly by the We the People.
12) Nominations for the Supreme Court, and all other things that need congressional approval would pass through this system. Giving the people a direct say in all facets of government.
At this point, I think the system would be solvent, and able to be used on a daily basis, I have merely outlined a manner in which it would be implemented. It would be up to the people of this country to support it on a continuing basis. Modifications to the system would be made via a vote to the American people just like anything else.
In addition to the other committees, there would be a committee more responsible for writing legislation to be put to a vote as they see fit. This would be put in place to streamline the system further, and keep the number of petitions for laws down. There would be a committee on a Federal, and State level. They would be responsible for putting laws that are in the process of change to a vote. I'll use the legalization of Marijuana as an example as it's currently being passed slowly state by state. These committees would avoid the petitions for such votes by going ahead with the legislation, and putting it to a vote. The President, and Governors would be responsible for execution of laws, as well as creating a budget for the people to directly vote on.
As always feel free to respond with any further ideas.
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