Nevada implements blockchain security after fake electors scandal

On December 10, Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar announced the integration of blockchain technology into the state’s electoral certification process.

This decision comes more than a month after the conclusion of the 2024 United States presidential election, raising questions about its timing.

Aguilar’s office stated that the adoption of blockchain aims to enhance election integrity moving forward.

“Blockchain adds important protection by making it much more difficult to alter or counterfeit these vital documents, ensuring that our certification process is both transparent and trustworthy,” Aguilar noted, as the announcement emphasised Nevada's commitment to conducting secure elections.

However, details regarding the implementation remain limited. 

It is unclear whether Nevada will develop a proprietary blockchain or utilize existing commercial or open-source blockchain technology.

The electoral certification process will be recorded on an immutable blockchain ledger, establishing it as the state’s official election record.

The next phase involves certifying the program with state and national archives, positioning Nevada among the first U.S. states to employ blockchain for electoral certification.

Alaska and Georgia have previously piloted similar initiatives, while several other states are exploring proposals at various stages.

This move to bolster election integrity follows the indictment of six Republican certifiers in 2023 over allegations that “fake electors” attempted to undermine the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. 

Although the indictment was later dismissed in court, it highlighted concerns about election security in Nevada.

Notably, two of the indicted Republicans, Michael McDonald and Jesse Law, served as legitimate electors in the 2024 presidential race.