Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A. 2561, which would direct the state board of elections to study and evaluate the use of blockchain technology to protect voter records and election results

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Res. No. 799 ..Title Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A. 2561, which would direct the state board of elections to study and evaluate the use of blockchain technology to protect voter records and election results ..Body By Council Members Williams, Menin and Banks Whereas, Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of democracy; and Whereas, The security of our voting systems is essential for creating trust in our elections; and Whereas, A United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence ("Select Committee") found that in 2016, every state's election infrastructure was likely targeted by Russian operatives; and Whereas, According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the United States aging voting infrastructure leaves the our election system vulnerable to attack; and Whereas, The Select Committee recommended that "despite the expense cybersecurity needs to become a higher priority for election-related infrastructure"; and Whereas, Voters are concerned about the security of our elections; and Whereas, A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that stores information; and Whereas, Information stored in a blockchain cannot be altered; and Whereas, Proponents of blockchain claim that they provide security guarantees that can render elections safe from cyber attacks; and Whereas, According to the Brookings Institution, blockchain technology has the potential to combat voter fraud and ensure that every vote is counted; and Whereas, Blockchain technology has already been used by absentee and overseas military voters in elections in West Virginia and Colorado; and Whereas, A.2561, introduced in the New York State Assembly by Assembly Member Clyde Vanel and pending in the New York State Assembly directs the New York State Board of Elections to study and evaluate the use of blockchain technology to protect voter records and election results; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A. 2561, which would direct the state board of elections to study and evaluate the use of blockchain technology to protect voter records and election results. LS #18599 2/14/25 EHC

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