How to Remove (Most) Bias — Voting Platform

Is it possible to remove bias from a voting platform? Probably not all. Just by choosing features and how they work will introduce some bias. Here is an idea that can remove as much bias as possible … a modular voting platform. Let’s explain that …

Basic Components of a Voting System

If we break down a voting platform into it’s basic components, we get:

  • Membership — people need to belong to the community or group using the platform and eligible or not to vote.
  • Issues/candidates to vote on — These can be issues, proposals, candidates, preferences, etc. We’d want a system flexible enough to account for anything communities will want to vote on.
  • Storage & retrieval of votes — Votes need to be stored somewhere and retrieved somehow.
  • Tallying of votes — Votes need to be counted and results produced.

These basic components of a voting system are the only features that would need to be consistent and therefor the only “bias” that the system introduces. The simplest platform is that a community is created. Members join the community. Issues are created. Community members vote on the issues. Votes are stored. Votes are tallied.

Modules

How these basic components are done in each community voting platform can vary based on the preferences of that community by picking modules that control each of the basic aspects of the voting platform and also add additional functionality. Additional functionality can include, security, anonymity, proxy voting, voting limits representative voting, etc. All the features listed on our Components of a Voting System page.

This introduces one more bias, how are the modules chosen by the community? Would they be added by community vote, or by leader’s choice? The first option, by community vote, the community can vote on which modules to add and shape their platform anyway they want. This can adapt and change in time based on the communities votes and desires.

There may be cases where modules are chosen by community leaders based on the functioning of that community. Each option could be made available.

How are Modules Created

Modules may be programmed and created by anyone. They may be added to an used in the members community according to the communities guidelines for adding modules. Community modules may be submitted to a public library and will only become publicly available once they are voted on and approved by a community specifically designed to approve programming modules. This community will be responsible for making sure that the programming is solid and secure.

Other Possible Biases

An online voting platform in and of itself is bias. It requires people to log in and use that platform, or download and use and app. A truly unbiased platform would allow access to it through whatever means they desire. This would be possible with a text based system that can be interacted with through MMS, APIs or email as well as any different app created and used by the communities.

An online voting platform in and of itself is bias. It only allows those that have access to a computer and the Internet the ability to vote. Humans are creative. We can come up with a solution for this. It can be programmed into a module, added to the module library, and used by anyone once it is voted in.

If you are thinking of any other biases that we might be leaving out, please leave a comment in the comment section. We will be happy to hear about it.

Conclusion

While it is not possible to remove all bias from a voting platform, we think a modular platform can eliminate most of it and allow communities to tailor and “bias” their platform to fit their needs.

View our dynamic list of all the components of a voting platform.  Let us know if you think of any more.  This link will open in a new window so you may continue reading what you were.

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