1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. (In this article, 1st and 2nd paragraphs). List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. a) What will West Virginia do if the pilot program is successful? b) How will the state election board know if the program is successful (that the app is recording all votes (and correctly)?

3. Describe the technology the app will use.

4. What is significant about West Virginia’s pilot program?

5. Based on what you know about privacy, security and the ability of hackers to hack into anything including:

• Equifax - hackers stole the personal data of 145 million people,
• Yahoo - 3 billion accounts were hacked
• Uber - 57 million customers hacked
• Sony’s PlayStation Network, eBay, Target, Home Depot, etc. customers’ personal information stolen.

a) CHALLENGE: Ask at least two fairly tech-savvy people over the age of 50: Do you think using an app to vote a good idea? Please explain your answer.

b) One expert said that blockchain allows each vote to become “immutable after it is recorded” on the blockchain ledger, “unlike penetrable electronic voting systems currently in use.” To ensure records when people cast their votes, states are moving to paper ballots:
-In September 2017 it was reported: Virginia Ends Use of Touch-Screen Voting Machines
-In February 2018 it was reported: PA to require voting machines with paper backup
Is a reportedly secure technology like blockchain better or just as good as paper ballots to ensure the integrity of the vote, or do you think it is possible to hack this technology? Explain your answer. (Ask the same adults this question also; compare your answers.)