POLYAS Election Glossary

We provide explanations and background information on elections, voting rights and digital democracy

Online Voter ID

An online voter ID is one part of the authentication-credentials necessary to participate in online elections or polls. Once the electoral roll for an online election has been finalized, all eligible voters are sent the following two authentication details:

  • An online voter ID
  • A one-time, randomly generated password

The online voter ID is a unique identification name or number, much like many other usernames for online services. It is specific to the individual voter and has been set out in the electoral roll in advance. Examples of acceptable online voter IDs include:

  • The voter’s staff number
  • The voter’s student number
  • The voter’s email address
  • The voter’s date of birth

Only in combination with the corresponding one-time password will eligible voters be able to access the digital ballot box using their online voter ID.

Learn more about security in online voting with POLYAS here!

See also: Sealing the Ballot Box, Internet Election, Ballot Box


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