Andrea GonzalesSome voters in West Virginia are now able to cast their ballots using a mobile app. Eligible voters from 24 of West Virginia's 55 counties who are living abroad or serving in the military overseas have the chance to vote this way in the November general election.
West Virginia's secretary of state said in a press release it's a solution to the "cumbersome" absentee voting system for military service members and others overseas who may not have a way to return ballots.
CNN reports voters have to download the Voatz app, take a picture of their government-issued photo identification and snap a selfie to prove it's them. Once everything is uploaded and approved, they can cast their ballot — which the company says is then made anonymous and recorded on a public digital ledger.
But as Newsy previously reported, some cybersecurity experts voiced concern that the mobile voting system isn't secure enough. One technology expert called it "a horrific idea," saying our phones, the cell networks and servers are all not secure enough for votes.
Absentee voting began Sept. 21. Ballots must be submitted no later than 7:30 p.m. November 6.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
