I am a software engineer but only one person my idea would need more people to implement and get a prototype made.
Humans can't be trusted to do the right thing. Humans say moot or no standing. Humans print extra ballots. Humans block other humans from observing. Humans abuse SOFTWARE that was made by other humans to be exploited.
Machines do as they are programmed to do. Restrict functions and access at all possible points and pair with other forms of checks and validation then you have something that is almost unfraudable.
My idea "self checkout" and self auditing.
Make all ballots cast public. Let people see their ballot online and verify it is in its original state. Open source.
Places that are red states will need these machines to stay red.
Places that are traditionally red but inexplicably went blue need these machines.
This is how we continue to have rights when no else will stand up for us.
We know the voting machines are the problem, so what are we waiting for? Let's get rid of those and put in our own.
I don't think it will cost that much to make. Really need simple hardware, less functionality the better. I don't think it will take that long with a few people - look at what u/doggos did!
Some pedes are running for office, some of us have different skills that can be put to use.
WHY DON'T WE?
Voter ID, Pen, paper, and an jnked finger. Done.
There's actually already of pretty solid voter machines, 3rd party verifications, printed receipt, and a clear audit trail.. That's why the "elected" officials will never use those machines. Can't buy you're way into office with transparency.
How do you prevent people from counting them incorrectly? Or destroying the ballots they don't like? Or keeping observers from seeing the counting?
I just don't trust humans at this point to be decent or honest. The less access other people have to each ballot, the better.