Discussion re: Uni's Request

In the coming weeks, the Cabinet is planning to run an election for Guardian of the Regional Message Board. Bearing this in mind, it is necessary to ensure that violators of our strict “one vote per player” policy can be criminally charged.

It should be noted that the ballot system will be hosted on a separate server to the North Pacific forum.

All ballots will include a disclaimer similar to this:

Any attempt to vote multiple times using multiple nation accounts is forbidden – we allow only one vote per player. By voting, you acknowledge that the government of the North Pacific may investigate any violations of this policy and may prosecuted violators in this regard.​

Our cabinet is curious if a violator of the “one vote per player” policy can be charged on criminal grounds already available in our existing legal code.

More specifically, we motion four reference questions to the Judiciary:

1. If a player uses a proxy to hide his identity and attempt to subvert our ballot system, would this be covered by the crime of “proxying”?
   
   Proxying, which is defined as the “use of a proxy server to render a forum user anonymous or any practice which allows a member multiple accounts”, arguably, includes the use of proxies in a non-forum setting.
   
2. In the event that the answer to the first reference question is “nay”, would said use of proxies to undermine the ballot system count as “proxying” if the ballot system shared its URL address with the North Pacific forum?
   
   Viz. the ballot could be a “Zetaboards page” like our Laws directory.
   
3. If a player attempts to subvert our ballot system and vote multiple times, would this be covered by the crime of “fraud”?
   
   It can be argued that such deception benefits or damages the candidates, via electoral support, even if they have not conspired with the alleged fraudster.
   
4. If a player attempts to subvert our ballot system and vote multiple times, would this be covered by the crime of “election fraud”?
   
   It can be argued that such “willful deception of citizens” (with the government comprised of citizens) is “in regards” to the “requirements […] by which one may be eligible to vote”; bearing in mind the vagueness of “in regards”, which may not require the deception’s content to be specifically the subject, but the backdrop of the subject.

Thank you in advance for your time and deliberation,
Unibot, Minister of World Assembly Affairs of The North Pacific.

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Reference Question 1:

If a player uses a proxy to hide his identity and attempt to subvert our ballot system, would this be covered by the crime of “proxying”?

Proxying, which is defined as the “use of a proxy server to render a forum user anonymous or any practice which allows a member multiple accounts”, arguably, includes the use of proxies in a non-forum setting.

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Actual Proxying Text:

Section 1.6: Proxying
17. "Proxying" is defined as use of a proxy server to render a forum user anonymous or any practice which allows a member multiple accounts.

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Reference Question 2:

In the event that the answer to the first reference question is “nay”, would said use of proxies to undermine the ballot system count as “proxying” if the ballot system shared its URL address with the North Pacific forum?

Viz. the ballot could be a “Zetaboards page” like our Laws directory.

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Reference Question 3 and 4:

If a player attempts to subvert our ballot system and vote multiple times, would this be covered by the crime of “fraud”?

It can be argued that such deception benefits or damages the candidates, via electoral support, even if they have not conspired with the alleged fraudster.

If a player attempts to subvert our ballot system and vote multiple times, would this be covered by the crime of “election fraud”?

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Fraud Definition as per the Legal Code:

Section 1.4: Fraud
9. "Election fraud" is defined as the willful deception of citizens with regards to the candidates running, the time and venue of the elections, or the requirements and methods by which one may be eligible to vote or run for office.
10. “Fraud” is defined as an intentional deception, by falsehood or omission, made for some benefit or to damage another individual.

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Reference Question 1:

If a player uses a proxy to hide his identity and attempt to subvert our ballot system, would this be covered by the crime of “proxying”?

Click to expand...

Proxying Law:

Section 1.6: Proxying
17. "Proxying" is defined as use of a proxy server to render a forum user anonymous or any practice which allows a member multiple accounts.
18. Forum administrators will inform the Government and Court of Proxying they observe.[/b]

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Reference Question 2:

In the event that the answer to the first reference question is “nay”, would said use of proxies to undermine the ballot system count as “proxying” if the ballot system shared its URL address with the North Pacific forum?

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Reference Question 3 and 4:

If a player attempts to subvert our ballot system and vote multiple times, would this be covered by the crime of “fraud”?

If a player attempts to subvert our ballot system and vote multiple times, would this be covered by the crime of “election fraud”?

Click to expand...

Fraud Definition as per the Legal Code:

Section 1.4: Fraud
9. "Election fraud" is defined as the willful deception of citizens with regards to the candidates running, the time and venue of the elections, or the requirements and methods by which one may be eligible to vote or run for office.
10. “Fraud” is defined as an intentional deception, by falsehood or omission, made for some benefit or to damage another individual.

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Blue Wolf II:

I'm not really a fan of this Guardian of the Regional Message Board idea but your ruling appears sound and you have my approval.

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