Multi-accounting is against the site's COC. I consider it one of the more serious categories of offenses because it allows a user to cheat on debates (by self-voting) and in mafia (by playing both sides of the field). Moreover, it allows a multi-accounter to skirt the sanctity of PMs by soliciting other user's private thoughts which those users may not have shared with the multi-accounter had they known who the multi-accounter was. Multi-accounting is deeply problematic and prohibited. However, as with most offenses, there is room for leniency based on the severity of the crime, the contrition of the violator, and the various situational factors at play in any given case.
Virt and I have noticed a significant amount of multi-accounting occurring among certain users. Much of this multi-accounting stems from a lack of understanding of how the rules work or from users simply changing to new accounts in order to have a fresh start. We therefore wish to clarify a few things and then propose a solution which we hope will be agreeable to individuals guilty of unintentional, misdemeanor/mild, or accidental multi-accounting.
Let's begin with the clarifications. First, credential-sharing is a form of multi-accounting. Do not ever give your log-in credentials to another user. Second, because DART does not allow users to self-close accounts when they decide to start over, moderation must be asked to those close the old accounts. This prevents both the appearance of multi-accounting and the ability to use both accounts simultaneously (as one might be tempted to do, even if that was not one's original intent). You will not be in trouble if you want to switch accounts, but it is problematic if you switch accounts without notifying moderation. Third, accounts created for specific purposes (e.g. an account for voting, an account for posting) are still multi-accounts.
In order to address the panoply of multi-accounting violations we've encountered, we will be offering a one-time amnesty to multi-accounters who have created fewer than 3 total accounts AND either: (a) created multi-accounts only to "start over" and have therefore not been actively using more than one account at any given time OR (b) created multis but never self-voted and have only one account with 50+ posts. To claim this amnesty, you MUST come forward to moderation by sending them a private confession (identifying all accounts you've ever had on DART) on or before 11:59pm, EST, on January 2, 2019. Moderation will close all your multi-accounts, but you will be permitted to retain a single account of your own choosing. You will not be punished for your offense, nor will it be held against you in any future proceedings with moderation (unless you recidivate as a multi-accounter). Moderation authority for this action comes from our ability to issue and withhold punishments based on our discretionary judgement of the severity of the offense committed.
If you share an IP address with another user (e.g. a sibling, spouse, classmate), you should also come forward. This is not against the rules, but you will be subject to additional restrictions and moderation scrutiny (as it may not be possible to verify that you are, in fact, different people). Restrictions include not being able to debate someone who shares your IP address and not being able to vote on debates in which someone with your IP address was a participant. Additional restrictions may be imposed based on moderation's confidence in your honesty.
TDLR: if you multi-accounted accidentally or non-maliciously, let moderation know and we'll give you a one-time pardon. Also notify moderation if anyone (like a spouse or a friend) might be sharing (or have ever shared) your account's IP address. And please, remember these two key points: do not multi-account, and, if you want to start afresh with a new account, let moderation know within 12 hours of creating that new account so that we can close your old one.