Blockchain for Secure Voting in Online Polls

Objective:

To develop a secure, transparent, and tamper-resistant online voting system using blockchain technology, ensuring voter privacy, preventing fraud, and enabling real-time, verifiable election results.

Key Features:

Decentralized Ledger: Utilizes blockchain's distributed nature to eliminate central points of failure, enhancing security and reducing the risk of tampering.

Immutable Vote Recording: Once a vote is cast, it is recorded as a transaction on the blockchain, making it immutable and resistant to alterations.

Voter Authentication: Employs biometric verification (e.g., facial recognition, fingerprint scanning) and/or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to ensure that only eligible voters can participate.

Anonymity and Privacy: Cryptographic techniques are used to ensure that votes are anonymous, protecting voter privacy while maintaining transparency.(Security Walay)

Smart Contracts for Vote Tallying: Automates the counting process through smart contracts, reducing human error and providing real-time results.(Security Walay)

Auditability and Transparency: Allows stakeholders to independently verify vote counts and election outcomes without compromising voter anonymity.

Technologies Used:

Blockchain Platforms: Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, or Celo for decentralized data storage and smart contract execution.

Smart Contracts: Written in Solidity or other languages to manage vote casting and tallying processes.(SpringerLink)

Cryptographic Techniques: SHA-256, AES-128 for data encryption and ensuring vote integrity.

Biometric Authentication: Facial recognition and fingerprint scanning for voter identity verification.(SpringerLink)

Frontend Technologies: React.js, CSS, JavaScript for building user interfaces.(GitHub)

Backend Technologies: Node.js, Express.js for server-side logic.(GitHub)

Database: MongoDB for storing user data and election metadata.(GitHub)

How It Works:

Voter Registration: Voters register by submitting biometric data and verifying their identity through a secure process.

Vote Casting: Once authenticated, voters cast their votes via a secure online platform. Each vote is encrypted and recorded as a transaction on the blockchain.

Vote Tallying: Smart contracts automatically tally the votes in real-time, ensuring accurate and timely results.

Result Verification: Stakeholders can independently verify the election results through the transparent blockchain ledger.

Benefits:

Enhanced Security: Blockchain's decentralized nature and cryptographic techniques protect against fraud and unauthorized access.

Transparency and Trust: Immutable records and real-time results foster trust among voters and stakeholders.

Increased Accessibility: Remote voting capabilities enable participation from anywhere, increasing voter turnout.

Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for physical polling stations and manual vote counting, lowering election costs.

Scalability: The system can be adapted for various types of elections, from local polls to national elections.

Real-World Example:

Voatz is a mobile voting platform that has been used in pilot programs in the United States, allowing overseas military personnel to cast ballots securely via smartphones. The system employs blockchain technology and biometric verification to ensure voter identity and vote integrity. (The New Yorker)