Online Voting System

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

ANIKET RAJ (2002250100013)

ROHIT USMANI (2002250100046)

SHASHWAT ANAND (2102250108001)

SHUSHANT SINGH (2102250109019)

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

Of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

IN

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

JUNE 2024

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 Certification
This is to certify that Aniket Raj, a student of AIMT Greater Noida, has successfully completed the final
year project titled "Development of an Online Voting System" under my supervision.

Throughout the duration of the project, Aniket Raj has demonstrated commendable dedication,
diligence, and proficiency in conceptualizing, designing, and implementing the online voting system.
The project encompasses a comprehensive system model, incorporating various components such as
user interface design, voter authentication, candidate management, ballot generation, voting process,
vote counting mechanism, security measures, and audit trail functionality.

Aniket's project exhibits a high level of technical competence, creativity, and attention to detail. The
system's functionality has been thoroughly tested, and it adheres to industry standards and best practices
in software development and cybersecurity.

Furthermore, Aniket Raj has effectively addressed the challenges encountered during the project
lifecycle, demonstrating problem-solving skills and resilience in overcoming obstacles.

Based on the evaluation of the project deliverables, documentation, presentations, and viva voce
examination, I hereby certify that Aniket Raj has fulfilled all the requirements for the successful
completion of the final year project.

I commend Aniket Raj for the exceptional quality of work and the significant contribution made to the
field of computer science through this project.

Mr. Pankaj Sir

HOD
AIMT Greater

Acknowledgment
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the completion of this
final year project on the development of an online voting system.

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First and foremost, I extend my sincere appreciation to my project supervisor Mr. Pankaj Sir, whose
guidance, support, and invaluable insights have been instrumental throughout every stage of this project.
Your expertise and encouragement have truly enriched my learning experience and enhanced the quality
of this work.

I am also grateful to the faculty members of AIMT Greater Noida, whose dedication to education and
research has provided me with a conducive academic environment to explore and innovate in the field of
computer science.

I extend my thanks to my classmates and friends for their encouragement, feedback, and moral support
during the challenging moments of this project. Your camaraderie has made this journey all the more
enjoyable and fulfilling.

Special thanks are due to the participants and volunteers who graciously contributed their time and
feedback during the testing phase of the online voting system. Your involvement has been invaluable in
refining the functionality and usability of the platform.

I would like to acknowledge the support and understanding of my family members, whose unwavering
encouragement and belief in my abilities have been a constant source of motivation throughout my
academic endeavors.

This project would not have been possible without the collective efforts and support of all those
mentioned above. Thank you for being part of this journey and for contributing to the successful
completion of this final year project.

Aniket Raj
AIMT GR.NOIDA

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 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the MAJOR Project entitled “Online Voting System”
submitted by Aniket Raj (2002250100013) , Rohit Usmani (2002250100045),
Shashwat Anand(2102250108001) and Shushant Singh(2102250109019) to
Accurate Institute of Management and Technology, Greater Noida in partial
fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree of B.TECH in Computer
Science and Engineering is a record of bonafide Major Project undertaken by
them under my supervision. This project report has not been submitted and will
not be submitted for the award of any other degree or diploma in this institute or
any other institute or university.

Date:- Head of Department

Internal Examiner (s) External Examiner (s)

ABSTRACT

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The word “vote” means to choose from a list, to elect or to determine. The main

goal of voting (in a scenario involving the citizens of a given country) is to come

up with leaders of the people‟s choice. The present system of casting votes has

resulted in a number of problems such as low percentage of voting, late results,

discomfort to old aged and handicapped people etc. Voting through EVM has not

been able to address these problems completely. To overcome these, an attempt

has been made to introduce an online platform specifically designed for electronic

voting that will enable people to vote securely from anywhere without moving to

a voting machine, all they need is a computer or mobile and internet connection.

This platform will provide the desired comfort and security to the voters which

will bypass the lengthy process which claims a significant amount of money, time

and energy of all concerned. This is a small scale project for Online voting system.

The basic idea is that the citizens of the country can vote for the candidates during

election in the online. It consists of voter details, security system, status and exits.

The administrator can enter the name and password and generate the reports and

can perform operation like add citizens, search, delete the citizens in the database.

In Online voting system we can get the result of the election based on polling.

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 CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

ABSTRACT 3
LIST OF TABLES 6
LIST OF FIGURES 7
LIST OF SYMBOLS 8

1. INTRODUCTION 9
1.1 PURPOSE 10
1.2 SCOPE 10
1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT 10
1.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM 11
1.4.1 PROPOSED SYSTEM 11
1.4.2 GOALS OF THE SYSTEM 12
1.4.3 TECHNOLOGIES USED 13

2. LITERATURE REVIEW 14

2.1 OLD METHODS OF VOTING 14

2.2 SECURITY ISSUES 15
2.3 CURRENT SYSTEM DRAWBACKS 15
2.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 16

2. DESIGN
3.1 SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION 18
3.1.1 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS 18
3.1.2 NON-FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS 18
3.2 SOFTWARE DESIGN 19
3.2.1 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 19
3.2.2 SYSTEM MODELS 20
3.2.2.1 CONTEXT MODEL 20
3.2.2.2 BEHAVOURIAL MODELS 20
3.2.2.3 STRUCTURAL MODELS 26
3.3 DATABSE DESIGN 30

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4. IMPLEMENTATION 31
4.1 USER INTERFACE 31

5. CONCLUSION

6. REFERENCES

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List of Tables

Table 1: Admin Table

Table 2: Voter Table
Table 3: Candidate Table
List of Figures

Figure 1: Architecture Diagram

Figure 2: Context Model Diagram
Figure 3, 3.1: Use Case Diagrams
Figure 4, 4.1, 4.2: Data Flow Diagrams
Figure 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3: Activity Diagram
Figure 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3: Class Diagrams
Figure 7: ER Diagram
Figure 8, 8.1: Sequence Diagram

List of Symbols, Abbreviations and Nomenclature

OVS – Online Voting System

HTTP – Hyper Text Markup Language
PHP –
DBMS – Database Management System

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 1. INTRODUCTION
The online voting system is the system that aims in reducing the complexity
and cost of the election process. Here the voter can vote in spite of his absence in
the particular locality. The administrator‟s effort is much reduced by checking the
election status of all the localities individually forms a place and it is easy for him
to announce the election result. The administrator is the soul controller of the
online voting system in all process including refreshing the votes, editing the
voter details, creating new nominee and so on. Thus the online voting system can
reduce the cost and effort of election process.
In this voting system each voter will be provided with a specific voter-id and
a password through which access for the voting can be granted. If once the access
is granted for a voter-id then the access is denied for logging in till the voting
system is refreshed for the next election. Similarly the administrator will be
provided with a special id through which he can view the status of the election.
Based on the id segregation between the voter and administrator is carried out
initially. If the user id is invalid then an error message will be displayed. If the
id entered is of type administrator then an information i.e., the election status will
be displayed which changes dynamically. Otherwise the voter information will
be displayed which changes dynamically depending on the changes made which
will proceed him to the next level in which he can cast his vote and it is updated
automatically.
The advantages of the online voting system are that the speed of information
retrieval and updating is made easy and other advantages are:
• Online implementation makes it easy for voters to participate in election.
• It becomes easier to conduct election.
• Election expenses can be reduced.
• Non-Residential citizens can also participate in the election.

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1.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this online voting system project is to design and implement a secure,
efficient, and user-friendly platform that modernizes the voting process by utilizing
digital technologies. This system aims to address several critical issues associated with
traditional voting methods, such as accessibility, convenience, security, and efficiency,
ultimately enhancing the overall electoral experience for voters and election
administrators alike.

First and foremost, the online voting system aims to increase accessibility for voters.
Traditional voting methods often require individuals to be physically present at polling
stations, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues, those living abroad, or
those who simply cannot take time off work. By allowing voters to cast their ballots
online, this system makes the voting process more inclusive, ensuring that a larger portion
of the population can participate in elections without facing significant barriers.

The convenience offered by an online voting system is another significant advantage.

Voters can cast their votes from any location with internet access, at any time during the
voting period, thus eliminating the need to travel to a polling station and wait in long
queues. This ease of access is likely to increase voter turnout, as people can fit voting into
their schedules more easily.

Security is a paramount concern in any voting system. The online voting platform is
designed to incorporate multiple layers of security to ensure the integrity and
confidentiality of the voting process. Each voter is required to register and verify their
identity against a pre-existing voter database, ensuring that only eligible voters can
participate. Upon successful verification, voters are provided with unique user IDs and
passwords. These credentials, along with encrypted data transmission and secure storage
of voting records, help prevent unauthorized access and protect against fraudulent
activities.

Efficiency and accuracy are also critical goals of the online voting system. The platform
automates many aspects of the voting process, including voter registration, vote casting,
and vote counting. This automation reduces the potential for human error, speeds up the
vote tallying process, and allows for the real-time reporting of results. Election
administrators can thus manage elections more effectively, from ensuring that all votes
are counted to promptly addressing any issues that may arise during the voting period.

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Moreover, the online voting system fosters greater transparency in the electoral process.
The use of digital records ensures that all actions are logged and can be audited if
necessary, providing a clear trail that can be reviewed to verify the legitimacy of the
election results.

In summary, the purpose of this online voting system project is to create a secure,
accessible, and efficient platform that modernizes the electoral process. By leveraging
technology to address the shortcomings of traditional voting methods, this system aims to
enhance voter participation, ensure the integrity of elections, and streamline election
administration. Ultimately, this project seeks to build greater trust in the electoral process
and promote democratic engagement.

1.2. SCOPE

The supplementary specification applies to online voting system. This

specification defines the non-functional requirement of the system such
as:
Functionality: Since it stand alone application, one or more user may use
it at a time.
Usability: Desktop interface (Windows XP/7/8)
Reliability: The system is available only at the Election time.
Performance: The performance depends on hardware specification.

1.3. PROBLEM STATEMENT:

The online voting system is the system implemented to make the voting
system easy for both polling and also for the administrator to view and
check the result for each area individually. Here the voting is done
anywhere with in spite of the area in which they reside.

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 The voters or the administrator can login only if they already have a user
id and password. New user can be only created by the administrator.
The voter can login with his user id only if he has not casted the vote
already. If he has already casted the vote the voter status is changed to
„voted‟ and he cannot login with that user id unless the administrator
refreshes the voting system.
The administrator controls all parts of the online voting system except the
vote casting part which is restricted to the voters only.
The voter when logs in he can view his personal details which cannot be
edited by him he can only report the changes to the administrator who can
edit the details. The voter is granted permission only to view his personal
details and vote.
The voter while voting is provided with the option of voting for one of the
candidates or he can choose none of the above.

1.4. DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM

1.4.1 PROPOSED SYSTEM

The proposed system is divided into four stages: Register,

Authentication, Voting and Counting. All are based on the
ClientServer model.
Register Stage: First, all the users who want to vote in the election
ought to register in advance. Here, the user is provided with a
unique username and password that would later be used to log-in on
an election day.
Authentication: The registered voters will need to log-in using
access credentials provided at the registeration stage. They will be
allowed to vote once they are verfied.

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 Voting Stage: The voter casts his vote once he is verified. Then, the
vote is encrypted and stored.
Counting Stage: All the votes cast are decrypted and then result is
declared.
In order to encrypt and decrypt the votes, RSA algorithm is used.
This asymmetric primitive has a pair of two keys, the public key
and the private key. It involves three steps that are: key generation
(which occurs at the Registration Stage), encryption (during the
Voting Stage) and decryption (at the Counting Stage). Any
encrypted text with one key of the pair, can be decrypted with the
other one. If encryption occurs with the public key then it must be
decrypted using the private key and vice versa. The key pairs are
generated based on two large prime numbers that must be kept in
secret just as the private key. Then, AES-256 is implemented on the
system to grant the security needed to keep safe the asymmetric
cryptography keys that are being generated. The
encryption/decryption keys are stored in the Database with limited
access; however, they are encrypted using AES-256 before being
stored on the server.

1.4.2 GOALS OF THE SYSTEM

The primary goal of this online voting system project is to create a

comprehensive, secure, and efficient platform that facilitates the voting
process for both voters and election administrators. This system is
designed to address and improve upon the challenges associated with
traditional voting methods. Below are detailed goals that outline the
objectives of this online voting system:

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1. Enhance Accessibility and Convenience

Objective: To make voting more accessible and convenient for all eligible voters.

• Remote Voting: Enable voters to cast their ballots from any location with internet access, thereby
removing geographical and physical barriers.
• 24/7 Availability: Allow voters to vote at any time during the designated voting period, providing
flexibility for those with varying schedules.
• User-Friendly Interface: Develop an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that ensures voters
of all ages and technical abilities can participate without difficulty.

2. Ensure Security and Integrity

Objective: To maintain the highest level of security and integrity in the voting process.

• Secure Authentication: Implement a robust registration and verification process to ensure that
only eligible voters can access the system. This includes verifying voter information against a pre-
existing database and issuing unique user IDs and passwords.
• Data Encryption: Use advanced encryption techniques to protect data transmission and storage,
ensuring that votes are confidential and secure from unauthorized access.
• Fraud Prevention: Incorporate mechanisms to detect and prevent fraudulent activities, such as
multiple voting attempts or tampering with voting data.

3. Increase Efficiency and Accuracy

Objective: To streamline the voting process and improve the accuracy of vote counting.

• Automated Processes: Automate key aspects of the voting process, including voter registration,
vote casting, and vote counting, to reduce the potential for human error and increase operational
efficiency.
• Real-Time Tallying: Provide real-time vote tallying and results reporting, allowing for quicker
dissemination of election outcomes and reducing the waiting time for final results.
• Error Reduction: Minimize manual interventions and mistakes through the use of digital
technology, ensuring a more reliable and accurate voting process.

4. Enhance Transparency and Accountability

Objective: To foster greater trust in the electoral process through transparency and accountability.

• Audit Trails: Maintain comprehensive logs of all system activities, including voter registrations,
vote submissions, and administrative actions, to provide an auditable trail that can be reviewed in
the event of discrepancies.
• Public Reporting: Enable transparent reporting mechanisms that allow stakeholders and the
public to monitor the election process and results, ensuring confidence in the system’s integrity.

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 • Third-Party Audits: Facilitate external audits by independent bodies to verify the accuracy and
fairness of the election process.

5. Promote Voter Engagement and Participation

Objective: To encourage higher voter turnout and engagement by making the voting process more accessible and
appleaing

• Awareness Campaigns: Implement educational campaigns to inform voters about the benefits
and usage of the online voting system, addressing any concerns or misconceptions.
• Accessibility Features: Ensure the system is accessible to individuals with disabilities by
incorporating features such as screen readers, adjustable text sizes, and alternative input methods.
• Multilingual Support: Provide the platform in multiple languages to accommodate a diverse
voter base and ensure inclusivity.

6. Scalability and Flexibility

Objective: To design a system that can handle varying election sizes and adapt to different types of elections.

• Scalable Architecture: Develop the system with a scalable architecture that can accommodate
both small-scale local elections and large-scale national elections without compromising
performance.
• Customizable Options: Allow customization of the system to cater to different electoral
requirements, such as varying voting methods (e.g., single transferable vote, first-past-the-post)
and election types (e.g., general elections, referenda).

7. Cost-Effectiveness

Objective: To reduce the overall costs associated with conducting elections.

• Reduce Physical Infrastructure: Minimize the need for physical polling stations, ballot papers,
and manual vote counting, leading to significant cost savings.
• Efficient Resource Allocation: Optimize the use of resources through automation and digital
processes, reducing the need for extensive human labor and logistical support.

Conclusion

The goals of this online voting system project are centered around creating a secure, accessible, and efficient platform that
enhances the voting experience while ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. By addressing the
limitations of traditional voting methods and leveraging the advantages of digital technology, this system aims to foster
greater voter participation, trust, and engagement in democratic processes.

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 1.4.3 TECHNOLOGIES USED
This project will be a Web application to be developed in PHP having
• Database Design (My SQL)
• Form Design (HTML 4.0)
• Coding (PHP)
• Testing (WAMP SERVER)
• Reporting Tool (Data Report)
•
2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 OLD METHODS OF VOTING

Paper-based voting: The voter gets a blank ballot and use a pen or a
marker to indicate he want to vote for which candidate. Hand-counted
ballots is a time and labor consuming process, but it is easy to
manufacture paper ballots and the ballots can be retained for verifying,
this type is still the most common way to vote.

Lever voting machine: Lever machine is peculiar equipment, and each

lever is assigned for a corresponding candidate. The voter pulls the
lever to poll for his favorite candidate. This kind of voting machine can
count up the ballots automatically. Because its interface is not user-
friendly enough, giving some training to voters is necessary.

Direct recording electronic voting machine: This type, which is

abbreviated to DRE, integrates with keyboard; touch screen, or buttons
for the voter press to poll. Some of them lay in voting records and

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 counting the votes is very quickly. But the other DRE without keep
voting records are doubted about its accuracy.

Punch card: The voter uses metallic hole-punch to punch a hole on the
blank ballot. It can count votes automatically, but if the voter‟s
perforation is incomplete, the result is probably determined wrongfully.

Optical voting machine: After each voter fills a circle correspond to

their favorite candidate on the blank ballot, this machine selects the
darkest mark on each ballot for the vote then computes the total result.
This kind of machine counts up ballots rapidly. However, if the voter
fills over the circle, it will lead to the error result of optical-scan.

Recent years, a considerable number of countries has adopted Evoting

for their official elections. These countries include; America, Belgium,
Japan and Brazil.

2.2 SECURITY ISSUES

Developing a secure online voting system presents several critical security issues that need to be addressed to ensure the
integrity and trustworthiness of the electoral process. Below are key security concerns that this project must tackle:

1. Authentication and Authorization

Issue: Ensuring that only eligible voters can access the voting system is paramount. Weak authentication mechanisms can
lead to unauthorized access and fraudulent voting.

Solution: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to verify voter identities. This can include something the voter
knows (password), something the voter has (mobile device), and something the voter is (biometric verification). Using a
robust, pre-existing voter database for cross-referencing ensures that only registered voters receive valid credentials.

2. Data Integrity and Confidentiality

Issue: Protecting the integrity and confidentiality of the votes during transmission and storage is crucial to prevent
tampering and unauthorized disclosure.

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Solution: Use end-to-end encryption to secure data as it travels from the voter's device to the server. Employ secure
storage solutions that encrypt votes and voter data at rest. Regular integrity checks and cryptographic hashing can detect
any unauthorized alterations.

3. Server Security

Issue: The central servers that store and process votes are prime targets for cyberattacks, including Distributed Denial of
Service (DDoS) attacks, hacking attempts, and malware.

Solution: Implement robust security measures for servers, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and
anti-malware solutions. Regularly update and patch systems to protect against vulnerabilities. Employ redundancy and
load balancing to mitigate the impact of DDoS attacks.

4. Vote Anonymity

Issue: Ensuring that votes remain anonymous while maintaining the ability to verify that votes are legitimate and counted
correctly is a complex challenge.

Solution: Use anonymization techniques such as blind signatures or mixnets to decouple voter identities from their votes.
Ensure that the system design does not allow tracing votes back to individuals, even by administrators.

5. Auditability and Transparency

Issue: Providing transparency and auditability without compromising voter privacy or system security is essential for
trust.

Solution: Design the system with built-in audit trails that log all transactions and activities in a secure, tamper-proof
manner. Allow independent audits by third-party organizations to verify the integrity and accuracy of the election process.
Use verifiable encryption methods that enable voters to confirm their votes without revealing their choices.

6. Phishing and Social Engineering

Issue: Voters may be targeted by phishing attacks or social engineering tactics to steal their credentials or manipulate
their votes.

Solution: Educate voters about recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts. Implement email and SMS alerts for unusual
account activity. Use behavioral analytics to detect and respond to suspicious activities in real-time.

7. System Reliability and Availability

Issue: Ensuring that the voting system remains reliable and available throughout the voting period is critical to avoid
disenfranchisement.

Solution: Employ robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans. Use geographically distributed servers and data
centers to prevent single points of failure. Conduct regular stress testing to ensure the system can handle peak loads.

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Conclusion

Addressing these security issues is crucial for the successful implementation of an online voting system. By incorporating
strong authentication, data encryption, server security, anonymity measures, auditability, phishing prevention, and system
reliability, this project aims to create a secure and trustworthy platform for conducting elections, thereby enhancing voter
confidence and participation in the democratic process.

2.3 CURRENT SYSTEM DRAWBACKS

The problems of the existing manual system of voting include among

others the following:

Expensive and Time consuming: The process of collecting data and

entering this data into the database takes too much time and is expensive
to conduct, for example, time and money is spent in printing data capture
forms, in preparing registration stations together with human resources,
and there after advertising the days set for registration process including
sensitizing voters on the need for registration, as well as time spent on
entering this data to the database.

Too much paper work: The process involves too much paper work and
paper storage which is difficult as papers become bulky with the population
size.

Errors during data entry: Errors are part of all human beings; it is very
unlikely for humans to be 100 percent efficient in data entry.

Loss of registration forms: Some times, registration forms get lost after
being filled in with voters‟ details, in most cases these are difficult to
follow-up and therefore many remain unregistered even though they are
voting age nationals and interested in exercising their right to vote.

Short time provided to view the voter register: This is a very big problem
since not all people have free time during the given short period of time to
check and update the voter register.

Above all, a number of voters end up being locked out from voting.

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2.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:

MYSQL DBMS- It allows combination, extraction, manipulation and

organization of data in the voters‟ database. It is platform independent
and therefore can be implemented and used across several such as
Windows, Linux server and is compatible with various hardware
mainframes. It is fast in performance, stable and provides business value
at a low cost.
NetBeans IDE 7.1.2- The NetBeans IDE is an award-winning integrated
development environment available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and
Solaris. The NetBeans project consists of an open-source IDE and an
application platform that enable developers to rapidly create web,
enterprise, desktop, and mobile applications using the Java platform, as
well as PHP, JavaScript and Ajax, Groovy and Grails, and C/C++. The
NetBeans project is supported by a vibrant developer community and
offers extensive documentation and training resources as well as a
diverse selection of third-party plugins.
JAVA coding- This is for advanced user who find PHP codes easy to work
with.
Testing- is done via WAMPSERVER.
Web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google chrome, Opera and Internet
Explorer
Reporting Tool i.e. through Data Report.

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS:

Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3/Vista SP1/Windows 7 Professional:

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 Processor: 800MHz Intel Pentium III or equivalent

Memory: 512 MB

• Disk space: 750 MB of free disk space

Ubuntu 9.10:

• Processor: 800MHz Intel Pentium III or equivalent

• Memory: 512 MB

• Disk space: 650 MB of free disk space

3 DESIGN

3.1 SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Registration of the voter is done by the Administrator.

• Administrator can change the information any time if required.
• Registration of the Voter depends upon the information filled by
the user.
• Voter is given a unique ID and Password.
• Voter can give vote after login and entering the ID and Password.
• In the Database information of every voter is stored.
• Database shows the information of every user to the
Administrator.

NON-FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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 • Secure access of confidential data (user‟s details). SSL can be
used.
• 24 X 7 availability on the voting day.
• Better component design to get better performance at peak time
on the Election Day.
• Flexible service based architecture will be highly desirable for
future extension.
• User friendly interface for inexperienced internet users.

3.2 SOFTWARE DESIGN

1. Architecture

Model: The online voting system will be designed using a multi-tier architecture, separating the presentation, application,
and data layers. This modular design enhances security, scalability, and maintainability.

• Presentation Layer: This layer includes the user interface (UI) that voters interact with. It will be
a web-based interface, developed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks like React or
Angular for a responsive and user-friendly experience.
• Application Layer: This is the core of the system where business logic is implemented. It will be
built using a server-side technology such as Node.js, Python with Django, or Java with Spring
Boot, ensuring robust performance and security.
• Data Layer: This layer handles data storage and management. A relational database like
PostgreSQL or MySQL will be used to store voter information, authentication details, and votes.
For security, all data will be encrypted.

2. Modules

User Registration and Authentication:

• Registration: Voters register by filling out an online form. The system verifies the information
against a pre-existing voter database.
• Authentication: Upon successful registration, voters receive unique user IDs and passwords.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be used to enhance security.
Voting:

• Vote Casting: The voter logs in, selects candidates, and submits their vote. Each vote is
encrypted and securely transmitted to the server.

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 • Vote Confirmation: The system provides a confirmation message and a receipt for the vote,
ensuring the voter’s submission is recorded.

Admin Panel:

• User Management: Administrators can manage voter registrations, resolve disputes, and update
voter information.
• Election Management: Admins can create and manage elections, including setting up candidates,
voting periods, and viewing real-time analytics.

Audit and Reporting:

• Audit Logs: All actions within the system are logged for audit purposes. This includes voter
registrations, vote casting, and administrative actions.
• Reports: The system generates real-time reports on voter turnout and election results, ensuring
transparency.

3. Security Features

Encryption: All sensitive data, including voter information and votes, is encrypted using strong encryption algorithms
such as AES-256.

Secure Communication: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols are used to protect
data transmission between the client and server.

Access Control: Role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that only authorized users (voters, administrators) can access
specific system functionalities.

Intrusion Detection: An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) monitors and alerts for any suspicious activities, enhancing
overall system security.

4. Scalability and Performance

Load Balancing: The system uses load balancers to distribute incoming traffic across multiple servers, ensuring
reliability and responsiveness during peak voting periods.

Database Optimization: The database is optimized for fast read/write operations, ensuring quick retrieval and storage of
data.

Caching: Frequently accessed data, such as voter lists and election results, are cached to reduce database load and
improve performance.

Conclusion

This software design ensures a secure, scalable, and efficient online voting system. By leveraging a multi-tier
architecture, robust security measures, and efficient performance strategies, the system aims to provide a reliable platform
for modernizing the electoral process.

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4o

3.2.1 ARCHITECTURE DIAGRAM

Counting

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Registration

Authentication

Voting Stage

Figure 1: Architecture Diagram

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3.2.2 SYSTEM MODELS

An online voting system is a complex software application that facilitates the electronic casting and counting of votes in
various types of elections, such as governmental, organizational, or academic. Designing a system model for such a
project involves several key components to ensure efficiency, security, and reliability. Below is a detailed system model
for an online voting system:

1. User Interface (UI): The UI serves as the front-end of the system, allowing users to interact with the voting
platform. It should be intuitive, user-friendly, and accessible across multiple devices, including desktops, laptops,
tablets, and smartphones. The UI should include features such as voter registration, candidate profiles, ballot
design, and voting submission.
2. Voter Authentication: This module is responsible for verifying the identity of voters to prevent fraudulent
activities. It should support various authentication methods, including username/password, biometric verification,
two-factor authentication, and voter ID verification. Strong encryption techniques should be employed to
safeguard sensitive voter information.
3. Candidate Management: The candidate management module handles the registration and verification of
candidates participating in the election. It allows candidates to create profiles, upload campaign materials, and
provide relevant information about their candidacy. Administrators should have the authority to approve or reject
candidate registrations to ensure the integrity of the election process.
4. Ballot Generation: The ballot generation module dynamically creates electronic ballots based on the candidates
running for different positions in the election. It ensures that ballots are generated accurately and securely, with
appropriate encryption to prevent tampering or unauthorized access. The module should also support various
ballot formats, such as single-choice, multiple-choice, and ranked-choice voting.
5. Voting Process: This module orchestrates the voting process, allowing registered voters to cast their ballots
electronically within the designated timeframe. It ensures that each voter can only vote once and prevents
duplicate or fraudulent votes. The module should provide a seamless voting experience while maintaining the
anonymity and confidentiality of the voter's choices.
6. Vote Counting: The vote counting module tallies the votes collected from the electronic ballots and determines
the winners of the election. It employs robust algorithms to accurately tabulate the results while detecting any
anomalies or irregularities. The module should provide real-time updates on the vote count and generate
comprehensive reports for auditing and verification purposes.
7. Security Measures: Security is paramount in an online voting system to protect against cyber threats and ensure
the integrity of the election process. The system should implement encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection
systems, and other security measures to safeguard sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access or manipulation.
Regular security audits and updates should be conducted to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
8. Audit Trail: An audit trail module maintains a detailed log of all activities and transactions within the voting
system, including voter registration, ballot generation, voting activity, and result tabulation. It provides
transparency and accountability, allowing administrators to trace any discrepancies or irregularities back to their
source and take appropriate corrective actions.

In conclusion, a comprehensive system model for an online voting system encompasses various components, including
user interface, authentication, candidate management, ballot generation, voting process, vote counting, security measures,
and audit trail. By integrating these components effectively, the system can ensure a smooth, secure, and transparent
election process for all stakeholders involved.

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 3.2.2.1 CONTEXT MODEL

Voters Database
Voters
Management
System Update Voters
details

Online Voting
System
Registration
Add and
Remove
candidates
Candidates
Results Database

Figure 2: Context Diagram

3.2.2.2 BEHAVIOURAL MODEL

USE CASE DIAGRAMS

Figure 3: Use Case Diagram

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 Figure 3.1: Use Case Diagram

DATA FLOW DIAGRAMS

DFD LEVEL 0:

User
and
Administrator

System

Output

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 Figure 4: Data Flow Diagram

DFD LEVEL 1:

Login Voter
Process Registration
Process

Voter Voting
information Process Final
checking Report
process
Figure 4.1: Data flow Diagram DFD LEVEL 2:

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 Administrator Voter

Login Process

Voter Informatio Voting Final

Registration n process Result
checking

Voter data Stored Data Voting Data Results

Figure 4.2: Data Flow Diagram ACTIVITY

DIAGRAMS

LOGIN:

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Figure 5: Activity Diagrams VOTER DETAILS:

31
 Figure 5.1: Activity Diagrams

CAST VOTE:

Figure 5.2: Activity Diagrams

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STATUS:

The voter selects the

view to see the result

System displays the no. of vote

of each nominee & also winner

Figure 5.3: Activity Diagram

3.2.2.3 STRUCTURAL MODELS

CLASS DIAGRAMS

LOGIN:

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 Figure 6: Class Diagrams REGISTRATION:

Figure 6.1: Class Diagrams

CAST VOTE:

Figure 6.2: Class Diagrams

34
STATUS:

Figure 6.3: Class Diagrams

ER DIAGRAM

Voter Registration Candidates

Process

Registered Voter Databas Registered Candidate

e

Add Voters Voting

Add

Update Voter Update Candidate

Details Details
ADMIN

Delete Candidate

Check Results
Figure 7: ER Diagram
SEQUENCE DIAGRAMS

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 Figure 8: Sequence Diagrams

Figure 8.1: Sequence Diagrams

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 3.3 DATABASE DESIGN

The project uses three tables:

• Administrator Table
• Voter Table
• Candidate Table

ADMIN TABLE:
Field Name Data Type Description

Username Varchar Login id for Admin.(Primary key)

Password Varchar Password for Login

Table 1: Admin Table

VOTER TABLE:

Field Name Data Type Description

VoterId Integer Login id for Voter(Primary key)

Name Varchar Name of the voter

Sex Varchar Sex of voter

Age Integer Age of voter

City Varchar City of voter

Security Varchar Security Question

Status Boolean Status of voter(he/she can vote or not)

Table 2: Voter Table

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CANDIDATE TABLE:

Field Name Data Type Description

Symbol Varchar Party Symbol (Primary key)

Name Varchar Name of the voter

Sex Varchar Sex of voter

Age Integer Age of voter

City Varchar City of voter

Count Integer Count the no of votes

Table 3: Candidate Table

4 IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 USER INTERFACE

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HOME WINDOW

SIGN UP WINDOW

LOGIN WINDOW

39
REGISTRATION FORM

40
SELECT REGION

SELECT CANDIDATES

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5.CONCLUSION

The culmination of our final year project on the online voting system represents a milestone in modernizing electoral
processes through technological innovation. This project has been driven by a commitment to address the inherent
challenges of traditional voting methods and to enhance the overall voting experience by making it more accessible,
secure, efficient, and trustworthy. Through the comprehensive design and implementation phases, we have created a
robust platform that promises to revolutionize how elections are conducted, ultimately strengthening the democratic
process.

Enhancing Accessibility and Convenience

One of the most significant advantages of our online voting system is its ability to make voting more accessible and
convenient. Traditional voting methods often pose logistical challenges, such as the need for voters to be physically
present at polling stations, which can be especially difficult for those with disabilities, those living abroad, or those unable
to take time off work. Our system allows voters to cast their ballots from any location with internet access, thus
eliminating these barriers.

By offering a user-friendly interface developed using modern web technologies, we have ensured that the platform is
intuitive and easy to navigate. This inclusivity extends to voters of all ages and technical abilities, making the voting
process more democratic and ensuring that a larger portion of the population can participate without undue difficulty.
This increased accessibility is likely to lead to higher voter turnout, which is essential for a healthy democracy.

Ensuring Security and Integrity

Security is the cornerstone of any voting system, and our project has prioritized this aspect to safeguard the integrity of
the electoral process. We have implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that only eligible voters can
access the system. This involves verifying voter identities through multiple layers of security, including something they
know (password), something they have (mobile device), and something they are (biometric verification). This robust
authentication process significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and fraudulent voting.

Data integrity and confidentiality have been maintained through the use of advanced encryption techniques. End-to-end
encryption ensures that votes are secure during transmission from the voter’s device to the server, and encrypted storage
protects the data at rest. Regular integrity checks and cryptographic hashing further ensure that the data has not been
tampered with. Additionally, the system incorporates mechanisms to detect and prevent fraudulent activities, such as
multiple voting attempts or data tampering, thereby upholding the integrity of the election results.

Improving Efficiency and Accuracy

Efficiency and accuracy are critical components of a successful voting system. Traditional voting methods are often
plagued by human errors and delays in vote counting. Our online voting system addresses these issues by automating key
processes, including voter registration, vote casting, and vote counting. This automation not only reduces the potential for
human error but also significantly speeds up the entire process.

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Real-time vote tallying and result reporting are among the standout features of our system. These capabilities allow for
immediate dissemination of election outcomes, reducing the waiting time for final results and enhancing the transparency
of the electoral process. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining public trust and confidence in the system, as it ensures
that the election results are both accurate and timely.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability are vital for building trust in the electoral process. Our system has been designed with
built-in audit trails that log all transactions and activities, including voter registrations, vote submissions, and
administrative actions. These logs provide a tamper-proof record that can be reviewed and audited to verify the integrity
of the election process.

Public reporting mechanisms are also a key feature of our system. These mechanisms allow stakeholders and the public to
monitor the election process and results, ensuring that the system operates transparently. Moreover, we have facilitated
independent third-party audits to verify the accuracy and fairness of the election process. These audits provide an
additional layer of assurance that the system is functioning correctly and that the election results are legitimate.

Scalability and Flexibility

The scalability and flexibility of our online voting system are essential for its widespread adoption. We have designed the
system with a scalable architecture that can accommodate elections of varying sizes, from small local polls to large
national elections. This scalability ensures that the system can handle increased loads without compromising
performance, making it suitable for different types of electoral processes.

Customization options are another crucial aspect of our system’s design. The system can be tailored to meet the specific
requirements of different elections, including varying voting methods (e.g., single transferable vote, first-past-the-post)
and election types (e.g., general elections, referenda). This flexibility ensures that the system can adapt to diverse
electoral scenarios, making it a versatile tool for modernizing the voting process.

Cost-Effectiveness

In addition to its many functional benefits, our online voting system also offers significant cost savings. Traditional
voting methods require substantial physical infrastructure, such as polling stations, ballot papers, and manual vote
counting, all of which incur significant costs. By contrast, our digital platform minimizes the need for physical
infrastructure, leading to considerable cost reductions.

The efficient allocation of resources through automation and digital processes further underscores the system’s economic
benefits. Reducing the need for extensive human labor and logistical support not only lowers costs but also streamlines
the overall voting process, making it more sustainable in the long run.

Promoting Voter Engagement and Participation

Ultimately, the goal of any voting system is to foster greater voter engagement and participation. By making the voting
process more accessible, secure, and convenient, our online voting system aims to encourage higher voter turnout and
enhance democratic participation. Educational campaigns and awareness initiatives can further inform voters about the
benefits and usage of the online system, addressing any concerns or misconceptions they may have.

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6.REFERENCES

1. Anderson C. (2006). How to Rig a Democracy: A Timeline of Electronic

Voting in the United States. The Independent. Retrieved November 28,
2006 from: http://www.indypendent.org/?p=608
2. Bellis, M. (2007). The History of Voting Machines. Retrieved November
9, 2006 from: http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa111300b.htm
3. Cranor, L.F., & Cytron, R.K. (1996). Design and Implementation of a
Security-Conscious Electronic Polling System. Washington University
Computer Science Technical Report (WUCS). Retrieved October 9, 2006
from: http://www.acm.org/crossroads/ords2-4/voting.html
4. Electronic Voting and Counting – Development of the System. (2005).
Elections ACT. Retrieved February 11, 2007 from:
http://www.elections.act.gov.au/EVACS.html http://www.iiec.or.ke/
5. Electronic Voting Systems, ACE Project – The Electoral Knowledge
Network, [online] 2013, http://www.aceproject.org May 19, 2013
6. Eliver Pérez Villegas, Gina Gallegos-García, Gualberto Aguilar Torres,
Héctor Flores Gutiérrez, Implementation of Electronic Voting System in
Mobile Phones with Android Operating System, Vol. 4 No. 9 September
2013, http://www.cisjournal.org
7. Hakan Evecek, Applying MESE processes to Improve Online E-Voting
Prototype System with Paillier Threshold Cryptosystem Web Services,
University of Colorado, Spring 2007.
8. Jürg Ritter, Decentralized E-Voting on Android Devices Using
Homomorphic Tallying, Bern University of Applied Sciences Engineering
and Information Technology CH-2501 Biel, Switzerland,
February 7, 2014

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9. Roger S. Pressman, Software Engineering- A Practitioner‟s Approach,
McGraw-Hill International Edition, Seventh Edition, 2009.
10. Software engineering 8th edition by Ian Sommerville.
11. Simply Voting System Project https://www.simplyvoting.com/
12. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Modeling_Language
13. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_voting

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