CHAPTER 2

In this chapter, the researcher explains what an electronic voting system is and what are its character-
istics. He discusses the types of e-voting system, and gives also explains the advantages and disadvan-
tages of electronic voting system.

2.1. Electronic Voting System:

Electronic voting systems allow for the casting and counting of
votes by using electronic means. These systems can be used
in a polling place, or they can be used to cast ballots from
home over the internet. Electronic voting systems are often
seen as more secure than other methods of voting, such as
mail-in ballots or voting at a polling place. However, there
have been cases where electronic voting systems have been
hacked, causing concern about their security. In spite of these
concerns, electronic voting is becoming increasingly popular
around the world.

The use of electronic voting systems has been increasing in

recent years. The application of these systems can be seen in
different parts of the world, with different purposes and re-
sults.

One example of an electronic voting system is the Estonian

system, which was introduced in 2005. This system allows cit-
izens to vote online using their ID card or mobile phone. The
purpose of this system is to increase voter turnout by making
it easier for people to vote. Another benefit of the Estonian
system is that it reduces the possibility of fraud, as votes are
cast directly into the system rather than being counted manu-
ally.

Another example is the Indian system, which was introduced

in 2009. This system uses a fingerprint scanner to identify vot-
ers. The purpose of this system is to reduce the possibility of
fraud, as fingerprints are unique and cannot be easily copied
or faked.

Both of these systems have been successful in increasing

voter turnout and reducing the possibility of fraud. However,
they both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. It
will be interesting to see how these systems develop over
time and what other countries begin to adopt similar methods
but this is beyond the scope of this research.

Electronic Voting System is different from Other ICT Applica-

tions:

Electronic voting systems are a type of information and com-

munication technology (ICT) application that allow voters to
cast their votes electronically. Other common ICT applications
include email, text messaging, and social media. Although all
of these applications share some similarities, there is a key
distinction between electronic voting systems and other ICT
applications: the impact that each has on democracy.

Email, text messaging, and social media are all communica-

tions tools that allow people to exchange information with one
another. They have no direct impact on the democratic
process. In contrast, electronic voting systems are designed
specifically to enable citizens to participate in elections. They
play a critical role in ensuring the fairness and accuracy of
elections by allowing voters to cast their ballots privately and
securely.

The use of electronic voting systems has exploded in recent

years. In the United States, for example, the number of voters
who cast their ballots electronically increased from less than
one percent in 2000 to more than 40 percent in 2016. This
growth is due, in part, to the increasing popularity of online
voting. Online voting allows voters to cast their ballots from
any location using a computer or mobile device.

Despite its growing popularity, online voting has come under

scrutiny in recent years. Some experts have raised concerns
about its security and reliability. Others argue that it is not ac-
cessible enough for all voters and could lead to higher rates of
voter fraud. These concerns must be addressed before online
voting can become a mainstream form of election administra-
tion. Nevertheless, electronic voting systems are a critical tool
for ensuring the fairness and accuracy of elections. They play
an essential role in promoting democracy and should be used
wherever possible.

Characteristics and purposes of electronic voting systems:

There are a number of important characteristics that distin-

guish electronic voting systems from other types of voting sys-
tems. Some of these key characteristics are:
The security of electronic voting systems is a crucial concern
for election administrators and voters alike. In order to ensure
the integrity of the voting process, it is important that the char-
acteristics of these systems be well understood

Electronic voter lists are a key component of any voting sys-

tem. They are used to ensure that only eligible voters are able
to cast a ballot. In order to be effective, voter lists must be ac-
curate and up-to-date. Unfortunately, this is not always the
case. In some cases, voter lists have been found to include
ineligible voters or even deceased individuals.

Voter authentication is another important aspect of electronic

voting systems. It is used to ensure that only authorized vot-
ers are able to cast a ballot. One common method of voter au-
thentication is the use of passwords or PINs. However, these
methods can be easily compromised if they are not properly
protected. Another method of voter authentication is the use
of biometric data. This involves capturing a person's unique
physical features, such as fingerprints or eye scans. While
this method is more secure than the use of passwords or
PINs, it can be expensive and difficult to implement.

2. When looking at the various characteristics of electronic

voting systems, one of the most important is the interface.
The interface is what voters see and use to cast their ballots.
It is important that this be as user-friendly as possible so that
all voters can easily navigate it, regardless of their level of
computer literacy or tech savvy. Additionally, the interface
should be visually appealing, so that voters are not put off by
the voting process. Additionally, the interface should be se-
cure, so that voters can feel confident that their votes will be
counted accurately and without interference. Lastly, the inter-
face should be easy to use and understand, so that voters do
not have to spend too much time trying to figure it out. All of
these characteristics are important in order to create a voting
system that is both accessible and secure.

One example of a voting interface that meets all of these crite-

ria is the iVote system developed by Scytl. The iVote system
is a web-based voting platform that is easy to use and navi-
gate.

3.

Another characteristic of an electronic voting system is that it

provides printers that provide a voter-verifiable receipt for
each vote. This allows the voter to ensure that their vote was
cast as intended and also allows for a manual recount if nec-
essary. The receipt will show the date and time of the vote,
the precinct name, and the ballot style. It will also show the
candidate or issue that was voted on and whether it was a
vote for or against. This receipt can be used as proof of voting
in the event that there is a dispute about the election results. It
is also helpful to have these receipts as part of an audit trail.
An electronic voting system should also provide a way for vot-
ers to change their votes if they accidentally vote for the
wrong candidate or issue. This can be done either before or
after the election is finalized. Lastly, an electronic voting sys-
tem should produce a report that shows how each voter
voted. This report can be used for post-election analysis and
to improve future elections.

4. Another characteristic of an electronic voting system is that

it provides a result posting system. This means that the voting
results are immediately available to the public after the polls
close. This ensures transparency and accountability in the
voting process. Additionally, this allows for media outlets to
report on election results as they happen.

 Types of e-voting systems:

There are various types of electronic voting systems, which

can be classified according to different criteria. The three
most common types are:

Technically, the majority of electronic voting systems fit into one of four categories.

i. Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) Voting:

Electronic voting systems have become increasingly popular

in recent years. They are seen as a more secure and efficient
alternative to traditional paper-based voting methods. There
are several types of electronic voting systems, but the most
common is direct recording electronic (DRE) voting. DREs al-
low voters to cast their ballots directly on a computer terminal.
This eliminates the need for paper ballots and reduces the
risk of vote tampering or fraud. DREs can also be configured
to provide instant results, which is beneficial for both voters
and election officials. However, there are some concerns
about the security and reliability of DREs, and they have not
been widely adopted in the United States. Nevertheless, they
could play a larger role in future elections if security concerns
can be addressed.

ii. Optical character recognition (OCR) systems:

Other types of systems include optical scanning and mark-

sense systems. Optical character recognition (OCR) systems
are used to scan marked ballots and convert the marks into
text that can be read by a computer. This information is then
used to determine the results of the election. OCR systems
are often used in jurisdictions where there is a high volume of
absentee ballots. Mark-sense systems use special pens with
ink that changes color when it comes into contact with paper
that has been pre-printed with candidate names and party
symbols. The pen marks indicate the voter's choice, and the
ballots are then read by a computer. This type of system is of-
ten used in jurisdictions where there is a high volume of illiter-
ate voters.

iv. Internet voting systems:

Internet voting is the most common type; it allows voters to

cast their ballots from any computer with internet access.
Telephone voting allows voters to cast their ballots by phone.
Vote by mail allows voters to cast their ballots by mailing them
in. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Internet voting is the most convenient option because it allows

people to vote from anywhere they have internet access.
However, there is a risk that someone could hack into the sys-
tem and change the results. Telephone voting is less conve-
nient than internet voting because not everyone has a phone
or can get through on the phone lines during polling hours.
However, it is more secure because it is harder to hack into
than the internet voting system. Vote by mail is the most se-
cure option because the ballots are mailed directly to the elec-
tion office and they are counted there. However, it is less con-
venient than the other two options because people have to re-
member to send in their ballots and it can take longer for the
results to be announced.

Types of E-voting On the Basis of Situations:

The types of electronic voting systems can be generally clas-

sified into two categories: those that are used in regulated sit-
uations, and those that are used in unregulated situations. In
regulated situations, the use of electronic voting is governed
by specific rules and regulations set forth by a government
authority or other regulating body. In unregulated situations,
there may or may not be specific rules governing the use of
electronic voting.

One example of a type of electronic voting system that is used

in a regulated situation is the direct recording electronic (DRE)
voting system. DREs are commonly used for elections held by
government authorities, such as city councils, school boards,
and state legislatures. Another example of a type of elec-
tronic voting system that is used in a regulated situation is the
optical scan voting system. Optical scan voting systems are
used in elections that are held by government authorities, as
well as private organizations, such as labor unions and trade
associations.

One example of a type of electronic voting system that is used

in an unregulated situation is the online voting system. Online
voting systems allow voters to cast their ballots over the inter-
net. One disadvantage of online voting systems is that they
are susceptible to cyber attacks. Another example of a type of
electronic voting system that is used in an unregulated situa-
tion is the absentee ballot mailing system. Absentee ballot
mailing systems allow voters to cast their ballots by mail with-
out having to go to a polling place on election day.

Types on the Basis of Source Code:

There are two types of voting systems: those that use propri-
etary software and those that use open source code. Propri-
etary software is software that is owned by a particular com-
pany or individual, while open source code is software whose
source code is available to the public. There are pros and
cons to both types of voting systems.

Proprietary software can be more secure than open source

code because it is not publicly available. However, there is
less chance for independent verification of the security of pro-
prietary software, so it may be less trustworthy. Additionally,
changes to proprietary software require permission from the
owner, which can slow down updates and bug fixes.
Open source code has the advantage of being transparent;
anyone can see how it works and how it has been modified.
Additionally, anyone can suggest changes and improvements.
However, open source code may not be as secure as propri-
etary software, since it is publicly available.

Internationally vs Domestically Produced EVMS:

There are two types of electronic voting systems: internation-

ally produced systems and domestically developed systems.
The former tend to be more expensive and are often seen as
more reliable, while the latter can be cheaper and perceived
as less secure. However, a number of domestic systems have
been successfully implemented in recent years. For example,
India's EVMs have been used in numerous elections with no
reported incidents of fraud or malfunctions. Conversely, Esto-
nia's online voting system has been met with mixed reactions,
with some praising its security features and others raising
concerns about its vulnerability to cyberattacks. Clearly, there
is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing an
electronic voting system; each country must carefully weigh
the pros and cons of both types before making a decision.

In the end, there is no perfect voting system; each type has its
own advantages and disadvantages. It is up to individual vot-
ers to decide which type of system they prefer.

Advantages of Electronic Voting Systems:

There are various benefits to voting with current technology. These are listed under;

i. The more rapid counting and tabulation of votes:

One of the advantages of electronic voting is that it allows for a more rapid count and tabulation of votes.
Traditional techniques require manually tallying votes, which may take hours or even days. Using an elec-
tronic voting method, on the other hand, results may be determined in minutes or seconds. This improves the
efficiency and accuracy of the election process. Additionally, it enables candidates to announce victory more
quickly. As a consequence, voters may have trust in the election results' accuracy and learn who won without
having to wait an extended length of time. Electronic voting technologies, in general, offer several advan-
tages that contribute to the election process's efficiency and trustworthiness.
Ii. Effectiveness

One of the advantages of computerised voting is its accuracy. This is because human error is eliminated, en-
suring that no errors are committed during the vote counting process. Additionally, when the process gets au-
tomated, it becomes more efficient, resulting in more accurate and timely outcomes. As a result, the whole
voting process becomes more easier and simpler for everyone involved. As a consequence, all nations should
investigate electronic voting systems as a means of improving their election processes.
Iii. Increased voter convenience
One of the advantages of electronic voting is that it promotes voter convenience. With a paper ballot, you
must physically vote at a polling site on election day. However, an electronic voting system enables voters to
cast their ballots from any place and at any time. This makes voting more accessible to persons who are un-
able to vote on election day or who live a long distance from their polling station. Additionally, if you forget
to vote or change your mind after casting your ballot, you may always vote online. Electronic voting tech-
nologies also make poll workers' jobs simpler since they eliminate the need to physically distribute ballots
and tally votes. This saves time and minimises the danger of making a mistake. In general, electronic voting
systems have several advantages that make participation in the democratic process simpler and more com-
fortable for voters.

iv. Decreased number of spoiled ballot papers

Electronic voting methods provide a plethora of advantages. One of these benefits is a decrease in the num-
ber of spoiled ballot papers. There is always a chance that someone may ruin their voting paper accidentally
or on purpose in conventional paper-based elections. This might cause delays as authorities must manually
count these votes. However, with an electronic voting system, spoiled votes may be discovered and removed
from the vote total instantly, so expediting the overall counting process.

V. Cost reductions associated with Internet voting: There are various advantages to employing an electronic
voting system. The most apparent advantage is probably cost savings. You can remove the need for paper
ballots and related expenditures such as printing, shipping, and handling with Internet voting. Additionally,
you may minimise or even eliminate the need for poll workers, who often earn a pittance per hour. This may
result in considerable cost reductions in the long run.

Vi. Polling station fraud prevention

One significant advantage is the avoidance of polling place fraud. It is quite simple for someone to tamper
with the votes cast using a regular ballot box. However, with an electronic voting system, manipulating the
results would be considerably more difficult, since the votes are counted automatically. This will guarantee
that the election results correctly represent the will of the people.

vii. Improved accessibility: Using an electronic voting system improves accessibility for voters with impair-
ments. While voters who are unable to read or write may have problems voting in a paper-based system, they
may utilise a touch screen or auditory interface to cast their vote in an electronic voting system. This makes
participation in the democratic process more accessible to everyone.
Viii. Decreased instances of vote-sales
One of the advantages of electronic voting is that it may assist in reducing the occurrence of vote-selling. In
certain instances, individuals may be ready to sell their votes in exchange for material goods such as money
or food. This sort of conduct would be far more difficult to perpetrate under an electronic voting system,
since individuals would be unable to barter their votes for rewards outside of the voting process.
As a result of these benefits, nations are transitioning away from paper ballots and toward electronic voting.
However, there are certain drawbacks to computerised voting.
The Electronic Voting System's Weaknesses:
Despite increased security and improvements, the electronic voting system still has a number of flaws, which
are listed below:
Inadequate Transparency:
The lack of transparency is one of the downsides of computerised voting methods. The procedure of tallying
and recording votes is opaque to the public, raising worries about possible misconduct or fraud. Additionally,
without a paper record, there is no means to audit or verify the vote count's veracity. This might result in er-
roneous election results and voter disenfranchisement.
The System's Complexity:
One of the primary downsides is the system's complexity. It can be challenging to comprehend how to use an
electronic voting system, which can cause voter confusion. Additionally, election authorities may have diffi-
culties debugging electronic voting system faults.

Risk of Insider Manipulation: One of the primary downsides of computerised voting methods is the possibil-
ity of insider manipulation. Security problems are significant, and anybody with access to the system has the
potential to tamper with the findings. This might result in vote manipulation, undermining the election's va-
lidity.

Iv. Limited Recount Options: One downside of electronic voting is that recount options are limited. In a pa-
per-based voting system, administrators may undertake a manual recount to assure accuracy in the event of a
close election. However, with an electronic voting system, recounting votes properly may be difficult or im-
possible owing to the extensive programming and coding required. This might result in erroneous election
results and subsequent controversies.
V. Additional Educating Voters Campaigns:
One possibility is that further voter education initiatives will be necessary to guarantee that all voters under-
stand how to properly utilise the system and vote.

Vi. Lack of Consensus: One of the downsides of electronic voting is the lack of consensus on how these sys-
tems should be utilised and controlled. This might result in disagreements about the veracity of findings and
charges of system manipulation.

vii. Concerns About Security: Another downside of computerised voting is the possibility of security
breaches. Hackers might get access to voter registration databases or the voting system itself, changing or
deleting cast ballots. This might result in an election that is utterly illegitimate, with no method of determin-
ing who truly won.
viii. Lack of Faith: Another problem of electronic voting is the widespread lack of trust in such systems.
There is a notion that electronic voting is less safe and trustworthy than paper-based voting, which may dis-
courage people from adopting it.

These are just a few of the drawbacks of computerised voting methods; there are plenty more. As a result,
these disadvantages of electronic voting should be addressed prior to the system's introduction.