Indigenous voting system

Abstract

Global Electronic Indigenous Voting System The invention is related to development of a secure, tamperproof, expandable, configurable electronic product for conducting fair polls compared to exiting polling methods. The invented system has been named as Indigenous Voting System. Indigenous Voting System is composed of the electronic Indigenous Voting Machine and Operational Methodology. Indigenous Voting Machine is an ensemble of electronic products viz, A Computer, Control Unit, Configurable Ballot Units, Detachable Secure Data Storage Devices, External Display and Connecting Cables, Firmware and special Desktop Application. Operational Methodology is a sequence of randomized steps for candidates and polling authorities to avoid pre-poll, in-poll and post-poll biasing.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Indigenous Voting System

[0003] 1. Field of Invention

[0004] The existing Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and poll system has failed to win the faith of public, candidates and organizations globally. Therefore, it implies that existing EVM has become globally rejected and restricted electronic product. At present, the EVM concept is used in one or two countries only. In these countries, the opposition group or even public raises queries and doubts about EVM. The existing EVM has lost the scope of being a globally accepted and permitted product. Therefore, it is required to modify and devise a polling system and method using electronic technology which succeeds to win the faith at first use. This invention relates to development of a secure, tamperproof, cascadeable, expandable, configurable poll system featured with distributed indigenous poll data storage capabilities. The invented Indigenous Voting System has a potential of being a trusted, accepted and permitted standard procedure.

[0005] 2. Background of Invention

[0006] To conduct fair and honest poll is a prominent need to elect genuine candidates and achieve healthy governmental and organizational set-up. During the Lok-Sabha elections 2024, EVM was used in India. The vote percentage of first phase was declared after 13 days by Election Commission of India (ECI). The public and political parties started raising questions on the intention of Chief, ECI and related team, which was a disrespectful situation in the global scenario for India. After poll result declaration till this patent is applied, there are appeals and court cases in the Supreme Court of India (SCI) with objections related to the proper use of EVMs, maintenance of EVMs, Security of EVMs in Strong Rooms (SRs), and mismatch in vote cast count and result vote count. The use of WPAT also couldn’t win the faith, and people raise doubts regarding the Symbol on vote cast button and printed Symbol on WPAT slip. All such public opinions and reactions create a shameful scene about India in the global political-social space. The other countries are not ready to adopt EVM in their polls due to natural doubts in their mind. Therefore, it is required to improve overall Poll Method, Electronic Systems and Operational procedure. i 3. Previous products in the field of Voting Machines

[0007] In past various poll methods have been adopted like survey forms and formats, ballot paper, postal methods. With advancements in electronic field, various Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been developed in past decades. The operational ease, fail-proof operation and data security has been the most concerned features in the EVM. The EVMs were used by many governments globally for testing and trial. [IN299 / CHE / 2004] introduces an EVM using Microchip, multiple function keys, on board data storage. [IN854 / DEL / 2010] invented an EVM called Electronic Preferential Voting Machine comprising of Control Unit, Ballot Unit, Display, and Buttons. [EP2431935] invented an EVM to cast vote using automatic Ballot paper dispensing and counting after voter verification. [W02002093503] invented an electronic voting machine as a compact electro-mechanical structure. [APAP1799] invented an EVM comprising a Control Unit connected to a 25 core flat cable to a ballot Unit having 16 buttons. [ZA2003 / 0884] invented a voting machine as a standalone machine with a control unit connected to ballot unit having buttons to vote. [IN4250 / CHE / 2013] introduce a voting machine with real time parallel behavior evaluation of whole system. [JP2003109059] invented the voting method to verify the vote and the count by the system. [US20040046021] invented a voting concept to use different methods to store and count the votes [US20050133596] used pen-like bar code scanner to scan the candidates by the voters and hen cast vote.8[US20070012767] invented a voting machine using a large display to show multiple options to voter for selection. [ US20070007340] voting machine used touch pad for each candidate, all connected to a host. [US20090072030] introduce a paper-free voting system comprising EVM, verification blocks, data storage and security. [WO2010048612] introduced a network based voting concept with Computer as a central Host and EVMs clients. [US201330325562] introduced a voting system using a computer, removable disc, printer, touch screen based ballot unit. [US20140052505] invented voting machine using smart display and al features being configurable. [US20150356804] used Optical Mark Reader based technology to ensure safe vote cast. [IN201721016937] invented a machine to capture the image of vote cast event. [CN108460893] invented a structure of voting machine to ease the transportation, assembling and operation. [IN201621008275] introduces a voting machine with Geo Tracking capabilities to prevent frauds. [IN201621037561] as invented a method to securely transmit data from EVM to storage destination. [IN201741000831] introduces a voting machine with bar-code on Adhar Card and wireless connectivity to a data server and has been designed based on STM32 microcontroller. [IN201741017395] invented an EVM with ballot paper like vote cast features. [IN201841046856] introduces an electronic voting machine comprising bar-code, wireless 433 MHz transmitter, Microcontroller Control Unit, Ballot Unit, GSM connectivity and LED display. [IN201821014646] invented a voting machine with bar-code or QR scanning capabilities, Adhar Card verification and fraudulent re-use prevention. [IN201841002146] unvented an enhanced Electronic Voting Machine (eEVM) featured with enhancement in security, self-diagnosis and external Printer-Cum-Auxiliary-Display. [IN201811023532] invented a voting method and machine based on balls collection a tank dropped by voter after control enabled by administrator. [IN201841010850] introduced VVPAT for vote verification by showing the Symbol of selected candidate by the voter. [US20180218553] invented a method using Unique Voter Number with Signature Letter against the candidate. [US20190057567] invented a method for fast verification of voters and to transmit the decrypted poll data from multiple parallel ballot units to data stores under the surveillance of more than one admins and authorities. [IN201911027762] invented a cloud based EVM for security, data transmission and storage. [IN201921018727] invented an electronic voting machine with Irish eye reading for automated vote cast. [IN201921028243] invented a machine called as Faithful EVM comprising of a Mechatronic Testing Unit with capability to make different models. [201931006947] introduce a biometric based voting machine to avoid duplicate voting. [IN201943032715] introduced a voting machine with bar code scanner, bar code printer, microcontroller unit, ballot unit, LED display, wireless transmitter. [CN220137734] invented a structure to easily assemble, transport and use the voting machines safely. [CN218384077] invented a voting machine comprising 3 boxes, a visual component, a keyboard and two printers to perform the voting activities fast and securely. [202011045602] invented a voting method and system comprising camera, Irish scanner, UIDAI data base server, EVM, computing unit for fats voting and data secure data storage. [IN202011044380] introduce a voting concept using neural network processing. [US20200273278] invented a Kiosk type voting machine. [IN202141045771] invented an electronic machine to cast vote using ATM cards and Block chain technology. [IN202041051872] invents a temper-proof machine comprising of a camera, control unit, ballot unit, display and printer. [JP2021189867] invented a method for voting machine to prevent the vote cast by someone else in place of actual voter even after initial identification and verification of voter.[ WO2021154485] used voting balls placed on canisters to cast vote. [WO202132804] invented lightweight, thin, short and small ultracompact ballot unit which can be used for voting. [ I N202211049866] invented a fingerprint based voter authentication technology. [US11263853] developed a method of voter registration verification using multiple biological data samples including Palm Vein Scan, DNA.

[0008] 4. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Despite so many patents to eliminate the probabilities of fraud, vote tempering, false voting, data tempering & vote duplication, the existing Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) has not been accepted at global level. The invented electronic system herein after called “Indigenous Voting System (IVS)” has been developed and designed to resolve such issues. The IVS will replace the existing EVMs and associated instruments at the poll centers with no need of VVPAT.

[0010] 5. Disclosure of Invention

[0011] IVM is an ensemble of electronic products, embedded firmware and special PC Software. The IVM set is comprised of a PC, Control Unit, Ballot Unit (or Poll Device), USB Cable, 9 cores cable, Detachable Data Storage Devices and External Display with Cable. A proprietary Set-Of-lnstructions, herein after referred as SOI, has been developed to access and control the electronic devices. Proprietary PC Software, herein after called as PCS, has been developed to use in IVM based on SOI.

[0012] A. Personal Computer

[0013] A Personal Computer (PC), (implies Laptop also), having a special application installed on it, is used in the IVM. PC is used to configure the electronic devices, Control and Ballot Units at poll center, by the polling supervisor in presence of candidates just before start of polling. Poll session cannot be started or finished without PC and PCS. B. Control Unit (CU):

[0014] Control Unit acts as an interface device between PC and other devices. The communication to / from PC and other electronic devices in the IVM passes through Control Unit. Control Unit accepts and generates instructions from SOI. CU is connected to PC with USB cable.

[0015] C. Ballot Unit (BU)

[0016] The invented BU has been designed based on a microcontroller to support SOIs and has LCD to show status in written. BU has a Buzzer and LED for Audio and visual indications. Before the poll start, status of BU(s) can be tested using PCS. After power- on, BU runs self-test and shows status, on its LCD display and audio beep. The single beep for successful fault-free power-on and repeated beeps alarms any error shown in LCD. The BU in IVM is used to cast vote by user. After configuration of each device in the IVM, the PC may be disconnected and then polling session goes-on with remaining electronic devices only. In between of the on-going poll session, the PC may be connected again to CU and will not disturb / affect the on-going poll session. Each BU has option to connect a thermal printer to get un-cut Printed Vote Record for each candidate. IVM has provision to connect a thermal printer to create a single uncut roll of Printed Vote Records for all candidates.

[0017] D. Detachable Indigenous Secure Data Storage Devices

[0018] These are special devices to indigenously keep all details of candidate along with vote count and never editable. The storage devices can be removed and given to candidate as a copy of complete poll records immediately after poll is finished.

[0019] 6. Configuration of new IVM set-up

[0020] First of all CU is connected to PC using USB cable. Then PCS is launched on PC. PCS searches for CU. If appropriate CU is found, PCS launches to the full window view. After this step, other electronic devices can be configured.

[0021] 7. Multiple States of IVM a. Poll Creation State

[0022] IVM needs to create a new poll session for each candidate using PCS in BU. To create Poll Session BU, is connected to CU using special 9 core cable. All the configuration data is sent form PC over USB port and cable to CU in a format compatible to SOI, which is first processed by CU and then sent to BU. BU checks for errors. If there is any error BU rejects data. If data is error-free, then BU stores the configuration data after decoding from SOI format. PCS automatically communicates to verify the configured data in BU using SOI. BU keeps track and record of it’s state and poll session even after power-fail. b. Poll Start State

[0023] The poll session can only be started if BUs are properly configured and all have same “Configuration Complete” state. The poll session can be started by sending a special SOI message from PC to CU and then to Bus. CU keeps track of overall IVM. c. Poll Running State

[0024] After Poll Start state is successfully created in each BU and detected by PCS through CU, Polling Supervisor may clicking on Vote Button in GUI of PCS or a Button on CU. After pressing Vote, an instruction from SOI is sent to BUs, then LED of BUs glows and “ReadyToVote” is shown in it’s LCD. When the voter presses the Button for any candidate, following is done: All LED OFF except LED against selected candidate blink 3 times, a beep is generated 3 time, BU shows “VoteDone, ReadyForNext” in it’s LCD. The state of IVM becomes “Poll Run” after first vote cast success. The Poll Supervisor may enable for next vote only after previous vote cast success. d. Poll Complete State

[0025] To finish poll session, a special Button on GUI of PCS is clicked by Poll Supervisor. After a few confirmations and acknowledgements (modifiable as per Govt I Organization’s requirements), SOI instruction is sent from PC. After successful finish, the poll state of BUs and IVM becomes Poll Complete; e. Getting Vote Count Result

[0026] The vote count can be fetched only if state of BU(s) I Datastick(s) is Poll Complete. To get vote count, Poll Supervisor needs to click a special Button on the GUI of PCS. PCS sends an instruction from SOI to fetch vote count. The vote count is shown in the LCD of BUs, sequentially in the PC DA and saved in database.

[0027] Flow Chart: Fig 2 shows the operational flow chart of the IVM. 8. Advantages of IVM

[0028] 1 . Provides and ensures the indigenous nature in working for each candidate.

[0029] 2. Keeps candidate data and vote count indigenously.

[0030] 3. Total randomness in the selection and distribution of parts ensures no biasing, no tampering of data.

[0031] 4. Provides poll data safeguarding opportunity to candidate.

[0032] 5. The security of poll data is not merely dependent on the security of Strong- Rooms only.

[0033] 6. No need of Battery Back up after poll completion.

[0034] 7. Data, status and state of system remain unaffected if power-fail occurs and continues on power-resume.

[0035] 8. Individual and shared uncut Printed Vote Record capability.

[0036] 9. Matching of multiple copies of data on the day of result provides an automated cross-check of no tampering.

[0037] 9. Comparison Table

[0038] 10. IVS Comparison with Indian EVM

[0039] 1. The EVM method does not clearly indicate separate storage of candidate's data. Whereas IVS method stores and displays the data of every candidate individually.

[0040] 2. The EVM method does not provide the candidate the opportunity to arbitrarily select the ballot unit as his property. Whereas IVS method provides this opportunity

[0041] 3. After completion of voting in EVM method, EVM needs battery backup. Whereas IVS based ballot units do not require battery back-up.

[0042] 4. In the EVM method, no secure copy of the data is given to the candidate immediately after the voting is over. Whereas in IVS method the secured original copy of the data is given to each candidate individually and the second original copy is distributed among the candidates.

[0043] 5. EVM method does not give the candidate the opportunity to safeguard own and others' data. Whereas in IVS method, candidates are given the opportunity to safeguard own and others' data. 6. In EVM method, the security of data depends only on the security protocols of transport and strong-room. Whereas in IVS system, security responsibilities are assigned to many people at different places.

[0044] 7. EVM method does not provide the opportunity of arbitrary selection to the candidate.

[0045] Whereas the IVS method provides an opportunity to the candidate for arbitrary selection in several stages. 8. There is a provision for VVPAT mechanism for vote tallying in EVMs. Votes can be tallied only where VVPAT is installed. IVS does not require VVPAT.

[0046] 9. In the EVM method, voting data is stored only inside the EVM and there is no option for alternative secure data storage. Whereas in IVS method multiple copies are created.

[0047] 10. In the EVM method, the secured booth data is not uploaded to Govt, website just after poll completion, which causes delay in poll percentage calculation and declaration. The IVS method provides option to upload booth data file just after poll completion and removal of CU from laptop.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 10 April 2025 (10.04.2025)Claim 1A voting system for conducting elections based on secret voting and the democratic principle of “True Isolated One Vote One Value One Post (TIOVOVOP)”, comprising a control unit, one or more ballot units, a totalizer, and associated components, characterized in that it is implemented as an Indigenous Voting System (IVS), being a combination of an Indigenous Voting Machine (IVM) and an Operational Methodology (OM), wherein IVM is comprised of:• (a) the (101) comprises a microcontroller and serves solely as an intermediary, with no functionality to store or process candidate-specific data;• (b) each (102) corresponds to a single candidate and contains its own microcontroller, an individual (109), a dedicated (110), internal non-volatile memory for local credential storage and 114 to demonstrate the candidate polling symbol and create two models Model_S and Model_L;• (c) each (102) is independently connected to: o two detachable secure (105) devices for real-time vote duplication, o an individual (111) to generate a physical un-cut printout of each vote cast,• (d) a Totalizer is provided for post-poll aggregation, capable of attaching 105 and interfacing with a PC via specialized software;• (e) the (101) is operatively connected to a PC or laptop (104) operating on Microsoft Windows OS (MWOS) via cable, and interacts through a proprietary installable Desktop Application (DA) (107), using a proprietary Data Communication Format (DCF);• (f) (101) is connected to an (103) to provide real-time booth status;• (g) (101) contains (113) to show overall system status and a button to permit vote cast• (h) (101) contains connectors to attach (103), (102) and (104) through appropriate cables:• (i) Contains a (106) to define and conclude the voter (102) queue (200);• (j) Contains a 108 connection mechanism for shared un-cut print record.• (k) Poll Data includes: Symbol Image, Symbol Number, Candidate ID, Candidate Name, Group ID, Group Name, Booth ID, Booth Name, Officer ID, Officer Name, Voting Date, Vote Start Time, Vote Stop Time, Vote Count, Total Booth Vote Count, Result Date, and Unique IDs of (101), (102), their microcontrollers, and (105);• (1) Physical interconnection of (102) devices is achieved via direct (112) connectors without wires, and no (102) can access the data or functionality of another.• Physical connection of (105) and (111) is achieved though male-female jacks without wires. wherein the IVM uniquely incorporates TICRI (True Individual Candidate RecordIsolation), a novel and inventive architectural framework that guarantees complete physical isolation of data per candidate, such that:• no single component (including 101) can access or aggregate data across multiple candidates,• each (102) records and prints vote data in isolation,• and comparison of multiple independent records (dual 105 and physical printouts) ensures unmatched security and verifiability — capabilities not found in prior voting systems including ECIL's EVM, which use single vote storage unit using logical isolation (not physical isolation - a differentiating strength of Technologies), shared Inputs from BUs, and unified print systems,• and wherein the Operational Methodology (OM) introduces randomness into the voting process, allocation of (102), polling session events, distribution of (105) to eliminate predictability and manipulation, further enhancing security, integrity, and transparency of elections, conforming to a technological inventiveness and conceptual novelty break-through from earlier voting systems;Claim 2A system as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the (101) neither stores vote data nor processes candidate- specific information, functioning solely as a trigger and connection mediator, thereby further enforcing TICRI.Claim 3A system as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each (102) is operatively connected to its own (111) and two separate (105) devices, both storing identical vote records for redundancy and post-vote validation, and conforms to a novelty and inventive feature not found in earlier voting systems.Claim 4A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the (103) is configured to show real-time booth status to public without revealing voter identity or vote content and conforms to an inventive step and novelty not found in earlier voting systems.Claim 5A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the physical interconnection of (102) units is implemented via direct mechanical male-female connectors without the use of intermediate wiring, maintaining secure and tamper-evident physical integration conforming to an inventive arrangement of (102) devices and constituent parts resulting in novelty in the invention.Claim 6A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each 102 unit comprises a self-contained enclosure housing all components including the 109, 110, 105, and 111, physically isolated from other similar units to ensure nakedeye visible isolation; and conforms to be innovative and novel feature from voter and candidate’s faith winning viewpoint.Claim 7A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data stored on 105 includes metadata such as vote timestamp and unit ID, enabling traceable yet anonymous verification in line with TICRI.Claim 8A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each 111 produces a unique printout that is not retained within a shared repository but is instead stored or displayed per candidate 102 unit, ensuring physical vote isolation, proves an inventiveness and novelty.Claim 9A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the voting process allows simultaneous yet independently processed votes for different candidates through distinct 102 units, adheres to TICRI with inventiveness and novelty.Claim 10A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the 102 units are not programmable to accept multiple candidate selections, thereby eliminating logical isolation and enforcing complete physical segregation for being a an inventive and novel system conforming TICRI.Claim 11A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two 105 of each 102 unit may be removed and verified independently post-election to cross-validate the accuracy and integrity of vote data, a feature absent in prior systems and thus shows the inventiveness and novelty in the invention.Claim 12A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that no shared memory, processor, or software component exists amongdifferent 102 units, distinguishing it from systems relying on logical / software-based isolation differentiates from earlier voting systems making an inventive and novel system. -Claim 13A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entire voting mechanism is designed such that no single component (including 101 unit) can influence, access, or modify the data of multiple candidates, thereby achieving absolute decentralization of vote handling in accordance with TICRI principles conforms as inventive and novel system.

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