Systems and methods for deploying an online election process using an online voting component

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for deploying an online election process, wherein the system comprises an at least one processing unit comprising one or more components, wherein the components are interconnected, such as but is not limited to a security component for implementing at least one security protocol for the election event; an at least one online voting component comprising a digital dashboard for accessing by an at least one election officer, and an online voting platform for accessing by an at least one voter; a result aggregation component for collating result data from an at least one online voting component; an at least one user interface, connected to the processing unit, for allowing access and configuration to the said processing unit; an at least one data storage device for storing the processed result data by the processing unit; and an at least one communications unit, connected to the processing unit, configured to at least send the processed result data to an at least one third-party device and / or an at least one remote server.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEPLOYING AN ONLINE ELECTION PROCESS

[0002] USING AN ONLINE VOTING COMPONENT

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to systems and methods for a secure online voting using a processing unit with an online voting component having a digital dashboard and an online voting platform.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The advancement of technology in the digital era has made it possible to improve the accessibility and efficiency of a number of services, including the election procedures. Online voting is a modern way of conducting elections that makes use of internet technology to make voting easier and faster. This can also significantly increase the accessibility of the election process wherein voters can cast their votes remotely or in the comfort of their homes especially for the voters with disabilities. Through the online process, the election process can also be more efficient in terms of logistics and the aggregation of results. However, there are still some issues that we need to address such as security concerns or cyber threats which includes hacking, phishing, and malware. These threats compromise the confidentiality and the integrity of the election data in online voting. Moreover, there is also an issue on voter authentication to ensure that each vote is cast by a legitimate voter. This then further creates issues in the transparency and trust on online systems and processes. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can maintain election data integrity, has robust authentication mechanisms, and allows data verification through independent audits to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the election process.

[0007] US7278572B2 (US '572) discloses a system for electronically voting, counting, and examining ballots which can either be managed online or offline. The system comprises a voter identification terminal that searches a voter database; an electronic voting card issue apparatus for displaying information of the election as well as the image of the candidate included in the election. The present invention then provides additional steps of checking the legitimacy of voters that tries to access the online election process using a dedicated security component that assigns authorization to at least one voter. If an unauthorized voter is identified, the security component notifies an election officer and allows the removal of the said unauthorized user.

[0008] To further address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention discloses systems and methods for online deployment and implementation of the election process. The systems and methods provide at least a security component, an online voting component, and a result aggregation component. The said components aid in maintaining the integrity of the election process as well as its efficient overall management.

[0009] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for an online deployment and implementation of the election process.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to a system for an online deployment and implementation of the election process. The system comprises an at least one processing unit comprising one or more components, wherein the components are interconnected, such as but is not limited to: a security component for implementing at least one security protocol for the election event; an at least one online voting component comprising a digital dashboard for accessing by an at least one election officer, and an online voting platform for accessing by an at least one voter, wherein the digital dashboard and the online voting platform of the at least one online voting component are accessible via online means; and a result aggregation component for collating result data from an at least one online voting component. The system also comprises an at least one user interface, connected to the processing unit, for allowing access and configuration to the said processing unit; an at least one data storage device for storing the processed result data by the processing unit; and an at least one communications unit, connected to the processing unit, configured to at least send the processed result data to an at least one third-party device and / or an at least one remote server. The processing unit may also comprise a registration component for allowing an at least one voter to register for the election event; and an analytics component for processing the collated result data from the result aggregation component. The processing unit may further comprise a transparency portal for presenting the collated and processed result data via an at least one digital means. In accordance to the preferred embodiments of the invention, the at least one processing unit is configured to at least: allow the at least one election officer to access the online voting component; present dashboard data to the at least one election officer via the digital dashboard; optionally allow the modification of the dashboard data by the at least one election officer via the at least one user interface; store the modified dashboard data to an at least one data storage device connected to the processing unit, if the at least one election officer modifies the dashboard data; update the digital dashboard to display the modified dashboard data via the at least one user interface; allow the at least one voter to access an online election waiting area via the online voting platform by inputting voter login credentials to the said online voting platform; check if the at least one voter is authorized or unauthorized to access the online election process via the security component connected to the processing unit; remove the at least one unauthorized voter from the online election waiting area, if an at least one unauthorized voter is identified, via the security component; notify the election officer of the removal of the at least one unauthorized voter via the digital dashboard; activate the online election process if no unauthorized voter is identified via the digital dashboard; allow the access of the at least one voter to a voting page, if the online election process is activated; allow the start of the online election process via the voting page of the online voting platform; record an at least one vote by each of the at least one voter to the result data of the result aggregation component using the at least one data storage device; communicate the result data from the result aggregation component to the online voting component; allow the election officer to terminate the activated online election process via the digital dashboard; generate an election report using a result aggregation component connected to the online voting component for auditing or documenting the online election process; and present the generated election report to the election officer via the digital dashboard.

[0013] The invention also presents a method for deploying an online election process using an at least one processing unit having an online voting component, wherein the online voting component comprises a digital dashboard for accessing by an at least one election officer, and an online voting platform for accessing by an at least one voter; wherein the method comprises the steps of: - allowing the at least one election officer to access the online voting component by inputting user login credentials to the digital dashboard via an at least one user interface;

[0014] - presenting dashboard data to the at least one election officer via the digital dashboard, wherein the dashboard data is associated with the online election process comprising election title, election date, election scope data such as the name of the district or province, city or municipality, barangay, voting center, and / or combinations thereof;

[0015] - optionally modifying the dashboard data by the at least one election officer via the at least one user interface, wherein the step of modifying the dashboard data includes the step of allowing the election officer to rearrange dashboard data, overwrite the dashboard data, enter additional dashboard data, and allowing the election officer to set a position title and a maximum number of votes allowed for each position title;

[0016] - storing the modified dashboard data to an at least one data storage device connected to the processing unit, if the at least one election officer modifies the dashboard data;

[0017] - updating the digital dashboard to display the modified dashboard data via the at least one user interface;

[0018] - allowing the at least one voter to access an online election waiting area via the online voting platform by inputting voter login credentials to the said online voting platform;

[0019] - checking if the at least one voter is authorized or unauthorized to access the online election process via a security component connected to the processing unit;

[0020] - removing the access of the at least one unauthorized voter from the online election waiting area;

[0021] - notifying the election officer of the removal of the access of the at least one unauthorized voter via the digital dashboard;

[0022] - activating the online election process if no unauthorized voter is identified via the digital dashboard;

[0023] - transferring the access of the at least one authorized voter from the online election waiting area to a voting page of the online voting platform, wherein the voting page allows the at least one voter to start the election process;

[0024] - recording an at least one vote by each of the at least one voter to the result data of the result aggregation component using the at least one data storage device; - communicating the result data from the result aggregation component to the online voting component;

[0025] - allowing the election officer to terminate the activated online election process via the digital dashboard, wherein the termination of the activated online election process is based on an at least one condition such as when a predetermined election time is reached, if all voters have voted, or if the election officer decides to terminate the online election process;

[0026] - generating an election report using a result aggregation component connected to the online voting component for auditing or documenting the online election process; and

[0027] - presenting the generated election report to the election officer via the digital dashboard.

[0028] In another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the step of performing a zeroing process to the online voting component to ensure that the total number of votes is null, preferably before the activation of the online election process.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are included to understand the present invention further, are incorporated herein to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention. Along with the description, they also explain the principle of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. In the drawings:

[0031] FIG. 1 presents a diagram of system components in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 2 presents a diagram of system components in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of the method for deploying an online voting process.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The present invention relates to systems and methods for a secure online voting using a processing unit with an online voting component having a digital dashboard and an online voting platform. FIG. 1 presents the block diagram of the system for managing an election event, wherein the system 100 communicates with at least one internal or external device such as at least one training kiosk 101, at least one voting machine 102, at least one cloud or remote server 103. This enables the system 100 to exchange data between the said devices preferably the exchange of election data or communication data associated to the election event. The said system 100 may also exchange data between other similar systems 108 for managing the election event or a third-party device 109.

[0036] The system 100 preferably comprises at least one processing unit 104, at least one user interface 105, at least one data storage device 106, and at least one communications unit 107. It is conceivable that the at least one processing unit 104, at least one user interface 105, at least one data storage device 106, and at least one communications unit 107 are interconnected such that a data exchange exists between them. The at least one processing unit 104 processes the data received by the system 100 which can be through the at least one user interface 105 as inputted by one or more users or received via the at least one communications unit 107. The processed data can be training data or profile associated to at least one election officer relating to the training and / or certification of the said election officer via the processing unit 104 or a dedicated component of the processing unit 104. The processed data can also be data exchanged with at least one training kiosk 101 as preprocessed by at least one kiosk processing unit and communicated via the training kiosk's 101 kiosk communications unit. In another preferred embodiment, the processed data relate to the election data communicated by at least one voting machine 102.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the system 100 comprises at least one processing unit 104 which is preferably at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for a dedicated implementation of one or more tasks, processes, one or more set of instructions. The use of ASICs substantially increase the performance and energy efficiency of the processing unit 104 while reducing the costs associated with the implementation of the system's 100 functionalities. This is especially beneficial for election processes when a large amount of data are received, analyzed and processed. In some embodiments, the at least one processing unit 104 can be any microcontroller, microprocessor, field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or any hardware device capable of processing data, issuing instructions, or executing calculations associated to the election event. The processing unit 104 is configured to perform at least one functionality such as: allow an at least one voter to register for the election event; deploy an at least one election officer; manage an at least one election activity and an at least one election subprocess associated to the election event; implement at least one security protocol for the election event; collate result data from an at least one voting machine 102; process the collated result data; and present the collated and processed result data via an at least one digital means.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the processing unit 104 is configured to perform at least one functionality such as:

[0039] - allow the at least one election officer to access the online voting component;

[0040] - present dashboard data to the at least one election officer via the digital dashboard;

[0041] - optionally allow the modification of the dashboard data by the at least one election officer via the at least one user interface 105;

[0042] - store the modified dashboard data to an at least one data storage device 106 connected to the processing unit 104, if the at least one election officer modifies the dashboard data;

[0043] - update the digital dashboard to display the modified dashboard data via the at least one user interface;

[0044] - allow the at least one voter to access an online election waiting area via the online voting platform by inputting voter login credentials to the said online voting platform;

[0045] - check if the at least one voter is authorized or unauthorized to access the online election process via the security component connected to the processing unit 104;

[0046] - remove the at least one unauthorized voter from the online election waiting area, if an at least one unauthorized voter is identified, via the security component ;

[0047] - notify the election officer of the removal of the at least one unauthorized voter via the digital dashboard;

[0048] - activate the online election process if no unauthorized voter is identified via the digital dashboard; - allow the access of the at least one voter to a voting page, if the online election process is activated;

[0049] - allow the start of the online election process via the voting page of the online voting platform;

[0050] - record an at least one vote by each of the at least one voter to the result data of the result aggregation component using the at least one data storage device;

[0051] - communicate the result data from the result aggregation component to the online voting component;

[0052] - allow the election officer to terminate the activated online election process via the digital dashboard;

[0053] - generate an election report using a result aggregation component connected to the online voting component for auditing or documenting the online election process; and

[0054] - present the generated election report to the election officer via the digital dashboard.

[0055] The at least one processing unit 104 preferably performs advanced processing means such as intelligent systems, predictive algorithm, artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithm, machine learning, deep learning, or combinations thereof. This enables the system 100 to perform its operations with more time efficiency and accuracy.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the system 100 comprises at least one user interface 105 which is provided to at least one election officer or an authorized user. This can then display the data associated to the election event or means for controlling the system 100 such as accessing the system configuration, security settings, any means for managing the said system 100, or an overview of the management of the election event. Preferably, the user interface 105 is one or more input devices, input / output devices or display / input devices which may include simple analog buttons, a system of switches, digital displays, liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) displays, multi-point touch input screens, or combinations thereof. It is conceivable that the user interface 105 provides an at least one means for user interaction with the system 100.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the system 100 comprises at least one data storage device 106 for storing election data, associated to the election event, after being processed by the processing unit 104. The at least one data storage device 106 stores the processed result data by the processing unit 104. Preferably, the said election data are stored before sending the said data to other devices. This aims to lessen the risk of data loss by providing a backup storage within the system 100 which can also be used in data aggregation. It is preferred that the at least one data storage device 106 is a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions or memory devices that can be any medium or mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine or computer. The at least one data storage device 106 or the memory device can have a primary memory device and / or a secondary memory device as a backup storage device. The at least one data storage device 106 can be a read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, hard disk storage, optical storage media, flash memory devices, universal serial bus (USB) drive, secure digital (SD) card, memory chip, or a combination thereof.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the system 100 comprises at least one communications unit 107 to enable the exchange of data between the system 100 and at least one internal or external device such as, but is not limited to, at least one training kiosk 101, at least one voting machine 102, at least one cloud or remote server 103, one or more similar systems for managing the election event 108, and / or one or more third-party devices 109. The exchange of information can be the transfer of sensitive election data such as the polling results, the user or voter's data including personal data, and / or election event data, for example. The at least one communications unit 107 can be any transmitter, receiver, or transceiver used for long range (LoRa) modulation, radio frequency (RF), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, infrared, near field communication (NFC), visible light communication, microwave communication, satellite communication, Li-Fi, WiMax, ZigBee, cellular communication, code division multiple access (CDMA), 2G, global system for mobiles (GSM), 3G, 4G, long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution advanced (LTE-advanced), 5G, 5.5G, 6G, 6.5G, 7G, any other wireless communications protocol, or a combination thereof. The use of the said communications protocols establishes versatility and future proofing of the system 100 by allowing the selection of the most suitable communications unit for a certain physical environment or the location of the voting precinct. For example, if the voting precinct is located in a remote rural area, then the communications unit 107 can be configured to use long range (LoRa) modulation, radio frequency (RF), microwave communication, satellite communication, or combinations thereof. This further enables the assurance of data transmission while also incorporating means for data security.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment, the system 100 communicates with at least one training kiosk 101 via the at least one communications unit 107 via wired or wireless means. The at least one training kiosk 101 is configured to provide one or more modules for recruitment, training, and deployment of at least one election officer. The training kiosk 101 operates with the processing unit 104 to provide comprehensive training, simulations, and assessments in a digital environment.

[0060] In yet another preferred embodiment, the system 100 communicates with at least one voting machine 102 via the at least one communications unit 107. The at least one voting machine 102 is preferably a device for computing, collating, verifying authenticity, or performing an at least one process on the machine-readable data in the election ballots via the scanning of the said ballots, counting the votes for a particular candidate, and collating election data, for example. The said machine-readable data are preferably election data associated to the election event. The voting machine 102 can also be an advanced counting machine that ensures the security, accuracy, and transparency of the election event of the election process. Preferably, the at least one voting machine 102 is reconfigurable and offers easy customization by an authorized election officer to accommodate a wide range of election types and election related activities. This ensures interoperability with the system 100 as well as the other devices used for the election event. It is preferred that the voting machine 102 comprises parts allowing modularity and ensuring the ease to upgrade the voting machine's 102 parts accommodating new technologies. The said features ensure that the voting machine 102 remains up to date with the latest advancements, providing long-term sustainability and reliability in election management. For example, the voting machine 102 utilizes user authentication and digital signing using hardware cryptography preferably through public key infrastructure (PKI) wherein the PKI is a system of processes, technologies, and policies that allows the encryption and signing of data. Moreover, the use of PKI allows the voting machine 102 to issue digital certificates that authenticate the identity of the voters, ballots, services relating to the election event, other voting machines and / or the voting machine 102 itself. The said digital certificates creates a secure connection between the system 100 and / or voting machine 102 with the cloud / remote server 103. In another possible embodiment, the voting machine 102 comprises one or more means for authentication such as biometric authentication to check if the voter is registered to cast votes on a specific voting machine 102. In another preferred embodiment, the voting machine 102 utilizes multilingual support which aims to provide translation of machine instructions to different languages or dialects, as well as handicapped persons or persons with disability (PWD)-friendly instructions depending on the voting machine's 102 location or user preferences such as the use of audible instructions or the Braille system. This feature ensures that the voting machine 102 is operable by the election officer and / or the voter regardless of any disability while also dismissing language barriers. In yet another preferred embodiment, the voting machine 102 comprises one or more tracking device to monitor or determine the voting machine's geographical location and one or more internal or external condition using at least one sensor, wherein the internal or external condition relates to, but is not limited to, ambient temperature, internal temperature, humidity, vibration, orientation, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the voting machine 102 can be located remotely to facilitate absentee voting, for example. In this case, the voting machine 102 determines and logs its geographical location and transmits the data to the system 100 or a central server for security and monitoring. This feature is to facilitate the election to voters living abroad or those who are unable to attend the official voting location in the determined time.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the invention, the election data comprises one or more information relating to the election process such as, but not limited to, at least one election title, at least one precinct name associated to at least one geographical location where the election process is conducted, one or more election candidate information or the candidates' names for a particular position, or at least one political party name, for example. It is conceivable that the said election data are machine-readable data or intelligible codes that are configured to be accessed and / or processed by at least one system 100, at least one training kiosk 101, at least one voting machine 102, at least one cloud or remote server 103, and / or at least one third-party device 109 in a secured manner via at least one wired or wireless means.

[0062] In still another preferred embodiment, the system 100 communicates with at least one cloud or remote server 103 via the at least one communications unit 107. The at least one cloud or remote server 103 is a remotely available complex processing unit that can utilize one or more servers, databases, computers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or any hardware device capable of processing data, issuing instructions, or executing calculations. It is conceivable that the cloud or remote server 103 can perform parallel computing if complex data, analysis, or decision is required. The cloud or remote server 103 can be accessed via any communications protocol such as but is not limited to long range (LoRa) modulation, radio frequency (RF), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), fiber optics, wired communications media, Bluetooth, infrared, near field communication (NFC), visible light communication, microwave communication, satellite communication, Li-Fi, WiMax, ZigBee, cellular communication, code division multiple access (CDMA), 2G, global system for mobiles (GSM), 3G, 4G, long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution advanced (LTE-advanced), 5G, 5.5G, 6G, 6.5G, 7G, or a combination of thereof.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment, the system 100 communicates with one or more other systems 108 for managing another election process, any election subprocess, or any election related process via the at least one communications unit 107. The one or more other systems 108 can be connected in a same local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular network, a metropolitan area network (MAN), or a wide area network (WAN). It is conceivable that the one or more systems 108 are located in a different geographic location such as one or more precincts and / or one or more voting areas to perform the tasks associated to the election process.

[0064] In another preferred embodiment, the system 100 communicates with one or more third- party devices 109 via the at least one communications unit 107. The one or more third-party devices 109 can be an authorized network device capable of receiving election data such as the election results which can be a smartphone or computer connected either to an internal or external network.

[0065] FIG. 2 presents a diagram of system components in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The processing unit 104 of the system 100 is expanded to include at least one component that is dedicated to process at least one functionality. This may further enable faster processing times, increased accuracy, and / or better system management exhibited by device isolation in case an error in the system occurs. The said advantages are achieved by having a dedicated component that is focused on a certain task wherein its processing power or computational capability is fully optimized. Preferably, the processing unit 104 comprises at least one component such as, but is not limited to, at least one registration component 203, at least one training and certification component 204, at least one election management and configuration component 205, at least one ballot designer component 206, at least one security component 207, at least one result aggregation component 208, at least one online voting component 209, at least one transparency portal component 210, and / or at least one analytics component 211.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 104 comprises at least one registration component 203. The at least one registration component 203 is preferably configured to allow an at least one voter to register for the election event. The registration component 203 preferably manages the registration of eligible voters while ensuring the accuracy and the integrity of voter rolls, eligible voters list, voter registration data, and / or voter database. Preferably, the registration component 203 comprises at least one means to verify the identity of at least one voter as well as to ensure that the voters meet the eligibility criteria, and / or at least one voting requirement.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 104 comprises at least one training and certification component 204. The at least one training and certification component 204 is preferably configured to manage the deployment of an at least one election officer.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 104 comprises at least one election management and configuration component 205. The at least one election management and configuration component 205 is preferably configured to manage an at least one election activity and an at least one election subprocess associated to the election event.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 104 comprises at least one ballot designer component 206. The at least one ballot designer component 206 is preferably a digital platform, app, or software that is used for designing a ballot for the election process.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 104 comprises at least one security component 207. The at least one security component 207 is preferably configured to ensure the security of the election event. It is preferred that the at least one security component 207 is configured to safeguard digital assets and ensure the integrity and authenticity of the election related transactions such as the processing and transmission of the election data.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 104 comprises at least one result aggregation component 208. The at least one result aggregation component 208 is preferably configured to collate result data from an at least one voting machine 102.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 104 comprises at least one online voting component 209. The at least one online voting component 209 is, preferably, a digital platform comprising an online voting platform and a digital dashboard accessible via the user interface 105, wherein the online voting platform is for allowing voters to vote electronically online by connecting to the system 100 network or via the internet while the digital dashboard is for managing or configuring the system 100 by the election officer or an authorized user. Preferably, the digital dashboard displays to the said user the names of the candidates, the candidates' position, voter information, number of voters who voted, and an overview of the running tally of votes or the election result data. The at least one online voting component 209 is configured to perform means for implementing security measures or maintaining the accuracy and transparency of the election event or election process. The online voting component 209 comprises a modular architecture that allows for easy customization and adaption to accommodate different election events or election scenarios.

[0073] The at least one online voting component 209 is connected to the user interface 105 to provide an election officer or an authorized user with the digital display or digital dashboard that is configurable. The election officer accesses the digital dashboard by entering the user login credentials comprising a unique username and a corresponding password. Upon accessing the digital dashboard, the election officer is presented with the dashboard data comprising the election title, election date, election scope data such as the name of the district or province, city or municipality, barangay, voting center, and / or combinations thereof. The election officer can then modify the dashboard data by entering additional details or dashboard data, rearranging the dashboard data, overwriting the existing dashboard data via the at least one user interface displaying the digital dashboard. If the election officer modifies the dashboard data, a save button is prompted. The modified dashboard data are then saved in a data storage device connected to the processing unit. The digital dashboard may comprise pages for the election 'positions', 'candidates', 'ballot position', and 'voters'. The election officer may then modify, add, or delete data in these pages. For example, the election officer can set a position title and a maximum number of votes allowed for each of the position title. The said election officer may also set the candidates' full name and the position title each candidate is running for. The said election officer can also configure the position of each candidate in a ballot before deploying the election event. Moreover, the said election officer can also configure the total number of voters for the online election event. Preferably, each voter is presented with a pre-generated voter's ID and reset links. This allows the election officer to control the number of voters while assuring the anonymity of each voter and to verify the authorization of each of the voters. If the election officer finds an unauthorized voter having access to the online election process, the election officer can then remove the unauthorized voter and perform a security check.

[0074] During the election event, the authorized user such as the election officer accesses the online voting component 209 via the user interface 105 to manage the election event. Preferably, the election officer performs a zeroing step or process to the online voting component 209 to ensure that the total number of votes is zero at the start of the online election process. The election officer may then proceed to the management page of the digital dashboard and initiate the election event by pressing on the 'open election' button of the digital dashboard. This then activates or publishes the online election event and allows the voters to start voting.

[0075] In some embodiments, online election event can be sent to each voter in a form of an electronic mail or a link comprising a step-by-step instruction or guide for the election process. The electronic mail may comprise a voter ID, log-in link, reset password link, home page link, and survey link. The voter ID is preferably an automatically and randomly assigned unique code for each voter. By clicking on the log-in link, the voter is directed to an online voting platform where the voter needs to enter the credentials comprising a voter ID and a newly set password. If the credentials are correct, the voter is led to the welcome page. The status of the election event, whether it is available or not, is displayed to the voter. To proceed with the election process, the online election event must be published and activated by the election officer. Once activated, the voter can select the 'start voting' button. The voter is then directed to the voting page where the voter can now choose the candidates for each available position. The online voting component 209 can accept undervotes, but not overvotes. Moreover, the online voting component 209 requires the voter to select at least one candidate per ballot in order to proceed to the next steps. After selecting the candidates, the voter can a 'preview' button to review the summary of votes. After reviewing, the voter can now submit and proceed with the election process by selecting the 'cast my ballot' button. Once the ballot has been cast, the voter can only either review the summary of votes or the voter's receipt.

[0076] The at least one online voting component 209 is, preferably, a digital platform comprising a digital dashboard that is accessible via the user interface 105, wherein the digital dashboard is for managing or configuring the system 100 by the election officer or an authorized user. Once the election has started, the digital dashboard records and displays, preferably in realtime, the results data or the live stats of how many voters have voted and the running tally of each candidate. The at least one result aggregation component 208 is preferably configured to collate result data from online voting platform and communicate the collated result data to the online voting component 209. The online election event may then be terminated or closed based on at least one condition such as if the predetermined election time is reached, all voters have voted, or if the election officer or the authorized user selects the 'close election' button. Preferably, a security prompt requiring user login credentials is displayed to the user before ending the election event. Once the online election event ends, the voting is disabled. The election officer may then choose to generate reports via a 'reports' option in the online voting component 209. The said component 209 may then generate an at least one report comprising election returns, certificate of canvass and proclamation, and export generated VVPATs. In some embodiments, the online voting component 209 allows the election officer to initiate a tie-breaking policy in the event of a tie wherein at least two candidates achieve the same number of votes required to win a particular position. After canvassing the election results, the election officer may then download the generated report and / or all the voter receipts for auditing or documenting.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 104 comprises at least one transparency portal component 210. The at least one transparency portal component 210 is preferably configured to allow at least one voter or any person to have access to the result data and / or election data or the election results via at least one electronic means such as, but is not limited to, an online application or website accessible by a smartphone, a computer, a third-party device, or combinations thereof. It is conceivable that the transparency portal component 210 provides a trusted and reliable source of information about the status of the election results.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 104 comprises at least one analytics component 211. The at least one analytics component 211 is preferably configured to process the collated result data from the result aggregation component 208. In some embodiments, the at least one analytics component 211 preferably performs advanced processing means such as intelligent systems, predictive algorithm, artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithm, machine learning, deep learning, or combinations thereof. The analytics component 211 provides an analysis tool for post-election statistics and helps the election officer to easily analyze election data or result data, log files, search, and filter any data to help optimize the system's 100 performance, identify security threats, and streamline the troubleshooting of the election event or process, election activities, or election subprocesses.

[0079] In another preferred embodiment, the system 100 communicates with at least one training kiosk 101 via wired or wireless means provided by the at least one communications unit 107. The at least one training kiosk 101 comprises at least one kiosk interface 200, at least one kiosk communications unit 201, and at least one kiosk processing unit 202.

[0080] The at least one training kiosk 101 comprises at least one kiosk interface 200, wherein the at least one kiosk interface 200 can be one or more input devices, input / output devices or display / input devices which may include simple analog buttons, a system of switches, digital displays, liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) displays, multi-point touch input screens, or combinations thereof.

[0081] The at least one training kiosk 101 comprises at least one kiosk communications unit 201, wherein the at least one kiosk communications unit 201 enables the transfer of data via wired or wireless means from the training kiosk 101 to the system 100, to another system used for election 108, or to a third-party device 109. The at least one kiosk communications unit 201 can be any transmitter, receiver, or transceiver used for long range (LoRa) modulation, radio frequency (RF), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, infrared, near field communication (NFC), visible light communication, microwave communication, satellite communication, Li-Fi, WiMax, ZigBee, cellular communication, code division multiple access (CDMA), 2G, global system for mobiles (GSM), 3G, 4G, long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution advanced (LTE-advanced), 5G, 5.5G, 6G, 6.5G, 7G, any other wireless communications protocol, or a combination thereof.

[0082] The at least one training kiosk 101 comprises at least one kiosk processing unit 202, wherein the at least one kiosk processing unit 202 is a dedicated processing unit that is integrated or embedded in the training kiosk 101. This enables the isolation of the processing function from the system 100. Moreover, the at least one training kiosk 101 can be a device that is remotely located physically or geographically and is connected in a different network from the system 100. The connection between the training kiosk 101 and the system 100 is then enabled by the at least one kiosk communications unit 201. Preferably, the at least one kiosk processing unit 202 can be any microcontroller, microprocessor, or any hardware device capable of processing data, issuing instructions, or executing calculations associated to the election process preferably related to the management of the training and deployment of one or more election officer for the election process.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one kiosk processing unit 202 preferably performs advanced processing means such as intelligent systems, predictive algorithm, artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithm, machine learning, deep learning, or combinations thereof. This enables the training kiosk 101 to perform its operations with more time efficiency and accuracy.

[0084] The at least one training kiosk 101 further comprises at least one kiosk data storage device for storing any data associated to the election or training process. It is preferred that the at least one kiosk data storage device is a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions or memory devices that can be any medium or mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine or computer. The at least one kiosk data storage device or the memory device can have a primary memory device and / or a secondary memory device as a backup storage device. The at least one kiosk data storage device can be a read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, hard disk storage, optical storage media, flash memory devices, universal serial bus (USB) drive, secure digital (SD) card, memory chip, or a combination thereof. Fig. 3 presents a flowchart for the method of deploying an online election process using an at least one processing unit having an online voting component, wherein the online voting component comprises a digital dashboard for accessing by an at least one election officer, and an online voting platform for accessing by an at least one voter. The method comprises the steps of:

[0085] - allowing the at least one election officer to access the online voting component by inputting user login credentials to the digital dashboard via an at least one user interface (step 300);

[0086] - presenting dashboard data to the at least one election officer via the digital dashboard, wherein the dashboard data is associated with the online election process comprising election title, election date, election scope data such as the name of the district or province, city or municipality, barangay, voting center, and / or combinations thereof (step 301);

[0087] - optionally modifying the dashboard data by the at least one election officer via the at least one user interface (step 302);

[0088] - storing the modified dashboard data to an at least one data storage device connected to the processing unit, if the at least one election officer modifies the dashboard data (step 303);

[0089] - updating the digital dashboard to display the modified dashboard data via the at least one user interface (step 304);

[0090] - allowing the at least one voter to access an online election waiting area via the online voting platform by inputting voter login credentials to the said online voting platform (step 305);

[0091] - checking if the at least one voter is authorized or unauthorized to access the online election process via a security component connected to the processing unit (step 306);

[0092] - removing the access of the at least one unauthorized voter from the online election waiting area (step 307);

[0093] - notifying the election officer of the removal of the access of the at least one unauthorized voter via the digital dashboard (allowing the election officer to gather the information of the at least one unauthorized voter and adding the said unauthorized voter to a blacklist (step 308); - activating the online election process if no unauthorized voter is identified via the digital dashboard (step 309);

[0094] - transferring the access of the at least one authorized voter from the online election waiting area to a voting page of the online voting platform, wherein the voting page allows the at least one voter to start the election process (step 310);

[0095] - recording an at least one vote by each of the at least one voter to the result data of the result aggregation component using the at least one data storage device (step 311);

[0096] - communicating the result data from the result aggregation component to the online voting component (step 312);

[0097] - allowing the election officer to terminate the activated online election process via the digital dashboard (step 313);

[0098] - generating an election report using a result aggregation component connected to the online voting component for auditing or documenting the online election process (step 314); and

[0099] - presenting the generated election report to the election officer via the digital dashboard (step 315).

[0100] In step 302, the modification step allows the at least one election officer to rearrange dashboard data, overwrite the dashboard data, and / or enter additional dashboard data, and wherein the modification step further allows the at least one election officer to set a position title and a maximum number of votes allowed for each position title. This feature makes the digital dashboard customizable allowing broader capabilities for the election process.

[0101] In step 306, the checking if the at least one voter is authorized or unauthorized to access the online election process is performed via a security component connected to the processing unit. This functionality is preferably performed by the processing unit through the aid of the security component having an intrusion detection system (IDS). The IDS detects and prevents unauthorized access by analyzing traffic patterns, policy violations, or malicious activities / transactions. Upon detection, the IDS immediately sends an alert to the election officer via the digital dashboard. In another preferred embodiment, the IDS utilizes an at least one predictive model or classifier that can determine bad connections such as intrusions or attacks, and good connections from authorized users or in this case, authorized voters. In step 308, when the election officer is notified of the access removal of the at least one unauthorized voter via the digital dashboard, the election officer may gather, record, check, and / or store the digital information of the at least one unauthorized voter and add the said unauthorized voter to a blacklist having the list of blocked IP addresses.

[0102] Preferably before step 309, a step of performing a zeroing process is done to the online voting component. This ensures that the total number of votes is null or equates to zero preferably before the activation of the online election process. This is an added step for further ensuring the data integrity of the election process. Preferably, the result of this step is displayed to the election officer via the digital dashboard for verification.

[0103] In step 313, the termination of the activated online election process is based on an at least one condition such as when a predetermined election time is reached, if all voters have voted, or if the election officer decides to terminate the online election process. The election officer can set a certain election time for the election process via the digital dashboard. For example, the election officer can set an 8-hour period wherein the voters can access the voting page while also setting a voting time for the access. Another condition for the termination of the election process is when all the voters have voted. In this case, the processing unit automatically checks the election data, particularly the votes in the online voting component and compares the data with the list of qualified or authorized voters. When the processing unit verifies that all voters have voted, then the processing unit closes access to the online voting and secures the election data.

[0104] It is contemplated for embodiments described herein to extend to individual elements and concepts described herein, independently of other concepts, ideas or system, as well as for embodiments to include combinations of elements recited anywhere in this application. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. As such, many variations and modifications will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Illustrative embodiments such as those depicted refer to a preferred form but are not limited to its constraints and are subject to modification and alternative forms. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents. Moreover, it is contemplated that a feature described either individually or as part of an embodiment may be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments, even if the other features and embodiments make no mention of the said feature. Hence, the absence of describing combinations should not preclude the inventor from claiming rights to such combinations.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for deploying an online election process, comprising: an at least one processing unit (104) comprising one or more components, wherein the components are interconnected, such as but is not limited to:- a security component (207) for implementing at least one security protocol for the election event;- an at least one online voting component (209) comprising a digital dashboard for accessing by an at least one election officer, and an online voting platform for accessing by an at least one voter; and- a result aggregation component (208) for collating result data from an at least one online voting component (209); an at least one user interface (105), connected to the processing unit (104), for allowing access and configuration to the said processing unit (104); an at least one data storage device (106) for storing the processed result data by the processing unit (104); and an at least one communications unit (107), connected to the processing unit (104), configured to at least send the processed result data to an at least one third-party device (109) and / or an at least one remote server (103).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processing unit (104) is configured to at least:- allow the at least one election officer to access the online voting component (209);- present dashboard data to the at least one election officer via the digital dashboard;- optionally allow the modification of the dashboard data by the at least one election officer via the at least one user interface;- store the modified dashboard data to an at least one data storage device connected to the processing unit, if the at least one election officer modifies the dashboard data;- update the digital dashboard to display the modified dashboard data via the at least one user interface;- allow the at least one voter to access an online election waiting area via the online voting platform by inputting voter login credentials to the said online voting platform;- check if the at least one voter is authorized or unauthorized to access the online election process via the security component connected to the processing unit;- remove the at least one unauthorized voter from the online election waiting area, if an at least one unauthorized voter is identified, via the security component;- notify the election officer of the removal of the at least one unauthorized voter via the digital dashboard;- activate the online election process if no unauthorized voter is identified via the digital dashboard;- allow the access of the at least one voter to a voting page, if the online election process is activated;- allow the start of the online election process via the voting page of the online voting platform;- record an at least one vote by each of the at least one voter to the result data of the result aggregation component using the at least one data storage device;- communicate the result data from the result aggregation component to the online voting component;- allow the election officer to terminate the activated online election process via the digital dashboard;- generate an election report using a result aggregation component connected to the online voting component for auditing or documenting the online election process; and- present the generated election report to the election officer via the digital dashboard.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit (104) further comprises:- a registration component (203) for allowing an at least one voter to register for the election event; and- an analytics component (211) for processing the collated result data from the result aggregation component.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the wherein the processing unit (104) further comprises a transparency portal (210) for presenting the collated and processed result data via an at least one digital means.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital dashboard and the online voting platform of the at least one online voting component (209) are accessible via online means.

6. A method for deploying an online election process using an at least one processing unit having an online voting component, wherein the online voting component comprises a digital dashboard for accessing by an at least one election officer, and an online voting platform for accessing by an at least one voter; wherein the method comprises the steps of:- allowing the at least one election officer to access the online voting component by inputting user login credentials to the digital dashboard via an at least one user interface;- presenting dashboard data to the at least one election officer via the digital dashboard, wherein the dashboard data is associated with the online election process comprising election title, election date, election scope data such as the name of the district or province, city or municipality, barangay, voting center, and / or combinations thereof;- optionally modifying the dashboard data by the at least one election officer via the at least one user interface;- storing the modified dashboard data to an at least one data storage device connected to the processing unit, if the at least one election officer modifies the dashboard data;- updating the digital dashboard to display the modified dashboard data via the at least one user interface;- allowing the at least one voter to access an online election waiting area via the online voting platform by inputting voter login credentials to the said online voting platform;- checking if the at least one voter is authorized or unauthorized to access the online election process via a security component connected to the processing unit;- removing the access of the at least one unauthorized voter from the online election waiting area;- notifying the election officer of the removal of the access of the at least one unauthorized voter via the digital dashboard;- activating the online election process if no unauthorized voter is identified via the digital dashboard;- transferring the access of the at least one authorized voter from the online election waiting area to a voting page of the online voting platform, wherein the voting page allows the at least one voter to start the election process;- recording an at least one vote by each of the at least one voter to the result data of the result aggregation component using the at least one data storage device;- communicating the result data from the result aggregation component to the online voting component;- allowing the election officer to terminate the activated online election process via the digital dashboard;- generating an election report using a result aggregation component connected to the online voting component for auditing or documenting the online election process; and- presenting the generated election report to the election officer via the digital dashboard.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of modifying the dashboard data includes the step of allowing the election officer to rearrange dashboard data, overwrite the dashboard data, and / or enter additional dashboard data.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of modifying the dashboard data includes the step of allowing the election officer to set a position title and a maximum number of votes allowed for each position title.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprises the step of performing a zeroing process to the online voting component to ensure that the total number of votes is null, preferably before the activation of the online election process.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the termination of the activated online election process is based on an at least one condition such as when a predetermined election time is reached, if all voters have voted, or if the election officer decides to terminate the online election process.

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