Blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election method

Abstract

The invention relates to a method proposing the use of blockchain / distributed ledger technology in election systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election method in which anonymity is ensured by a method based on the foo protocol, digital and biometric identity verification are provided together, and both physical and electronic voting are permitted.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] BLOCKCHAIN / DISTRIBUTED LEDGER TECHNOLOGY-BASED ELECTION METHOD

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to a method that proposes the use of blockchain / distributed ledger technology in election systems.

[0005] The invention more specifically relates to a blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election method in which anonymity is ensured by a method based on the foo protocol, digital and biometric identity verification are provided together, and both physical and electronic voting are allowed.

[0006] Prior Art

[0007] Currently, elections in our country are conducted physically. In electronic election systems used in different countries, traditional centralized systems are employed. After each election, whether these data have been manipulated becomes a subject of debate.

[0008] In the current operation of the election system, the following problems may occur:

[0009] • Since there is no consensus mechanism during data entry into the system, incorrect data may be entered.

[0010] • Manipulations can be made on the reports containing the vote counting results.

[0011] • Votes may be cast on behalf of citizens who did not go to the ballot box.

[0012] Access issues may occur in systems due to high data entry traffic.• Citizens cannot view the data entered into the system in real time and in detail; it is only shared as percentages.

[0013] • Cyberattacks can be carried out on election systems.

[0014] • Current systems are not structurally suitable for online voting.

[0015] • The control of election systems by a central institution reduces the reliability of the results. Therefore, each political party develops its own system separately.

[0016] For this reason, blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election systems have been developed in the prior art.

[0017] WO2022125041A1 discloses a blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election system. In this document, biometric verification and SMS verification are generally proposed to ensure voter security in the existing election system. The ballot data containing electronically cast votes are recorded on the blockchain. However, the method of our invention differs in the following aspects:

[0018] • It is stated that anonymity is provided by the blockchain. In our method, anonymity is ensured by a new method based on the foo protocol.

[0019] • Biometric and SMS verification are used for user authentication. In our proposal, biometric and digital identity verification are used together. • Only electronic voting is allowed. In our proposal, both physical and electronic voting are permitted.

[0020] US2022319265A1 discloses a blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election system. This patent application generally focuses on encrypting user votes within a TEE environment and ensuring vote privacy. It involves the TEE encrypting the user's vote with a symmetric key and providing the symmetric key to the user's first data processing part to enter the encrypted vote into the distributedledger database. The user's vote is stored in the distributed ledger database as a vote encrypted with the symmetric key.

[0021] Our inventive method differs from the document US2022319265A1 in the following aspects:

[0022] • It is stated that user data can be represented anonymously by representing them as numbers, strings, etc. In our method, anonymity is ensured by a new method based on the foo protocol.

[0023] • No method for user authentication is described. In our proposal, biometric and digital identity verification are used together.

[0024] • Only electronic voting is allowed. In our proposal, both physical and electronic voting are permitted.

[0025] CN113285799A discloses a blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election system. This patent is essentially a blockchain-based election system. It consists of three types of nodes: main node, voting node, and verification node. After the votes are recorded on the blockchain, they are counted via a smart contract. The ballot information on the block is hashed and encapsulated after counting to ensure the privacy of the ballot information. A random number generated by a third-party system is added to the hashing process to make the result more secure.

[0026] Our inventive method differs from the patent document CN113285799A in the following aspects:

[0027] • The main node encrypts the ballot information on the block using the SHA- 256 algorithm to ensure ballot anonymity and protect voter privacy. In our method, anonymity is ensured by a new method based on the foo protocol.

[0028] • Electronic signature is used for user authentication. In our proposal, biometric and digital identity verification are used together.• Only electronic voting is allowed. In our proposal, both physical and electronic voting are permitted.

[0029] KR20230001599A discloses a blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election system. This patent is essentially an electronic election management system using blockchain-based contactless biometric identity verification (fingerprint or palm print information). Biometric information used in voting-related processes is recorded on the blockchain network. It is stated to include a database unit to store and manage electronic election information and voter information participating in the electronic election.

[0030] • In this patent, voting information is recorded in a database, whereas in our method, voting information is recorded on the blockchain / distributed ledger network.

[0031] • No explanation is given regarding anonymity. In our method, anonymity is ensured by a new method based on the foo protocol.

[0032] • Blockchain-based contactless biometric identity verification (fingerprint or palm print information) is used for user authentication. In our proposal, biometric and digital identity verification are used together.

[0033] • Only electronic voting is allowed. In our proposal, both physical and electronic voting are permitted.

[0034] When examining known applications in the prior art, a need has arisen to develop a blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election method in which anonymity is ensured by a method based on the foo protocol, digital and biometric identity verification are provided together, and both physical and electronic voting are permitted.

[0035] Object of the InventionThe object of this invention is to develop a blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election method in which anonymity is ensured by a method based on the foo protocol, digital and biometric identity verification are provided together, and both physical and electronic voting are permitted.

[0036] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0037] The invention relates to a blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election method to be executed on a processor or computer, comprising the following steps:

[0038] selecting one of the physical voting method or the electronic voting method by voter,

[0039] casting votes through physical or electronic ballot boxes by voters who prefer to vote physically,

[0040] recording votes cast via electronic ballot boxes directly onto the blockchain / distributed ledger network through anonymous addresses, scanning the ballot box result protocol data prepared as a result of the openly conducted counting of physically cast votes and entering it into the blockchain / distributed ledger network,

[0041] sending the results of physically cast votes to the officials at the ballot committee for approval,

[0042] recording the results on the blockchain / distributed ledger network if authorized representatives of parties or independent candidates approve the results,

[0043] sending the results to the election authority for review if the results are not recording on the blockchain / distributed ledger network if authorized representatives of parties or independent candidates do not approve the results,

[0044] casting vote by the voter who prefers electronic voting selects their preferred candidate from the ballot created according to their residential address, encrypting the cast vote with a randomly generated number,

[0045] blinding the encrypted message with the randomly generated value,sending the blinded message, signed by the voter using their private key, to the election board,

[0046] performing digital and biometric identity verification of the voter submitting the vote by the election authority,

[0047] using the foo protocol to ensure anonymity during the voter's voting process, checking whether the voter has previously voted by the election authority, signing the vote by the election authority and recording the vote to the blinded vote list if appropriate,

[0048] sending the signed vote back to the voter by the election authority, unblinding the blinded message by the voter and sending it in encrypted form via an anonymous address to the blockchain / distributed ledger network,

[0049] verifying whether the incoming votes have been approved by the election board by the blockchain / distributed ledger network,

[0050] recording the votes approved by the election board in encrypted form in the vote list with the key capable of decrypting the votes,

[0051] counting the votes after the election ends or after voting and recording them on the blockchain / distributed ledger network.

[0052] In the blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election system, depending on preference, a public, consortium, hybrid, or permissioned blockchain / distributed ledger technology architecture can be used. For development, one of the blockchain / distributed ledger technology infrastructures such as Hyperledger Fabric, Ethereum, Cosmos, Avalanche, Solana, Hedera Hashgraph, Holochain, Tempo, etc., can be preferred, or a blockchain / distributed ledger technology infrastructure customized for election systems can be developed. As consensus algorithms, one of Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, Raft, Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance, Byzantine Fault Tolerance, etc., can be chosen based on preference, or a new consensus algorithm can be developed. In the proposed method, algorithms such as MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, SHA-3, RIPEMD-160, Whirlpool, BLAKE2, BLAKE3, etc., can be used for the necessary hash generation process system- wide.In our country, the responsibility of securely conducting elections is assigned to the Supreme Election Council. In addition, political parties are the most important and active parties in this election process. Each participating party and independent candidate has the right to appoint representatives to monitor ballot box procedures at all ballot boxes. While the ballot counting processes are carried out under supervision, the entry of results into the system is performed by the Supreme Election Council. In this case, due to the intensity on election day, delays and errors may occur during data entry into the system. Furthermore, difficulties may arise in timely delivery of election result protocols to the Supreme Election Council. Additionally, the current structure creates a central point of failure for cyber attacks. Considering all these difficulties and the transformation the election will undergo in the future, it is seen that the existing election systems will not be sufficient.

[0053] The proposed Blockchain / Distributed Ledger Technology-Based Election System aims to ensure that elections, which are the foundation of democracies, are conducted securely, reliably, transparently, and verifiably. The proposed method ensures the recording and verification of election results on the blockchain / distributed ledger network. The blockchain / distributed ledger network to be established includes a total of five parties: the Election Authority, Candidates, Political Parties, Voters, and the Ballot Committee.

[0054] In the Blockchain / Distributed Ledger Technology-Based Election System, first, the Election Authority enters the election date into the system and initiates the process. The second stage is the registration of candidates in the election. Candidates can register independently or through parties. Candidates and parties share their digital wallet addresses with voters and can request donations up to the amount specified by law for the election. Digital, crypto, electronic, or similar monetary systems can be used as funds. The donations made can be transparently monitored. Election expenses can be made through the addresses in these wallets. If candidates do not use the funds in their wallets by election day, the remainingbalance is transferred to the Election Authority. Candidates who wish to withdraw by the election date may do so in accordance with the legal requirements. Candidates and parties may, if they wish, communicate their election promises to all voters through this system. After the candidacy process is completed, the registration of representatives from independent candidates and parties at the ballot committee is carried out. Voter lists are recorded and published on the blockchain / distributed ledger network by the election board. Digital signatures or digital identities will be used for identity verification of candidates, voters, and ballot committee members. The identity verification information from digital signatures or the digital identity system is loaded onto citizens' identity cards and used for identity verification. In addition, identity verification is performed through mobile devices where keys and identity information are securely stored. Trusted environments on processors are used to securely store keys or digital identity information on mobile devices. Trusted environments are isolated areas on microprocessors that provide secure data storage and application execution capabilities. Examples of trusted environments include TrustZone and TEE on ARM processors, TxT on Intel processors, or dedicated cryptographic processors such as TPM (Trusted Platform Module). Alongside digital signatures, one of the biometric verification methods is also used to perform two-factor authentication. This prevents voting on behalf of different individuals. After the officials at the ballot committee are also determined, the election is initiated.

[0055] After the election begins, citizens can vote either online or physically. A voter may choose to go to the polling station and vote physically; in this case, they cannot vote online. Voters who prefer to vote online cannot vote physically at the polling stations. Votes of voters who choose to vote physically are cast via physical or electronic ballot boxes. Physical votes are counted individually and entered into the system. Votes cast through electronic ballot boxes are recorded directly on the blockchain / distributed ledger network via anonymous addresses.For identity verification in online voting, either digital signature or digital identity systems are used according to preference. One of the biometric authentication methods (face recognition, retina recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.) is added to enable two-factor authentication. Votes are recorded anonymously on the blockchain / distributed ledger network to be used. For this purpose, the foo protocol utilizing blind signatures has been adapted for the blockchain / distributed ledger network. The following steps are sequentially performed for sending votes to the blockchain / distributed ledger network using blind signatures:

[0056] • The voter selects their preferred candidate from the ballot created according to their residential address.

[0057] • The vote is encrypted with a randomly generated number.

[0058] • The encrypted message is blinded with the randomly generated value.

[0059] • The blinded message is signed by the voter with their private key and sent to the election board.

[0060] • The election authority verifies the identity of the voter who sent the vote.

[0061] • The election authority checks whether the voter has voted previously.

[0062] • If appropriate, the election authority signs the vote and records it in the blinded vote list. The blinded vote list may be one or more. Different lists may be kept according to election regions to enable statistical analysis.

[0063] • The election authority sends the signed vote back to the voter.

[0064] • The voter unblinds the blinded message and sends it in encrypted form to the blockchain / distributed ledger network via an anonymous address.• The blockchain / distributed ledger network verifies whether the incoming votes are approved by the election board.

[0065] • Votes approved by the election board are recorded in the encrypted vote list with the key capable of decrypting the votes.

[0066] • Votes are counted after the election ends or after voting and recorded on the blockchain / distributed ledger network.

[0067] The foo protocol operates as follows:

[0068] Step 1 (Voter)

[0069] • The voter first selects who they vote for.

[0070] • The vote is encrypted with a randomly generated value.

[0071] • The encrypted message is blinded with the randomly generated value. • The blinded message is signed with the voter's private key and sent to the election board.

[0072] Step 2 (Election Authority)

[0073] • The election authority checks whether the voter has previously voted. • The election authority verifies that the vote belongs to the voter.

[0074] • If appropriate, the election authority signs the vote and records it in the public blinded ballot list.

[0075] • Finally, the election authority sends the vote back to the voter.

[0076] Step 3 (Voter)

[0077] • The voter unblinds the blinded message and sends it encrypted to the blockchain network.

[0078] Step 4 (Blockchain)• It is checked whether the messages sent to the blockchain network are approved by the election board.

[0079] • A serial number is assigned to the vote, and the encrypted vote is recorded in the public ballot list.

[0080] Step 5 (Voter)

[0081] • Check whether the public ballot list and the public blinded ballot list numbers are equal.

[0082] • A randomly generated key is sent to the voter to decrypt their encrypted vote corresponding to their serial number.

[0083] • Data is sent to the blockchain via anonymous public addresses.

[0084] Step 6 (Blockchain)

[0085] • The sent key is added to the public ballot list.

[0086] • The vote is recorded on the blockchain network.

[0087] A digital identity is an identity system in which the management of individuals’ and institutions’ identities is under their own control and administration. When digital identity is used, digital identity information is provided to all voters granting them the right to vote once. The voter shares only whether they are authorized to vote with this identity information. Since no other information is shared, voter privacy is ensured in this way. For visually impaired voters who will vote online, voice guidance is provided during system access and voice voting is enabled. The identity and vote information that holds the voting right is recorded on the election blockchain / distributed ledger network. After the online voting process is completed, the vote is directly recorded on the blockchain / distributed ledger network.

[0088] Thanks to digital identity, elections customized according to attributes such as profession, age, education level, nationality, etc., can be conducted, and detailed analysis of election results will also be enabled.The counting of physically cast votes can be conducted as in the current procedure. In this case, the ballot result protocol data prepared as a result of the openly conducted counting process is scanned and entered into the blockchain network. Then, the entered data is sent to the officials at the ballot committee for approval. If the officials of political parties or independent candidates approve the results, the results are recorded on the blockchain / distributed ledger network. If the officials of political parties or independent candidates do not approve the results, the results are not recorded on the blockchain / distributed ledger network and are sent to the election board for review. The results are rechecked by the election board, and if the objection is valid, the data is updated and recorded on the blockchain network. If the objection is not valid, the party's or independent candidate's vote is recorded on the blockchain / distributed ledger network. For parties and candidates without representatives at the ballot box, if the results are approved by the majority of officials present at the ballot box, the results are recorded on the blockchain network. Data not approved by the majority is sent to the election authority for approval. The election authority reviews the ballot result protocol and, if the entered results match those in the protocol, records them. If the data in the ballot result protocol does not match the data in the system, the data on the blockchain network is updated accordingly.

[0089] Additionally, the vote counting process can be automated so that the results are entered into the system by a developed application without human intervention. For this purpose, image processing and artificial intelligence technologies are used to classify the ballots via camera, and the result is recorded directly to the election blockchain or recorded after a certain consensus process. Votes classified by the counting application are sent to the approval of the ballot committee officials. Votes approved by the majority are recorded on the blockchain / distributed ledger network. Votes that are not approved are manually recorded on the blockchain network by the head of the ballot box as identified by the majority.Finally, after the counting and objections are completed, the election process is concluded by the Election Authority, and the records are stored immutably on the blockchain / distributed ledger network.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A blockchain / distributed ledger technology-based election method operable on a processor or computer, characterized in that it comprises;selecting one of the physical voting method or the electronic voting method by voter,casting votes through physical or electronic ballot boxes by voters who prefer to vote physically,recording votes cast via electronic ballot boxes directly onto the blockchain / distributed ledger network through anonymous addresses, scanning the ballot box result protocol data prepared as a result of the openly conducted counting of physically cast votes and entering it into the blockchain / distributed ledger network,sending the results of physically cast votes to the officials at the ballot committee for approval,recording the results on the blockchain / distributed ledger network if authorized representatives of parties or independent candidates approve the results,sending the results to the election authority for review if the results are not recording on the blockchain / distributed ledger network if authorized representatives of parties or independent candidates do not approve the results,casting vote by the voter who prefers electronic voting selects their preferred candidate from the ballot created according to their residential address, encrypting the cast vote with a randomly generated number,blinding the encrypted message with the randomly generated value, sending the blinded message, signed by the voter using their private key, to the election board,performing digital and biometric identity verification of the voter submitting the vote by the election authority,using the foo protocol to ensure anonymity during the voter's voting process,checking whether the voter has previously voted by the election authority, signing the vote by the election authority and recording the vote to the blinded vote list if appropriate,sending the signed vote back to the voter by the election authority, unblinding the blinded message by the voter and sending it in encrypted form via an anonymous address to the blockchain / distributed ledger network,verifying whether the incoming votes have been approved by the election board by the blockchain / distributed ledger network,recording the votes approved by the election board in encrypted form in the vote list with the key capable of decrypting the votes,counting the votes after the election ends or after voting and recording them on the blockchain / distributed ledger network.