Blockchain-Based Secure Electronic Voting System

Abstract

The transition from traditional paper-based voting to electronic systems has introduced significant efficiencies but has simultaneously created centralized vulnerabilities, including susceptibility to database manipulation and a lack of transparent audit trails. This research proposes a decentralized, blockchain-based voting framework designed to restore public trust through cryptographic immutability and end-to-end verifiability. By utilizing a Permissioned Proof of Stake (PPoS) consensus mechanism, the system achieves the high transaction throughput necessary for national-scale elections while maintaining a decentralized security posture that prevents any single entity from compromising the results. The technical core of this framework integrates Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) to resolve the tension between voter anonymity and auditability. This allows voters to prove their eligibility and the validity of their ballot without disclosing their identity or specific choice, thereby upholding the sanctity of the secret ballot. To address modern security threats, the study incorporates Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to safeguard against future decryption capabilities and utilizes Layer 2 scaling solutions to ensure network resilience during peak voting periods. Methodological validation was conducted through a simulated electoral environment, testing the system against common attack vectors such as DDoS and 51% attacks. The results indicate that the decentralized model significantly reduces the risk of systemic fraud compared to centralized alternatives. This paper concludes that while socio-technical barriers to entry exist, the proposed blockchain architecture provides a scalable, secure, and transparent foundation for the future of digital democracy.