Blockchain-Based Consensus Algorithm for Decentralized Secure Voting Systems

Abstract

Depending on past results, data manipulation, centralized control, and fraud could be problems with either digital or hand-voting systems. In a democratic state, everyone lacks honest and safe voting systems. Here, we present a fresh consensus approach for Proof of Eligibility and Identity (PoEI). The intended users of this system are distributed voting applications emphasizing security and forward-looking needs. This approach guarantees eligibility and enables anonymous voting by combining a custom permissioned blockchain with a zero-knowledge proof (ZKP)- based identity verification system. Furthermore, the approach guarantees the preservation of eligibility. While smart contracts manage voter registration, ballot submission, and automated tallying, cryptographic audit trails are responsible for increasing operational transparency. A virtual municipal election, which included 10,000 candidates, was conducted to confirm the approach. The election was an apparent success, given that there was no space for repeated voting and a transaction latency of less than a second. These findings suggest that the proposed model can replace current blockchain consensus systems, providing verifiability, tamper-proofness, and scalability. Ensuring its security, this work prepares for future electoral modernization grounded on distributed technologies.