sensors

Review
Blockchain for Electronic Voting System—Review and Open
Research Challenges
Uzma Jafar * , Mohd Juzaiddin Ab Aziz and Zarina Shukur

Faculty of Information Science and Technology, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia;
juzaiddin@ukm.edu.my (M.J.A.A.); zarinashukur@ukm.edu.my (Z.S.)
* Correspondence: uzmajafar@gmail.com

Abstract: Online voting is a trend that is gaining momentum in modern society. It has great potential
to decrease organizational costs and increase voter turnout. It eliminates the need to print ballot
papers or open polling stations—voters can vote from wherever there is an Internet connection.
Despite these benefits, online voting solutions are viewed with a great deal of caution because
they introduce new threats. A single vulnerability can lead to large-scale manipulations of votes.
Electronic voting systems must be legitimate, accurate, safe, and convenient when used for elections.
Nonetheless, adoption may be limited by potential problems associated with electronic voting sys-
tems. Blockchain technology came into the ground to overcome these issues and offers decentralized
nodes for electronic voting and is used to produce electronic voting systems mainly because of
their end-to-end verification advantages. This technology is a beautiful replacement for traditional
electronic voting solutions with distributed, non-repudiation, and security protection characteristics.
The following article gives an overview of electronic voting systems based on blockchain technology.
The main goal of this analysis was to examine the current status of blockchain-based voting research





 and online voting systems and any related difficulties to predict future developments. This study
provides a conceptual description of the intended blockchain-based electronic voting application and
Citation: Jafar, U.; Aziz, M.J.A.;
Shukur, Z. Blockchain for Electronic
an introduction to the fundamental structure and characteristics of the blockchain in connection to
Voting System—Review and Open electronic voting. As a consequence of this study, it was discovered that blockchain systems may
Research Challenges. Sensors 2021, 21, help solve some of the issues that now plague election systems. On the other hand, the most often
5874. https://doi.org/10.3390/ mentioned issues in blockchain applications are privacy protection and transaction speed. For a
s21175874 sustainable blockchain-based electronic voting system, the security of remote participation must
be viable, and for scalability, transaction speed must be addressed. Due to these concerns, it was
Academic Editors: Hong-Ning Dai, determined that the existing frameworks need to be improved to be utilized in voting systems.
Jiajing Wu and Hao Wang

Keywords: electronic voting; security; blockchain-based electronic voting; privacy; blockchain

Received: 6 July 2021
technology; voting; trust
Accepted: 25 August 2021
Published: 31 August 2021

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral

1. Introduction
with regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional affil- Electoral integrity is essential not just for democratic nations but also for state voter’s
iations. trust and liability. Political voting methods are crucial in this respect. From a government
standpoint, electronic voting technologies can boost voter participation and confidence
and rekindle interest in the voting system. As an effective means of making democratic
decisions, elections have long been a social concern. As the number of votes cast in real life
Copyright: © 2021 by the authors.
increases, citizens are becoming more aware of the significance of the electoral system [1,2].
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
The voting system is the method through which judges judge who will represent in political
This article is an open access article
and corporate governance. Democracy is a system of voters to elect representatives by
distributed under the terms and voting [3,4]. The efficacy of such a procedure is determined mainly by the level of faith
conditions of the Creative Commons that people have in the election process. The creation of legislative institutions to represent
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// the desire of the people is a well-known tendency. Such political bodies differ from student
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ unions to constituencies. Over the years, the vote has become the primary resource to
4.0/). express the will of the citizens by selecting from the choices they made [2].

Sensors 2021, 21, 5874. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21175874 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors

Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 2 of 22

The traditional or paper-based polling method served to increase people’s confidence

in the selection by majority voting. It has helped make the democratic process and the elec-
toral system worthwhile for electing constituencies and governments more democratized.
There are 167 nations with democracy in 2018, out of approximately 200, which are either
wholly flawed or hybrid [5,6]. The secret voting model has been used to enhance trust in
democratic systems since the beginning of the voting system.
It is essential to ensure that assurance in voting does not diminish. A recent study
revealed that the traditional voting process was not wholly hygienic, posing several ques-
tions, including fairness, equality, and people’s will, was not adequately [7] quantified and
understood in the form of government [2,8].
Engineers across the globe have created new voting techniques that offer some anti-
corruption protection while still ensuring that the voting process should be correct. Technol-
ogy introduced the new electronic voting techniques and methods [9], which are essential
and have posed significant challenges to the democratic system. Electronic voting increases
election reliability when compared to manual polling. In contrast to the conventional
voting method, it has enhanced both the efficiency and the integrity of the process [10].
Because of its flexibility, simplicity of use, and cheap cost compared to general elections,
electronic voting is widely utilized in various decisions [11]. Despite this, existing electronic
voting methods run the danger of over-authority and manipulated details, limiting funda-
mental fairness, privacy, secrecy, anonymity, and transparency in the voting process. Most
procedures are now centralized, licensed by the critical authority, controlled, measured,
and monitored in an electronic voting system, which is a problem for a transparent voting
process in and of itself.
On the other hand, the electronic voting protocols have a single controller that oversees
the whole voting process [12]. This technique leads to erroneous selections due to the
central authority’s dishonesty (election commission), which is difficult to rectify using
existing methods. The decentralized network may be used as a modern electronic voting
technique to circumvent the central authority.
Blockchain technology offers a decentralized node for online voting or electronic
voting. Recently distributed ledger technologies such blockchain were used to produce
electronic voting systems mainly because of their end-to-end verification advantages [13].
Blockchain is an appealing alternative to conventional electronic voting systems with
features such as decentralization, non-repudiation, and security protection. It is used to
hold both boardroom and public voting [8]. A blockchain, initially a chain of blocks, is
a growing list of blocks combined with cryptographic connections. Each block contains
a hash, timestamp, and transaction data from the previous block. The blockchain was
created to be data-resistant. Voting is a new phase of blockchain technology; in this area,
the researchers are trying to leverage benefits such as transparency, secrecy, and non-
repudiation that are essential for voting applications [14]. With the usage of blockchain for
electronic voting applications, efforts such as utilizing blockchain technology to secure and
rectify elections have recently received much attention [15].
The remainder of the paper is organized as follows. Section 2 explains how blockchain
technology works, and a complete background of this technology is discussed. How
blockchain technology can transfer the electronic voting system is covered in Section 3.
In Section 4, the problems and their solutions of developing online voting systems are
identified. The security requirements for the electronic voting system are discussed in
Section 5, and the possibility of electronic voting on blockchain is detailed in Section 6.
Section 7 discusses the available blockchain-based electronic voting systems and analyzes
them thoroughly. In Section 8, all information related to the latest literature review is
discussed and analyzed deeply. Section 9 addresses the study, open issues, and future
trends. Furthermore, in the end, Section 10 concludes this survey.
sors 2021, 21, 5874 3 of 23

Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 3 of 22

2. Background
The first things that come to mind about the blockchain are cryptocurrencies and
2. Background
smart contracts because of the well-known initiatives in Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitcoin
was the first crypto-currency
The first things solution
that comethat toused
mind a blockchain data structure.
about the blockchain Ethereum
are cryptocurrencies and
introduced smart
smart contracts
contractsbecause
that leverage the power ofinitiatives
of the well-known blockchain immutability
in Bitcoin and dis-Bitcoin was
and Ethereum.
the first while
tributed consensus crypto-currency solution that used
offering a crypto-currency a blockchain
solution comparabledata structure.
to Bitcoin.Ethereum
The intro-
ducedcontracts
concept of smart smart contracts that leverage
was introduced much the power
earlier byofNick
blockchain
Szabo in immutability
the 1990s and andis distributed
described asconsensus while offering
“a set of promises, a crypto-currency
specified in digital form,solution comparable
including protocolsto Bitcoin.
within The concept of
which
the parties perform on these promises” [16]. In Ethereum, a smart contract is a piece ofis described
smart contracts was introduced much earlier by Nick Szabo in the 1990s and
code deployed as “atosetthe
of network
promises,so specified in digital
that everyone hasform, including
access protocols
to it. The result within which the parties
of executing
this code is perform
verified onby these promises”
a consensus [16]. In Ethereum,
mechanism and by every a smart
membercontract is anetwork
of the piece ofascode
a deployed
whole [17]. to the network so that everyone has access to it. The result of executing this code is verified
Today,by weacall
consensus mechanism
a blockchain a set ofand by every combining
technologies member of the the blockchain
network asdata a whole [17].
struc-
Today, we call a blockchain a set of technologies
ture itself, distributed consensus algorithm, public key cryptography, and smart contracts combining the blockchain data
structure itself, distributed consensus
[18]. Below we describe these technologies in more detail. algorithm, public key cryptography, and smart
contracts
Blockchain creates[18]. Belowofwe
a series describe
blocks these technologies
replicated in more
on a peer-to-peer detail. Any block
network.
in blockchain has Blockchain creates ahash
a cryptographic seriesandof blocks replicated
timestamp addedonto a peer-to-peer
the previousnetwork.
block, as Any block in
shown in Figure 1. A block contains the Merkle tree block header and several transactions as shown
blockchain has a cryptographic hash and timestamp added to the previous block,
in Figure
[19]. It is a secure 1. A blockmethod
networking containsthatthe Merkle
combines treecomputer
block header and and
science several transactions [19]. It is
mathematics
to hide data and information from others that is called cryptography. It allows the data toto hide data
a secure networking method that combines computer science and mathematics
be transmittedand securely
information from
across theothers that isnetwork,
insecure called cryptography.
in encryptedItand allows the dataforms
decrypted to be transmitted
[20,21]. securely across the insecure network, in encrypted and decrypted forms [20,21].

Figure 1. The blockchain structure.

Figure 1. The blockchain structure.

As was alreadyAs was mentioned, the blockchain

already mentioned, itself is the itself
the blockchain nameisfor thethe datafor
name structure.
the data structure.
All the written
All the written data are divided into blocks, and each block contains a the
data are divided into blocks, and each block contains a hash of all hash data
of all the data
from the previous
from theblock as part
previous of its
block as data [22].
part of its The
dataaim[22].ofThe
using
aimsuch a data
of using suchstructure is
a data structure is to
to achieve provable immutability.
achieve provable If a piece of
immutability. If adata
pieceis changed,
of data isthe block’sthe
changed, hash containing
block’s hash containing
this piece needs to be needs
this piece recalculated, and the hashes
to be recalculated, and of theallhashes
subsequent blocks also blocks
of all subsequent need toalso be need to be
recalculatedrecalculated
[23]. It means [23].only the hash
It means onlyof thethe latest
hash block
of the latesthasblock
to behas
used
to beto used
guarantee
to guarantee that
that all the all
data
theremains
data remainsunchanged.
unchanged.In blockchain
In blockchain solutions, data data
solutions, stored in blocks
stored in blocksare are formed
formed from all the
from validated
all the validatedtransactions
transactionsduring theirtheir
during creation, which
creation, means
which no one
means no can
one can insert,
delete
insert, delete or alter
or alter transactions
transactions in anin already
an already validated
validated block
block without
without it being
it being noticed [24]. The
noticed
initial
[24]. The initial zero-block,
zero-block, called
called thethe “genesis
“genesis block,”
block,” usually
usually contains
contains somesome network
network set-settings, for
example,
tings, for example, the
the initial
initial setset
ofof validators
validators (those
(those who
who issue
issue blocks).
blocks).
Blockchain Blockchain
solutions aresolutions
developed aretodeveloped
be used intoa distributed
be used in aenvironment.
distributed environment.
It is as- It is
assumed that nodes contain identical data and form
sumed that nodes contain identical data and form a peer-to-peer network without a cen- a peer-to-peer network without a
central authority. A consensus algorithm is used to
tral authority. A consensus algorithm is used to reach an agreement on blockchain datareach an agreement on blockchain data
that is fault-tolerant
that is fault-tolerant in the presence in theofpresence
malicious of malicious
actors. Such actors. Such consensus
consensus is called is called Byzantine
Byzan-
fault tolerance, named after the Byzantine Generals’ Problem [25]. Blockchain solutions use
different Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT) consensus algorithms: Those that are intended to
be used in fully decentralized self-organizing networks, such as cryptocurrency platforms,
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 4 of 22

use algorithms such as proof-of-work or proof-of-stake, where validators are chosen by

an algorithm so that it is economically profitable for them to act honestly [26]. When the
network does not need to be self-organized, validators can be chosen at the network setup
stage [27]. The point is that all validators execute all incoming transactions and agree on
achieving results so that more than two-thirds of honest validators need to decide on the
outcome.
Public key cryptography is used mainly for two purposes: Firstly, all validators own
their keypairs used to sign consensus messages, and, secondly, all incoming transactions (re-
quests to modify blockchain data) have to be signed to determine the requester. Anonymity
in a blockchain context relates to the fact that anyone wanting to use cryptocurrencies just
needs to generate a random keypair and use it to control a wallet linked to a public key [28].
The blockchain solution guarantees that only the keypair owner can manage the funds in
the wallet, and this property is verifiable [29,30]. As for online voting, ballots need to be
accepted anonymously but only from eligible voters, so a blockchain by itself definitely
cannot solve the issue of voter privacy.
Smart contracts breathed new life into blockchain solutions. They stimulated the
application of blockchain technology in efforts to improve numerous spheres. A smart
contract itself is nothing more than a piece of logic written in code. Still, it can act as an
unconditionally trusted third party in conjunction with the immutability provided by a
blockchain data structure and distributed consensus [31]. Once written, it cannot be altered,
and all the network participants verify all steps. The great thing about smart contracts is
that anybody who can set up a blockchain node can verify its outcome.
As is the case with any other technology, blockchain technology has its drawbacks.
Unlike other distributed solutions, a blockchain is hard to scale: An increasing number
of nodes does not improve network performance because, by definition, every node
needs to execute all transactions, and this process is not shared among the nodes [32].
Moreover, increasing the number of validators impacts performance because it implies a
more intensive exchange of messages during consensus. For the same reason, blockchain
solutions are vulnerable to various denial-of-service attacks. If a blockchain allows anyone
to publish smart contracts in a network, then the operation of the entire network can be
disabled by simply putting an infinite loop in a smart contract. A network can also be
attacked by merely sending a considerable number of transactions: At some point, the
system will refuse to receive anything else. In cryptocurrency solutions, all transactions
have an execution cost: the more resources a transaction utilizes, the more expensive it will
be, and there is a cost threshold, with transactions exceeding the threshold being discarded.
In private blockchain networks [33,34], this problem is solved depending on how the
network is implemented via the exact mechanism of transaction cost, access control, or
something more suited to the specific context.

2.1. Core Components of Blockchain Architecture

These are the main architectural components of Blockchain as shown in Figure 2.
• Node: Users or computers in blockchain layout (every device has a different copy of a
complete ledger from the blockchain);
• Transaction: It is the blockchain system’s smallest building block (records and details),
which blockchain uses;
• Block: A block is a collection of data structures used to process transactions over the
network distributed to all nodes.
• Chain: A series of blocks in a particular order;
• Miners: Correspondent nodes to validate the transaction and add that block into the
blockchain system;
• Consensus: A collection of commands and organizations to carry out blockchain
processes.
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 5 of 23

Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 5 of 23

Sensors 2021, 21, 5874

• Consensus: A collection of commands and organizations to carry out blockchain pro- 5 of 22
cesses.
• Consensus: A collection of commands and organizations to carry out blockchain pro-
cesses.

Figure 2. Core components of blockchain architecture.

Figure2.2.Core
Figure Corecomponents
componentsofofblockchain
blockchainarchitecture.
architecture.
2.2. Critical Characteristics of Blockchain Architecture
2.2.
2.2.Critical
BlockchainCriticalCharacteristics
architecture ofofBlockchain
has many
Characteristics benefits
Blockchain Architecture
for all sectors that incorporate blockchain.
Architecture
Here are a variety of
Blockchain embedded
Blockchainarchitecture characteristics
architecturehas hasmany as described
manybenefits
benefits for
forallFigure
sectors
all sectors 3:that
thatincorporate
incorporateblockchain.
blockchain.
• Here
Hereareareaavariety
Cryptography: ofofembedded
Blockchain
variety characteristics
transactions
embedded asasdescribed
are authenticated
characteristics and
described Figure 3:3: because of
accurate
Figure
computations
•• Cryptography:and cryptographic
Cryptography: Blockchain
Blockchain evidence between
transactions
transactions are the parties involved;
areauthenticated
authenticated and
andaccurate
accuratebecause
becauseofof
• Immutability: Any
computations blockchain
and documents
cryptographic cannot
evidence be changed
between
computations and cryptographic evidence between the parties involved; the or deleted;
parties involved;
• Provenance: It refers to
•• Immutability:
Immutability: Anytheblockchain
Any fact that every
blockchain transaction
documents
documents can be
cannot
cannot betracked
changed
changed inoror
the blockchain
deleted;
deleted;
ledger;
•• Provenance:
Provenance: It refers to the fact that every transaction can be trackedininthe
It refers to the fact that every transaction can be tracked theblockchain
blockchain
• Decentralization:
ledger;
ledger; The entire distributed database may be accessible by all members
of •the
• blockchain network.
Decentralization:
Decentralization: The
The Aentire
consensus
entire algorithm
distributed
distributed allows
database
database maycontrol
may be of the system,
beaccessible
accessible by
byall as
allmembers
members
shown of of the blockchain network. A consensus algorithm allows control of the system,asas
in the blockchain
core process; network. A consensus algorithm allows control of the system,
• shown
Anonymity: shown Ain inthe
thecore
coreprocess;
blockchain network participant has generated an address rather than
process;
•• identification.
a user Anonymity:
Anonymity: A blockchainnetwork
A blockchain
It maintains participant
anonymity,
network has
especially
participant hasgenerated
ingenerated anan
a blockchain address
publicrather
address sys- than
rather a
than
tem; user identification. It maintains anonymity, especially in a blockchain
a user identification. It maintains anonymity, especially in a blockchain public sys- public system;
• • Transparency:
Transparency:
tem; It means It means being unable
being unable to manipulate
to manipulate the blockchain
the blockchain network. network.
It does It does
not
not•happen happen as it
as it takes immensetakes immense computational resources to erase the blockchain
Transparency: It means computational
being unable toresources
manipulate to erase the blockchain
the blockchain net- It does
network.
work. network.
not happen as it takes immense computational resources to erase the blockchain net-
work.

Figure 3.Figure
Characteristics of blockchain
3. Characteristics architecture.
of blockchain architecture.

3.Figure
How 3.Blockchain
Characteristics of blockchain architecture.
Can Transform the Electronic Voting System
Blockchain technology fixed shortcomings in today’s method in elections made the
polling mechanism clear and accessible, stopped illegal voting, strengthened the data
protection, and checked the outcome of the polling. The implementation of the electronic
voting method in blockchain is very significant [35]. However, electronic voting carries
significant risks such as if an electronic voting system is compromised, all cast votes can
probably be manipulated and misused. Electronic voting has thus not yet been adopted on
 3. How Blockchain Can Transform the Electronic Voting System
Blockchain technology fixed shortcomings in today’s method in elections made the
polling mechanism clear and accessible, stopped illegal voting, strengthened the data pro-
tection, and checked the outcome of the polling. The implementation of the electronic vot-
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 ing method in blockchain is very significant [35]. However, electronic voting carries sig- 6 of 22
nificant risks such as if an electronic voting system is compromised, all cast votes can
probably be manipulated and misused. Electronic voting has thus not yet been adopted
on a national scale,
a national considering
scale, consideringallall
itsitspossible
possibleadvantages.
advantages.Today,
Today,there
there is
is aa viable
viable solu-
solution to
tion toovercome
overcomethe therisks
risksand
andelectronic
electronicvoting,
voting,which
whichisisblockchain
blockchaintechnology.
technology.In InFigure
Figure4, one
4, onecan
cansee
seethe
themain
maindifference
differencebetween
betweenboth bothofof the
the systems.
systems. InIn traditional
traditional voting
voting sys- we
systems,
tems, have
we have a central
a central authority
authority to cast
to cast a vote.
a vote. If someone
If someone wants
wants to to modify
modify oror change
change the
the record,
record, theycan
they candodoititquickly;
quickly;nonoone
one knows
knows howhow toto verify
verify that
thatrecord.
record.OneOnedoes doesnot
nothave
have the
the central authority;
central authority;thethedata
dataare
arestored
storedin inmultiple
multiple nodes.
nodes. It
It is not possible
is not possible to tohack
hackallallnodes
nodesandandchange
changethethedata.
data.Thus,
Thus,inin this
this way,
way,one
onecannot
cannotdestroy
destroythethevotes
votesand
andefficiently
efficientlyverify
verifythe
thevotes
votesbybytally
tallywith
withother
othernodes.
nodes.

FigureFigure 4. Traditional
4. Traditional vs. blockchain
vs. blockchain votingvoting system.
system.

If the Iftechnology
the technology
is usedis correctly,
used correctly, the blockchain
the blockchain is a digital,
is a digital, decentralized,
decentralized, en- en-
crypted, transparent ledger that can withstand manipulation and fraud. Because of theof the
crypted, transparent ledger that can withstand manipulation and fraud. Because
distributed
distributed structure
structure of the of the blockchain,
blockchain, a Bitcoin
a Bitcoin electronic
electronic votingvoting
systemsystem reduces
reduces the risks
the risks
involved with electronic voting and allows for a tamper-proof for the
involved with electronic voting and allows for a tamper-proof for the voting system. A voting system. A
blockchain-based electronic voting system requires a wholly distributed voting infrastruc-
blockchain-based electronic voting system requires a wholly distributed voting infrastruc-
ture. Electronic voting based on blockchain will only work where the online voting system
ture. Electronic voting based on blockchain will only work where the online voting system
is fully controlled by no single body, not even the government [36]. To sum-up, elections
is fully controlled by no single body, not even the government [36]. To sum-up, elections
can only be free and fair when there is a broad belief in the legitimacy of the power held
can only be free and fair when there is a broad belief in the legitimacy of the power held
by those in positions of authority. The literature review for this field of study and other
by those in positions of authority. The literature review for this field of study and other
related experiments may be seen as a good path for making voting more efficient in terms
related experiments may be seen as a good path for making voting more efficient in terms
of administration and participation. However, the idea of using blockchain offered a new
of administration and participation. However, the idea of using blockchain offered a new
model for electronic voting.
model for electronic voting.
4. Problems and Solutions of Developing Online Voting Systems
4. Problems and Solutions of Developing Online Voting Systems
Whether talking about traditional paper-based voting, voting via digital voting ma-
Whether
chines, ortalking about
an online traditional
voting system,paper-based voting, need
several conditions votingto via digital voting ma-
be satisfied:
chines, or an online voting system, several conditions need to be satisfied:
• Eligibility: Only legitimate voters should be able to take part in voting;
• Eligibility:
• Only legitimate
Unreusability: voters
Each voter canshould be able
vote only to take part in voting;
once;
• Unreusability:
• Each voter can vote only once;
Privacy: No one except the voter can obtain information about the voter’s choice;
• Privacy:
• No oneNo
Fairness: except the obtain
one can voter can obtain information
intermediate about the voter’s choice;
voting results;
• Soundness: Invalid ballots should be detected and not taken into account during
tallying;
• Completeness: All valid ballots should be tallied correctly.
Below is a brief overview of the solutions for satisfying these properties in online
voting systems.
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 7 of 22

4.1. Eligibility
The solution to the issue of eligibility is rather apparent. To take part in online
voting, voters need to identify themselves using a recognized identification system. The
identifiers of all legitimate voters need to be added to the list of participants. But there
are threats: Firstly, all modifications made to the participation list need to be checked so
that no illegitimate voters can be added, and secondly, the identification system should be
both trusted and secure so that a voter’s account cannot be stolen or used by an intruder.
Building such an identification system is a complex task in itself [37]. However, because
this sort of system is necessary for a wide range of other contexts, especially related to
digital government services, researchers believe it is best to use an existing identification
system, and the question of creating one is beyond the scope of work.

4.2. Unreusability
At first, glance, implementing unreusability may seem straightforward—when a voter
casts their vote, all that needs to be done is to place a mark in the participation list and not
allow them to vote a second time. But privacy needs to be taken into consideration; thus,
providing both unreusability and voter anonymity is tricky. Moreover, it may be necessary
to allow the voter to re-vote, making the task even more complex [38]. A brief overview
of unreusability techniques will be provided below in conjunction with the outline on
implementing privacy.

4.3. Privacy
Privacy in the context of online voting means that no one except the voter knows
how a participant has voted. Achieving this property mainly relies on one (or more) of the
following techniques: blind signatures, homomorphic encryption, and mix-networks [39].
Blind signature is a method of signing data when the signer does not know what they
are signing. It is achieved by using a blinding function so that blinding and signing
functions are commutative–Blind(Sign(message)) = Sign(Blind(message)). The requester
blinds (applies blinding function to) their message and sends it for signing. After obtaining
a signature for a blinded message, they use their knowledge of blinding parameters to
derive a signature for an unblinded message. Blind signatures mathematically prevent
anyone except the requester from linking a blinded message and a corresponding signature
pair with an unblinded one [40].
The voting scheme proposed by Fujioka, Okamoto, and Ohta in 1992 [41] uses a blind
signature: An eligible voter blinds his ballot and sends it to the validator. The validator
verifies that the voter is allowed to participate, signs the blinded ballot, and returns it to
the voter. The voter then derives a signature for the unblinded vote and sends it to the
tallier, and the tallier verifies the validator’s signature before accepting the ballot.
Many online voting protocols have evolved from this scheme, improving usability
(in the original method, the voter had to wait till the end of the election and send a ballot
decryption key), allowing re-voting, or implementing coercion resistance. The main threat
here is the power of the signer: There must be a verifiable log of all emitted signatures;
this information logically corresponds to the receiving of a ballot by the voter, so it should
be verified that only eligible voters receive signatures from the signer [42]. It should also
be verifiable that accounts of voters who are permitted to vote but have not taken part in
voting are not utilized by an intruder. To truly break the link between voter and ballot, the
ballot and the signature need to be sent through an anonymous channel [43].
Homomorphic encryption is a form of encryption that allows mathematical operations
to be performed on encrypted data without decryption, for example, the addition
Enc(a) + Enc(b) = Enc(a + b); or multiplication Enc(a) × Enc(b) = Enc(a × b). In the
context of online voting, additive homomorphic encryption allows us to calculate the sum
of all the voters’ choices before decryption.
It is worth mentioning here that multiplicative homomorphic encryption can generally
be used as an additive. For example, if we have choices x and y and multiplicative
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 8 of 22

homomorphic encryption, we can select a value g and encrypt exponentiation: Enc(gx) ×

Enc(gy) = Enc(g(x + y)).
Homomorphic encryption can be used to obtain various properties necessary in
an online voting system; with regards to privacy, it is used so that only the sum of all
the choices is decrypted, and never each voter’s choice by itself. Using homomorphic
encryption for privacy implies that decryption is performed by several authorities so that
no one can obtain the decryption key; otherwise, privacy will be violated [44].
It is usually implemented with a threshold decryption scheme. For instance, let us
say that we have n authorities. To decrypt a result, we need t of them, t <= n. The protocol
assumes that each authority applies its vital part to the sum of the encrypted choices. After
t authorities perform this operation, we get the decrypted total sum of choices. In contrast
to the blind signature scheme, no anonymous channel between voters and the system is
needed. Still, privacy relies on trust in the authorities: If a malicious agreement is reached,
all voters can be deanonymized.
Mix-networks also rely on the distribution of the trust, but in another way. The idea
behind a mix-network is that voters’ choices go through several mix-servers that shuffle
them and perform an action–either decryption or re-encryption, depending on the mix-
network type. In a decryption mix network, each mixing server has its key, and the voter
encrypts their choice like an onion so that each server will unwrap its layer of decryption.
In re-encryption mix-networks, each mix server re-encrypts the voters’ choices.
There are many mix-network proposals, and reviewing all their properties is beyond
the scope of this paper. The main point regarding privacy here is that, in theory, if at least
one mix-server performs an honest shuffle, privacy is preserved. It is slightly different
from privacy based on homomorphic encryption, where we make assumptions about the
number of malicious authorities. In addition, the idea behind mix-networks can be used to
build anonymous channels required by other techniques [45].

4.4. Fairness
Fairness in terms of no one obtaining intermediate results is achieved straightfor-
wardly: Voters encrypt their choices before sending, and those choices are decrypted at the
end of the voting process. The critical thing to remember here is that if someone owns a
decryption key with access to encrypted decisions, they can obtain intermediate results.
This problem is solved by distributing the key among several keyholders [41]. A system
where all the key holders are required for decryption is unreliable—if one of the key hold-
ers does not participate, decryption cannot be performed. Therefore, threshold schemes
are used whereby a specific number of key holders are required to perform decryption.
There are two main approaches for distributing the key: secret sharing, where a trusted
dealer divides the generated key into parts and distributes them among key holders (e.g.,
Shamir’s Secret Sharing protocol); and distributed key generation, where no trusted dealer
is needed, and all parties contribute to the calculation of the key (for example, Pedersen’s
Distributed Key Generation protocol).

4.5. Soundness and Completeness

On the face of it, the completeness and soundness properties seem relatively straight-
forward, but realizing them can be problematic depending on the protocol. If ballots are
decrypted one by one, it is easy to distinguish between valid and invalid ones, but things
become more complicated when it comes to homomorphic encryption. As a single ballot is
never decrypted, the decryption result will not show if more than one option was chosen
or if the poll was formed so that it was treated as ten choices (or a million) at once. Thus,
we need to prove that the encrypted data meets the properties of a valid ballot without
compromising any information that can help determine how the vote was cast. This task
is solved by zero-knowledge proof [46]. By definition, this is a cryptographic method of
proving a statement about the value without disclosing the value itself. More specifically,
range proofs demonstrate that a specific value belongs to a particular set in such cases.
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 9 of 22

The properties described above are the bare minimum for any voting solution. But
all the technologies mentioned above are useless if there is no trust in the system itself.
A voting system needs to be fully verifiable to earn this trust, i.e., everyone involved can
ensure that the system complies with the stated properties. Ensuring verifiability can
be split into two tasks: personal, when the voter can verify that their ballot is correctly
recorded and tallied; and universal, when everyone can prove that the system as a whole
works precisely [47]. This entails the inputs and outputs of the voting protocol stages being
published and proof of correct execution. For example, mix-networks rely on proof of
correct shuffling (a type of zero-knowledge proof), while proof of correct decryption is
also used in mix-networks and threshold decryption. The more processes that are open to
public scrutiny, the more verifiable the system is. However, online voting makes extensive
use of cryptography, and the more complex the cryptography, the more obscure it is for
most system users [48]. It may take a considerable amount of time to study the protocol
and even more to identify any vulnerabilities or backdoors, and even if the entire system is
carefully researched, there is no guarantee that the same code is used in real-time.
Last but not least are problems associated with coercion and vote-buying. Online
voting brings these problems to the next level: As ballots are cast remotely from an
uncontrolled environment, coercers and vote buyers can operate on a large scale [49]. That
is why one of the desired properties of an online voting system is coercion resistance. It is
called resistance because nothing can stop the coercer from standing behind the voter and
controlling its actions. The point here is to do as much as possible to lower the risk of mass
interference. Both kinds of malefactors—coercers and vote buyers—demand proof of how
a voter voted. That is why many types of coercion resistance voting schemes introduce the
concept of receipt-freeness.
The voter cannot create a receipt that proves how they voted. The approaches to
implementing receipt-freeness generally rely on a trusted party—either a system or device
that hides the unique parameters used to form a ballot from the voter, so the voter cannot
prove that a particular ballot belongs to them [50]. The reverse side of this approach is that
if a voter claims that their vote is recorded or tallied incorrectly, they simply cannot prove
it due to a lack of evidence.
An overview of technologies used to meet the necessary properties of online vot-
ing systems and analysis deliberately considered the properties separately [51]. When
it comes to assembling the whole protocol, most solutions introduce a trade-off. For ex-
ample, as noted for the blind signature, there is a risk that non-eligible voters will vote,
receipt-freeness contradicts verifiability, a more complex protocol can dramatically reduce
usability, etc. Furthermore, the fundamental principles of developing the solution, but
many additional aspects must be considered in a real-world system like security and
reliability of the communication protocols, system deployment procedure, access to system
components [52]. At present, no protocol satisfies all the desired properties and, therefore,
no 100% truly robust online voting system exists.

5. Security Requirements for Voting System

Suitable electronic voting systems should meet the following electronic voting require-
ments. Figure 5 shows the main security requirements for electronic voting systems.

5.1. Anonymity
Throughout the polling process, the voting turnout must be secured from external
interpretation. Any correlation between registered votes and voter identities inside the
electoral structure shall be unknown [20,53].
2021, 21, 5874 10 of 23

5. Security Requirements for Voting System

Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 10 of 22
Suitable electronic voting systems should meet the following electronic voting re-
quirements. Figure 5 shows the main security requirements for electronic voting systems.

Anonymity Accessibilit
Recoverabilit
y and
y and
Identification Reassuran
ce

Auditabilit
Availability
y and and Mobility
Accuracy

Security
Democrac Transparenc
y/Singulari y and
ty Fairness

Verifiable
participation
Vote-Privacy
/
Authenticity

Robustness Voters
and Integrity Verifiability

Figure 5. Security requirements

Figure forrequirements
5. Security electronic voting system. voting system.
for electronic

5.1. Anonymity 5.2. Auditability and Accuracy

Throughout the Accuracy, also called
polling process, thecorrectness, demands
voting turnout must that the declared
be secured from results
externalcorrespond pre-
cisely to the election results. It means that nobody can change the
interpretation. Any correlation between registered votes and voter identities inside the voting of other citizens,
that the final tally includes
electoral structure shall be unknown [20,53]. all legitimate votes [54], and that there is no definitive tally of
invalid ballots.
5.2. Auditability and Accuracy
5.3. Democracy/Singularity
Accuracy, also A called correctness,
“democratic” demands
system that the
is defined declared
if only results
eligible correspond
voters can vote,pre-
and only a single
cisely to the election results. It means that nobody can change the voting of other citizens,
vote can be cast for each registered voter [55]. Another function is that no one else should
that the final tally includes
be able all legitimate
to duplicate votes [54], and that there is no definitive tally of
the vote.
invalid ballots.
5.4. Vote Privacy
5.3. Democracy/Singularity
After the vote is cast, no one should be in a position to attach the identity of a voter
A “democratic”
with itssystem is defined secrecy
vote. Computer if only eligible voters
is a fragile can
type of vote, and only awhich
confidentiality, singlemeans that the
vote can be castvoting
for each registered remains
relationship voter [55]. Another
hidden forfunction is thatperiod
an extended no oneaselse should
long as the current rate
be able to duplicate the vote.
continues to change with computer power and new techniques [56,57].

5.4. Vote Privacy5.5. Robustness and Integrity

After the vote isThis condition
cast, meansbe
no one should that
in a position
reasonably large group
to attach of electors
the identity or representatives
of a voter
cannot disrupt the election. It ensures that registered voters will
with its vote. Computer secrecy is a fragile type of confidentiality, which means that the abstain without problems
or encourage others to cast their legitimate votes for themselves.
voting relationship remains hidden for an extended period as long as the current rate con- The corruption of citizens
tinues to change and officials
with is prohibited
computer power and from
newdenying an [56,57].
techniques election result by arguing that some other
member has not performed their portion correctly [58].
5.5. Robustness and Integrity
5.6. Lack of Evidence
This condition means that a reasonably large group of electors or representatives can-
While anonymous privacy ensures electoral fraud safeguards, no method can be
not disrupt the election. It ensures that registered voters will abstain without problems or
assured that votes are placed under bribery or election rigging in any way. This question
encourage others to cast their legitimate votes for themselves. The corruption of citizens
has its root from the start [59].
and officials is prohibited from denying an election result by arguing that some other
member has not performed
5.7. theirand
Transparency portion correctly [58].
Fairness
It means that before the count is released, no one can find out the details. It avoids acts
such as manipulating late voters’ decisions by issuing a prediction or offering a significant
yet unfair benefit to certain persons or groups as to be the first to know [60].
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 11 of 22

5.8. Availability and Mobility

During the voting period, voting systems should always be available. Voting systems
should not limit the place of the vote.

5.9. Verifiable Participation/Authenticity

The criterion also referred to as desirability [61] makes it possible to assess whether or
not a single voter engaged in the election [62]. This condition must be fulfilled where voting
by voters becomes compulsory under the constitution (as is the case in some countries
such as Australia, Germany, Greece) or in a social context, where abstention is deemed to
be a disrespectful gesture (such as the small and medium-sized elections for a delegated
corporate board).

5.10. Accessibility and Reassurance

To ensure that everyone who wants to vote has the opportunity to avail the correct
polling station and that polling station must be open and accessible for the voter. Only
qualified voters should be allowed to vote, and all ballots must be accurately tallied to
guarantee that elections are genuine [63].

5.11. Recoverability and Identification

Voting systems can track and restore voting information to prevent errors, delays, and
attacks.

5.12. Voters Verifiability

Verifiability means that processes exist for election auditing to ensure that it is done
correctly. Three separate segments are possible for this purpose: (a) uniform verification or
public verification [64] that implies that anybody such as voters, governments, and external
auditors can test the election after the declaration of the tally; (b) transparent verifiability
against a poll [65], which is a weaker prerequisite for each voter to verify whether their
vote has been taken into account properly.

6. Electronic Voting on Blockchain

This section provides some background information on electronic voting methods.
Electronic voting is a voting technique in which votes are recorded or counted using
electronic equipment. Electronic voting is usually defined as voting that is supported
by some electronic hardware and software. Such regularities should be competent in
supporting/implementing various functions, ranging from election setup through vote
storage. Kiosks at election offices, laptops, and, more recently, mobile devices are all
examples of system types. Voter registration, authentication, voting, and tallying must be
incorporated in the electronic voting systems Figure 6.
One of the areas where blockchain may have a significant impact is electronic vot-
ing. The level of risk is so great that electronic voting alone is not a viable option. If
an electronic voting system is hacked, the consequences will be far-reaching. Because a
blockchain network is entire, centralized, open, and consensus-driven, the design of a
blockchain-based network guarantees that fraud is not theoretically possible until ade-
quately implemented [66]. As a result, the blockchain’s unique characteristics must be taken
into account. There is nothing inherent about blockchain technology that prevents it from
being used to any other kind of cryptocurrency. The idea of utilizing blockchain technology
to create a tamper-resistant electronic/online voting network is gaining momentum [67].
End users would not notice a significant difference between a blockchain-based voting
system and a traditional electronic voting system.
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 12 of 23
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 12 of 22

Figure 6. Blockchain voting systems architectural overview.

Figure 6. Blockchain voting systems architectural overview.
On the other hand, voting on the blockchain will be an encrypted piece of data that is
fully open and publicly stored on a distributed blockchain network rather than a single
One of the areas where blockchain may have a significant impact is electronic voting.
server. A consensus process on a blockchain mechanism validates each encrypted vote,
The level of risk is so great that electronic voting alone is not a viable option. If an elec-
and the public records each vote on distributed copies of the blockchain ledger [68]. The
tronic voting system is hacked, the consequences will be far-reaching. Because a block-
government will observe how votes were cast and recorded, but this information will not
chain network to
be restricted is entire,
policy. centralized,
The blockchain open, andsystem
voting consensus-driven,
is decentralized the and
design of a block-
completely open,
chain-based network guarantees that fraud is not theoretically possible
yet it ensures that voters are protected. This implies that anybody may count the votes with until adequately
implemented
blockchain [66]. As a result,
electronic voting,the butblockchain’s
no one knows unique
who characteristics
voted to whom. must be taken
Standard into
electronic
account. There is nothing inherent about blockchain technology that
voting and blockchain-based electronic voting apply to categorically distinct organizational prevents it from be-
ingideas.
used to any other kind of cryptocurrency. The idea of utilizing blockchain technology
to create a tamper-resistant electronic/online voting network is gaining momentum [67].
End 7. users
Currentwould not notice a significant
Blockchain-Based Electronicdifference between a blockchain-based voting
Voting Systems
system The and following
a traditional electronic
businesses and voting system. founded but mainly formed over the last
organizations,
five years, are developing the voting sector. Allwill
On the other hand, voting on the blockchain be aanstrong
share encryptedvisionpiece of data
for the that
blockchain
is fully open and publicly stored on a distributed blockchain network
network to put transparency into practice. Table 1 shows the different online platforms, rather than a single
server.
theirAconsensus,
consensusand process on a blockchain
the technology used mechanism
to develop validates
the system. eachCurrently
encryptedavailable
vote,
and blockchain-based voting systems have scalability issues. These systems can beThe
the public records each vote on distributed copies of the blockchain ledger [68]. used
government
on a smallwill observe
scale. Still,how
theirvotes were are
systems castnotandefficient
recorded, forbut
thethis information
national level will not
to handle
be millions
restricted of to policy. The
transactions blockchain
because they usevoting system
current is decentralized
blockchain frameworks andsuchcompletely
as Bitcoin,
open, yet it ensures
Ethereum, that voters
Hyperledger Fabric,areetc.
protected.
In TableThis 2 weimplies
presentthat anybodyanalysis
scalability may count the
of famous
votes with blockchain electronic voting, but no one knows who
blockchain platforms. The scalability issue arises with blockchain value suggestions; voted to whom. Standard
electronic
therefore, voting
alteringandblockchain
blockchain-basedsettingselectronic
cannot bevotingeasily apply
increased.to categorically distinct
To scale a blockchain,
organizational
it is insufficientideas.
to increase the block size or lower the block time by lowering the hash
complexity. By each approach, the scaling capability hits a limit before it can achieve
7. Current Blockchain-Based
the transactions needed toElectronic
compete with Voting Systems such as Visa, which manages an
companies
average of 150 million transactions per
The following businesses and organizations, founded day. Research released by Tataformed
but mainly Communications
over the
last five years, are developing the voting sector. All share a strong vision for theand
in 2018 has shown that 44% of the companies used blockchain in their survey refers
block-
to general issues arising from the use of new technology. The
chain network to put transparency into practice. Table 1 shows the different online plat- unresolved scalability issue
emerges
forms, theiras a barrier from
consensus, and thean architectural
technology used standpoint to blockchain
to develop the system. adoption
Currentlyandavaila-
practical
implementations. As Deloitte Insights puts it, “blockchain-based
ble blockchain-based voting systems have scalability issues. These systems can be used systems are comparatively
on slow.
a small Blockchain’s
scale. Still, sluggish
their systemstransaction
are notspeed
efficientis afor
major
the concern
nationalfor enterprises
level to handlethat depend
millions
on high-performance legacy transaction processing systems.”
of transactions because they use current blockchain frameworks such as Bitcoin, In 2017 and 2018, the public
Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, etc. In Table 2 we present scalability analysis of famousfor
attained an idea of issues with scalability: significant delays and excessive charging
the Bitcoin
blockchain network and
platforms. Thethe infamousissue
scalability Cryptokitties
arises withapplication
blockchain that clogged the Ethereum
value suggestions;
blockchain network (a network that thousands of decentralized applications rely on).
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 13 of 22

Table 1. Comparison of current blockchain-based electronic voting systems.

Main Features
Online Voting Cryptographic Consensus (Online Blockchain Voting System)
Framework Language
Platforms Algorithm Protocol Verifiability Accuracy/
Audit Anonymity Integrity Accessibility Scalability Affordability
by Voter Correctness
Follow My
Bitcoin C++/Python ECC PoW X X X X X 7 X X
Vote
Voatz Hyperledger Fabric Go/JavaScript AES/GCM PBFT X X X X X 7 X X
Private/local
Polyas NP ECC PET X X X X X 7 X NA
Blockchains
Luxoft Hyperledger Fabric Go/JavaScript ECC/ElGamal PBFT X X X X X 7 X X
Shamir’s Secret
Polys Ethereum Solidity PoW X X X X X 7 X X
Sharing
Agora Bitcoin Python ElGamal BFT-r X X X X X 7 X X

Table 2. Scalability analysis of famous blockchain platforms.

Generation Cryptographic Power

Framework Year Release Hash Rate Transactions Per Sec Mining Difficulty Reward/Block Scalability
Time Algorithm Consumption
High (around
Bitcoin 2008 9.7 min 899.624 Th/s 4.6 max 7 ECDSA Very High 25 BTC Very Low
165,496,835,118)
Ethereum 2015 10 to 19 s 168.59 Th/s 15 ECDSA High (around 10,382,102) High 5 ether Low
Hyperledger No built-in
2015 10 ms NA 3500 ECC No mining required Very Low Good
Fabric cryptocurrency
Litecoin 2011 2.5 min 1.307 Th/s 56 Scrypt Low 55,067 Moderate 25 LTC Moderate
Ripple 2012 3.5 s NA 1500 RPCA No mining required Very Low Base Fee Good
Dogecoin 2013 1 min 1.4 Th/s 33 Scrypt Low 21,462 Low 10,000 Doge Low
Peercoin 2012 10 min 693.098 Th/s 8 Hybrid Moderate (476,560,083) Low 67.12 PPC Low
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 14 of 22

7.1. Follow My Vote

It is a company that has a secure online voting platform cantered on the blockchain
with polling box audit ability to see real-time democratic development [69]. This platform
enables the voters to cast their votes remotely and safely and vote for their ideal candidate.
It can then use their identification to open the ballot box literally and locate their ballot
and check that both that it is correct and that the election results have been proven to be
accurate mathematically.

7.2. Voatz
This company established a smartphone-based voting system on blockchain to vote
remotely and anonymously and verify that the vote was counted correctly [70]. Voters
confirm their applicants and themselves on the application and give proof by an image
and their identification to include biometric confirmation that either a distinctive signature
such as fingerprints or retinal scans.

7.3. Polyas
It was founded in Finland in 1996. The company employs blockchain technology to
provide the public and private sectors with an electronic voting system [71]. Polyas has
been accredited as secure enough by the German Federal Office for Information Security for
electronic voting applications in 2016. Many significant companies throughout Germany
use Polyas to perform electronic voting systems. Polyas now has customers throughout
the United States and Europe.

7.4. Luxoft
The first customized blockchain electronic voting system used by a significant industry
was developed by the global I.T. service provider Luxoft Harding, Inc., in partnership with
the City of Zug and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences of Switzerland [72]. To drive
government adoption of blockchain-based services, Luxoft announces its commitment to
open source this platform and establishes a Government Alliance Blockchain to promote
blockchain use in public institutions.

7.5. Polys
Polys is a blockchain-based online voting platform and backed with transparent
crypto algorithms. Kaspersky Lab powers them. Polys supports the organization of polls
by student councils, unions, and associations and helps them spread electoral information
to the students [73]. Online elections with Polys lead to productivity in a community,
improve contact with group leaders, and attract new supporters [74]. Polys aims to reduce
time and money for local authorities, state governments, and other organizations by helping
them to focus on collecting and preparing proposals.

7.6. Agora
It is a group that has introduced a blockchain digital voting platform. It was estab-
lished in 2015 and partially implemented in the presidential election in Sierra Leone in
March 2018. Agora’s architecture is built on several technological innovations: a custom
blockchain, unique participatory security, and a legitimate consensus mechanism [75]. The
vote is the native token in Agora’s ecosystem. It encourages citizens and chosen bodies,
serving as writers of elections worldwide to commit to a secure and transparent electoral
process. The vote is the Agora ecosystem’s universal token.

8. Related Literature Review

Several articles have been published in the recent era that highlighted the security and
privacy issues of blockchain-based electronic voting systems. Reflects the comparison of
selected electronic voting schemes based on blockchain.
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 15 of 22

The open vote network (OVN) was presented by [76], which is the first deployment of
a transparent and self-tallying internet voting protocol with total user privacy by using
Ethereum. In OVN, the voting size was limited to 50–60 electors by the framework. The
OVN is unable to stop fraudulent miners from corrupting the system. A fraudulent voter
may also circumvent the voting process by sending an invalid vote. The protocol does
nothing to guarantee the resistance to violence, and the electoral administrator wants to
trust [77,78].
Furthermore, since solidity does not support elliptic curve cryptography, they used an
external library to do the computation [79]. After the library was added, the voting contract
became too big to be stored on the blockchain. Since it has occurred throughout the history
of the Bitcoin network, OVN is susceptible to a denial-of-service attack [80]. Table 3 shows
the main comparison of selected electronic voting schemes based on blockchain.
Lai et al. [81] suggested a decentralized anonymous transparent electronic voting
system (DATE) requiring a minimal degree of confidence between participants. They think
that for large-scale electronic elections, the current DATE voting method is appropriate.
Unfortunately, their proposed system is not strong enough to secure from DoS attacks
because there was no third-party authority on the scheme responsible for auditing the
vote after the election process. This system is suitable only for small scales because of
the limitation of the platform [8]. Although using Ring Signature keeps the privacy of
individual voters, it is hard to manage and coordinate several signer entities. They also
use PoW consensus, which has significant drawbacks such as energy consumption: the
“supercomputers” of miners monitor a million computations a second, which is happening
worldwide. Because this arrangement requires high computational power, it is expensive
and energy-consuming.
Shahzad et al. [2] proposed the BSJC proof of completeness as a reliable electronic
voting method. They used a process model to describe the whole system’s structure. On
a smaller scale, it also attempted to address anonymity, privacy, and security problems
in the election. However, many additional problems have been highlighted. The proof of
labor, for example, is a mathematically vast and challenging job that requires a tremendous
amount of energy to complete. Another problem is the participation of a third party since
there is a significant risk of data tampering, leakage, and unfair tabulated results, all of
which may impact end-to-end verification. On a large scale, generating and sealing the
block may cause the polling process to be delayed [8].
Gao et al. [8] has suggested a blockchain-based anti-quantum electronic voting proto-
col with an audit function. They have also made modifications to the code-based Niederre-
iter algorithm to make it more resistant to quantum assaults. The Key Generation Center
(KGC) is a certificateless cryptosystem that serves as a regulator. It not only recognizes the
voter’s anonymity but also facilitates the audit’s functioning. However, an examination
of their system reveals that, even if the number of voters is modest, the security and effi-
ciency benefits are substantial for a small-scale election. If the number is high, some of the
efficiency is reduced to provide better security [82].
Yi [83] presented the blockchain-based electronic voting Scheme (BES) that offered
methods for improving electronic voting security in the peer-to-peer network using
blockchain technology. A BES is based on the distributed ledger (DLT) may be employed
to avoid vote falsification. The system was tested and designed on Linux systems in a
P2P network. In this technique, counter-measurement assaults constitute a significant
issue. This method necessitates the involvement of responsible third parties and is not
well suited to centralized usage in a system with many agents. A distributed process, i.e.,
the utilization of secure multipart computers, may address the problem. However, in this
situation, computing expenses are more significant and maybe prohibitive if the calculation
function is complex and there are too many participants. [84,85].
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 16 of 22

Table 3. Comparison of selected electronic voting schemes based on blockchain.

Security Requirements
(Measuring on a Large Scale)

Accuracy/Correctness

Verifiability by Voter
Affordability
Consensus Hashing

Accessibility
Counting

Anonymity

Scalability
Authors Voting Scheme BC Type Framework Cryptographic Algorithm

Integrity
Algorithm Algorithm Method

Audit
Shahzad and
BSJC Private PoW Bitcoin Not specified SHA-256 3rd Party X X 7 X X 7 X 7
Crowcroft [2]
Certificateless Traceable Ring Double
Gao, Zheng [8] Anti-Quantum Public PBFT Bitcoin Self-tally X X 7 X X 7 X 7
Signature, Code-Based, ECC SHA-256
McCorry, 2 Round-zero
OVN Public Ethereum ECC Not specified Self-tally X 7 7 X 7 7 X X
Shahandashti [76] Knowledge Proof
Ring Signature, ECC,
Lai, Hsieh [81] DATE Public PoW Ethereum SHA-3 Self-tally X 7 7 X 7 X X X
Diffie-Hellman
Yi [83] BES Public PoW Bitcoin ECC SHA-256 NA X X 7 X 7 7 X X
Khan, K.M. [86] BEA Private/Public PoW Multichain Not specified Not specified NA 7 X 7 X 7 X X 7
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 17 of 22

Khan, K.M. [86] has proposed block-based e-voting architecture (BEA) that conducted
strict experimentation with permissioned and permissionless blockchain architectures
through different scenarios involving voting population, block size, block generation rate,
and block transaction speed. Their experiments also uncovered fascinating findings of
how these parameters influence the overall scalability and reliability of the electronic
voting model, including interchanges between different parameters and protection and
performance measures inside the organization alone. In their scheme, the electoral process
requires the generation of voter addresses and candidate addresses. These addresses are
then used to cast votes from voters to candidates. The mining group updates the ledger of
the main blockchain to keep track of votes cast and the status of the vote. The voting status
remains unconfirmed until a miner updates the main ledger. The vote is then cast using
the voting machine at the polling station.
However, in this model, there are some flaws found. There is no regulatory authority
to restrict invalid voters from casting a vote, and it is not secure from quantum attach. Their
model is not accurate and did not care about voter’s integrity. Moreover, their scheme using
Distributed consensus in which testimonies (data and facts) can be organized into cartels
because fewer people keep the network active, a “51%” attack becomes easier to organize.
This attack is potentially more concentrated and did not discuss scalability and delays in
electronic voting, which are the main concerns about the blockchain voting system. They
have used the Multichain framework, a private blockchain derived from Bitcoin, which is
unsuitable for the nationwide voting process. As the authors mentioned, their system is
efficient for small and medium-sized voting environments only.

9. Discussion and Future Work

Many issues with electronic voting can be solved using blockchain technology, which
makes electronic voting more cost-effective, pleasant, and safe than any other network.
Over time, research has highlighted specific problems, such as the need for further work
on blockchain-based electronic voting and that blockchain-based electronic voting schemes
have significant technical challenges.

9.1. Scalability and Processing Overheads

For a small number of users, blockchain works well. However, when the network is
utilized for large-scale elections, the number of users increases, resulting in a higher cost
and time consumption for consuming the transaction. Scalability problems are exacerbated
by the growing number of nodes in the blockchain network. In the election situation, the
system’s scalability is already a significant issue [87]. An electronic voting integration will
further impact the system’s scalability based on blockchain [88,89]. Table 3 elucidates differ-
ent metrics or properties inherent to all blockchain frameworks and presents a comparative
analysis of some blockchain-based platforms such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger Fab-
ric, Litecoin, Ripple, Dogecoin, Peercoin, etc. One way to enhance blockchain scaling would
be to parallelize them, which is called sharding. In a conventional blockchain network,
transactions and blocks are verified by all the participating nodes. In order to enable high
concurrency in data, the data should be horizontally partitioned into parts, each known as
a shard.

9.2. User Identity

As a username, blockchain utilizes pseudonyms. This strategy does not provide
complete privacy and secrecy. Because the transactions are public, the user’s identity may
be discovered by examining and analyzing them. The blockchain’s functionality is not well
suited to national elections [90].

9.3. Transactional Privacy

In blockchain technology, transactional anonymity and privacy are difficult to ac-
complish [91]. However, transactional secrecy and anonymity are required in an election
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 18 of 22

system due to the presence of the transactions involved. For this purpose, a third-party
authority required but not centralized, this third-party authority should check and balance
on privacy.

9.4. Energy Efficiency

Blockchain incorporates energy-intensive processes such as protocols, consensus, peer-
to-peer communication, and asymmetrical encryption. Appropriate energy-efficient con-
sensus methods are a need for blockchain-based electronic voting. Researchers suggested
modifications to current peer-to-peer protocols to make them more energy-efficient [92,93].

9.5. Immatureness
Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that symbolizes a complete shift to a de-
centralized network. It has the potential to revolutionize businesses in terms of strategy,
structure, processes, and culture. The current implementation of blockchain is not without
flaws. The technology is presently useless, and there is little public or professional under-
standing about it, making it impossible to evaluate its future potential. All present technical
issues in blockchain adoption are usually caused by the technology’s immaturity [94].

9.6. Acceptableness
While blockchain excels at delivering accuracy and security, people’s confidence and
trust are critical components of effective blockchain electronic voting [95]. The intricacy of
blockchain may make it difficult for people to accept blockchain-based electronic voting,
and it can be a significant barrier to ultimately adopting blockchain-based electronic voting
in general public acceptance [96]. A big marketing campaign needed for this purpose to
provide awareness to people about the benefits of blockchain voting systems, so that it will
be easy for them to accept this new technology.

9.7. Political Leaders’ Resistance

Central authorities, such as election authorities and government agencies, will be
shifted away from electronic voting based on blockchain. As a result, political leaders
who have profited from the existing election process are likely to oppose the technology
because blockchain will empower social resistance through decentralized autonomous
organizations [97].

10. Conclusions
The goal of this research is to analyze and evaluate current research on blockchain-
based electronic voting systems. The article discusses recent electronic voting research using
blockchain technology. The blockchain concept and its uses are presented first, followed by
existing electronic voting systems. Then, a set of deficiencies in existing electronic voting
systems are identified and addressed. The blockchain’s potential is fundamental to enhance
electronic voting, current solutions for blockchain-based electronic voting, and possible
research paths on blockchain-based electronic voting systems. Numerous experts believe
that blockchain may be a good fit for a decentralized electronic voting system.
Furthermore, all voters and impartial observers may see the voting records kept in
these suggested systems. On the other hand, researchers discovered that most publications
on blockchain-based electronic voting identified and addressed similar issues. There have
been many study gaps in electronic voting that need to be addressed in future studies.
Scalability attacks, lack of transparency, reliance on untrustworthy systems, and resistance
to compulsion are all potential drawbacks that must be addressed. As further research
is required, we are not entirely aware of all the risks connected with the security and
scalability of blockchain-based electronic voting systems. Adopting blockchain voting
methods may expose users to unforeseen security risks and flaws. Blockchain technologies
require a more sophisticated software architecture as well as managerial expertise. The
above-mentioned crucial concerns should be addressed in more depth during actual voting
Sensors 2021, 21, 5874 19 of 22

procedures, based on experience. As a result, electronic voting systems should initially

be implemented in limited pilot areas before being expanded. Many security flaws still
exist in the internet and polling machines. Electronic voting over a secure and dependable
internet will need substantial security improvements. Despite its appearance as an ideal
solution, the blockchain system could not wholly address the voting system’s issues due to
these flaws. This research revealed that blockchain systems raised difficulties that needed
to be addressed and that there are still many technical challenges. That is why it is crucial
to understand that blockchain-based technology is still in its infancy as an electronic voting
option.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, U.J., M.J.A.A. and Z.S.; methodology, U.J., M.J.A.A. and
Z.S.; formal analysis, U.J., M.J.A.A. and Z.S.; writing—original draft preparation, U.J. and M.J.A.A.;
writing—review and editing, U.J.; supervision, M.J.A.A. and Z.S. All authors have read and agreed
to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Acknowledgments: This research was funded by the Malaysia Ministry of Education (FRGS/1/2019/
ICT01/UKM/01/2) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PP-FTSM-2021)
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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