DLT voting
Serokell has explored solutions for developing a trustworthy and anonymous voting system based on Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) while also enhancing the functionality of the blockchain.
Our customer was seeking new features for their blockchain platform and requested that Serokell conduct in-depth research as the groundwork for creating a transparent voting system.
This system needed to include the following features:
Plurality voting:
choosing one option out of many
Approval voting:
multiple checkboxes allowed
Ranked voting:
ranking options by preference
Collective decision-making
based on a numeric parameter
Ability to gather anonymous
free-form responses
The design of a universal, manipulation-resistant, and transparent voting mechanism has long been a challenging task that many scientists have worked on. Serokell analyzed the most promising scientific whitepapers, evaluated their credibility, and outlined a practical implementation strategy for deploying such a system on DLT.
The task involved timeline planning and identification of potential weak points. A key update the client requested for the blockchain was the development of a cryptographically secure digital identity. Once verified and equipped with digital credentials, it could be utilized across multiple financial platforms.
The research process
The key requirements to the voting system were:
Correctness
Verifiability
Censorship resistance
Availability
Efficiency
Coercion resistance
Serokell offers big data consulting services that include building system architecture and data storages, developing data exploration and analytics tools with user-friendly interfaces.
During our investigation of numerous whitepapers, we identified several key components that we incorporated into our solution.
To preserve the anonymity of voters and prevent a chain of connections linking a voter's identity to the plaintext ballot, we implemented mixers in pairs.
In each pair, a coin toss determines which mixer reveals each item in the intermediate set of ballots — either the first mixer or the second one. This ensures that all revealed chains are broken at this intermediate stage, keeping the anonymity of the voters.
Finally, we created the implementation pipeline for the system. By integrating randomization for pairs of voters, we achieved the desired levels of transparency and anonymity.
Below, we explain how we accomplished these results.
This smart solution enables the verification of each individual vote without revealing the voters' identities, provided that the verification of identity is conducted independently.
We designed a digital identity system that allows users to create and verify their identities on the blockchain network. It provides a secure and reliable way for users to authenticate themselves and anonymously take part in various platform activities, like verification for other payment services or voting. It provides several benefits:
Users can establish their digital identity once and use it repeatedly for various purposes without having to undergo Know Your Customer (KYC) verification procedure each time.
Participants and external auditors can check the accuracy and transparency of transactions, with the platform ensuring the privacy and security of users.
Results
In the final stage of the project, we presented a comprehensive plan to integrate the voting system into the blockchain platform, based on the principles outlined in “Making Mix Nets Robust for Electronic Voting.” Additionally, we provided a detailed description of incorporating verification through the KYC (Know Your Customer) procedure, enabling users to undergo verification on both new and existing fintech platforms.
The designed solution was integrated into the customer’s software system, accompanied by our audit and code review. It streamlined the decision-making process, enhancing its efficiency and transparency. The project was completed within the planned deadlines and budget. The collaboration between the customer's in-house team and Serokell's blockchain experts resulted in the successful deployment of a cutting-edge solution.
This solution not only addresses the immediate needs for collegial decision-making but also positions the customer as a leader in blockchain adoption within the fintech industry.
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