Description:TITLE:
Cloud-Integrated RFID and Fingerprint–Based Smart Electronic Voting Machine
INVENTORS DETAILS:
• Bjorn Ferid C
• Allan Riho D
• Hemanath V
• Giriprakasam M
ABSTRACT
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have transformed the democratic process by eliminating
paper ballots and manual counting. However, concerns about vote tampering, unauthorized
access, and transparency still pervade many areas. This paper outlines the design and
development of an innovative RFID-Based Smart EVM that integrates Cloud Connectivity and
Biometric Fingerprint Authentication using Arduino Mega. The proposed system employs
RFID tags for unique voter identification and biometric fingerprint sensors for voter
verification, thereby ensuring two-factor authentication. To enhance reliability and
transparency, voting data is securely uploaded to a cloud platform, enabling real-time
monitoring, secure storage, and data analytics by election authorities. The system emphasizes
user-friendliness, enhanced security, voter privacy, and cost-effectiveness, effectively bridging
the gap between technological capabilities and democratic integrity.
BACKGROUND
Traditional voting systems in many democracies rely on paper ballots, which, while providing
tangible verification, are prone to various shortcomings such as ballot stuffing, slow counting
processes, and environmental impacts due to paper consumption. Although existing EVMs are
significantly more efficient, they still face trust issues resulting from a lack of transparency and
accountability. Concerns related to voter fraud, unauthorized access to voting systems, and
vulnerabilities to hacking raise alarms in both government and public sectors.
To address these challenges, biometric and RFID-based systems have been explored worldwide
to improve voter identification and prevent impersonation. However, most implementations
remain offline and lack real-time tracking or tamper-proof data storage capabilities. Coupling
cloud computing with these identification technologies can offer a robust solution with
enhanced auditability, security, and scalability, potentially revolutionizing how election data is
stored, verified, and reported.
SUMMARY
The RFID-Based Smart EVM is a novel system that integrates RFID authentication, biometric
verification, cloud data synchronization, and secure local data handling, utilizing a centralized
hardware platform built on the Arduino Mega 2560.
Key components used in the system:
- Arduino Mega 2560 (central controller)
- RFID Module (e.g., RC522)
- Fingerprint Sensor Module (e.g., R307 or GT-521F52)
- 16x2 LCD Display
- ESP8266 Wi-Fi module (for cloud connectivity)
- Push buttons (for casting votes)
- Buzzer (for alerts)
- Relay (for tamper detection/lock)
- Secure Cloud Platform (e.g., Firebase)
Process Flow:
1. Each voter is issued a unique RFID card.
2. The voter scans the RFID card; if valid, the system proceeds.
3. The voter must then scan their fingerprint.
4. Upon successful biometric match, voting options are activated.
5. The voter casts a vote using dedicated push buttons.
6. The vote count is locally stored in EEPROM and simultaneously uploaded to the cloud.
7. If unauthorized access or tampering is detected, alerts are triggered via a buzzer and stored
in logs.
The system supports role-based access control, meaning only authorized election officials can
initialize or reset the system. The entire voting process is securely monitored, and vote
tampering is prevented through write-protected EEPROM and real-time cloud synchronization.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
1. Hardware Design
a) Arduino Mega 2560
Designed for its high I/O pin capacity and multiple Serial Ports (Serial1, Serial2, Serial3), the
Mega allows seamless integration of the fingerprint sensor, RFID module, and ESP8266
without serial conflicts.
b) RFID Module (RC522)
Connected via an SPI interface to read RFID tags, with each registered voter assigned a unique
UID stored in EEPROM or an SD card.
c) Fingerprint Sensor
Captures and matches the voter's fingerprint, ensuring only the legitimate user (owner of the
RFID card) can proceed to vote.
d) ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module
Utilized for cloud synchronization of vote counts and user logs, connected through Serial2,
employing AT commands or libraries such as ESP8266WiFi.h (in NodeMCU) or through a
Serial bridge for Arduino Mega.
e) Push Buttons
Each candidate is assigned a unique button; pressing the button records a vote.
f) LCD Display
Displays instructions, authentication status, and voting success confirmation.
g) Buzzer and Relay
The buzzer notifies failed attempts or errors, while the relay can trigger security lock
mechanisms.
h) Power Supply
The system operates on a 5V regulated supply for the Arduino, utilizing logic level shifters to
convert 5V to 3.3V for the ESP8266.
2. Software Architecture
Developed in Embedded C using Arduino IDE, key modules include:
- `RFID_authenticate()`: Checks UID against the stored database.
- `Fingerprint_authenticate()`: Verifies fingerprint image and returns success/failure.
- `cast_vote(int candidate_id)`: Records the vote in EEPROM and calls `
upload_to_cloud(candidate_id)`.
- `upload_to_cloud()`: Sends data to Firebase using HTTPS.
- `setup_wifi()`: Initializes ESP8266 and connects to the SSID.
- `admin_mode()`: Allows for reset and control of the system.
3. Cloud Integration
Firebase Realtime Database was selected for its:
- Real-time data synchronization
- Multi-platform support
- Secure REST API access
- Role-based user authentication
Tally and logs (time, RFID UID, success/failure status) are securely uploaded over HTTPS,
with Firebase rules restricting write or read access to authorized devices only.
4. Security Features
- Two-Factor Authentication (RFID + Biometric)
- Data encryption during transmission
- EEPROM writing protection
- Admin reset access through a secret code or RFID tag
- Cloud audit logs for transparency
- Real-time alerts for tampering detection
5. User Interface and Experience
A simple text guide on the LCD provides user instructions, while auditory and visual
feedback confirms actions. User-friendly hardware buttons enhance usability, and a cloud
dashboard presents election officials with live analytics.
UNIQUENESS
- Two-Factor Voter Authentication: Unlike many current EVMs that rely solely on ID cards or
hand verification, our system authenticates users through both RFID and fingerprint
verification.
- Cloud Integration: The system supports real-time vote tracking, tamper logging, and data
analytics, making it suitable for contemporary governance.
- Affordability: Constructed from inexpensive, open-source hardware components without
compromising security.
- Scalability & Modularity: The system can be replicated across multiple booths, synchronizing
with central cloud storage efficiently.
- Tamper Resistance: Features such as real-time alerts, buzzer alarms, and relay-based physical
lock mechanisms enhance overall security.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXISTING SYSTEM AND PROPOSED
SYSTEM
Feature Traditional EVM Proposed Smart EVM
Authentication Manual RFID + Biometric
Security Physical lock Cloud sync, buzzer alert, real-time lock
Transparency Limited Full audit trail in cloud
Tamper Evidence Post-vote Real-time detection
Vote Storage EEPROM only EEPROM + Cloud
Cost Moderate Low-cost open-source design
Scalability Limited Highly scalable with cloud infrastructure
Feature Traditional EVM Proposed Smart EVM
Reset/Control Manual Admin-based secure reset
Data Analytics Absent Real-time dashboard
Remote Monitoring No Yes
CLAIMS
1. We claim the integration of RFID and fingerprint modules in a single embedded
platform for double-layer voter authentication.
2. We claim real-time secure cloud storage and retrieval of votes, logs, and authentication
status.
3. We claim the use of Arduino Mega to handle simultaneous communication with
multiple serial devices including biometric, Wi-Fi, and RFID modules.
4. We claim the use of EEPROM to locally store vote counts as a backup in case of
network failure.
5. We claim the tamper-proof alerting system using relay-triggered buzzer alarms upon
unauthorized access or anomaly.
6. We claim modular hardware-software architecture allowing easy replication across
different polling stations.
7. We claim role-based access control using admin RFID tags or secure reset protocols.
8. We claim an LCD-guided voting interface that assists and guides voters throughout the
process.
9. We claim the hybrid architecture of on-device and cloud storage to balance redundancy,
reliability, and cost.
10. We claim a secure, transparent, and scalable electronic voting system combining
modern embedded systems and IoT capabilities. , Claims:1. We claim the integration of RFID and fingerprint modules in a single embedded
platform for double-layer voter authentication.
2. We claim real-time secure cloud storage and retrieval of votes, logs, and authentication
status.
3. We claim the use of Arduino Mega to handle simultaneous communication with
multiple serial devices including biometric, Wi-Fi, and RFID modules.
4. We claim the use of EEPROM to locally store vote counts as a backup in case of
network failure.
5. We claim the tamper-proof alerting system using relay-triggered buzzer alarms upon
unauthorized access or anomaly.
6. We claim modular hardware-software architecture allowing easy replication across
different polling stations.
7. We claim role-based access control using admin RFID tags or secure reset protocols.
8. We claim an LCD-guided voting interface that assists and guides voters throughout the
process.
9. We claim the hybrid architecture of on-device and cloud storage to balance redundancy,
reliability, and cost.
10. We claim a secure, transparent, and scalable electronic voting system combining
modern embedded systems and IoT capabilities.