2014 17th International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (ICCIT)
Development of Electronic Voting Machine with the
Inclusion of Near Field Communication ID Cards and
Biometric Fingerprint Identifier
Syed Mahmud Hasan, Arafa Mohd. Anis, Hamidur Rahman, Jennifer Sherry Alam, Sohel Islam Nabil and
Md. Khalilur Rhaman
School of Engineering and Computer Science
BRAC University
Dhaka, Bangladesh
syed.mahmud777@gmail.com, anis.arafa@gmail.com, hrlml92@gmail.com, alam.jennifers@gmail.com,
sohel.islam619@gmail.com, khalilur@bracu.ac.bd
Abstract—The basis of this project is to create an electronic
voting machine that will help to eradicate defrauding of the
manual voting systems by multiple votes cast by the same user.
With the inclusion of a Near Field Communication ID card
reader and biometric fingerprint device, each voter will be
entered into the system through a swift process only after being
recognized and checked to the given database of enlisted voters.
Once the corresponding fingerprint is matched with the
information provided by the identification card, the voter will be
allowed to vote for their preferred candidate through a panel of
buttons. The respective card will then be marked for further
referencing, and the voter will not be allowed to take part in
multiple votes. The proposed project also carries the unique
feature of being autonomous during the course of operation,
which helps to diminish the issue of hacking occurring in
previous attempts of electronic voting machines.
Keywords—EVM; NFC; fingerprinter; vote
I. INTRODUCTION
Voting is the fundamental right in any democracy. It
expresses the choice of the people and upholds the very
meaning of a system governed by the people’s choice.
However, the methods used to represent these votes have
become a debatable issue. Throughout history different
techniques of voting have evolved from simple hand written
paper ballots to internet voting systems that only require the
voter to log in from the comfort of their home to cast their
choice from their personal computers [1][2]. Different
mechanisms have been introduced in various nations around
the world to help accommodate the needs to progress into the
best possible voting system. For the purpose of a fair and
unprejudiced arrangement to take place it is important to look
into multiple dimensions and thus many innovations have yet
to meet the standards expected by voters [3]. In this section we
will further look into the different techniques available and the
drawbacks and advantages they present to the voting process
and what we would like to incorporate and improve in our
device compared to the standards expected from an ideal
electronic voting system.
Research found on ways an electronic voting system could
be sustainable for Bangladesh suggests that the system should
978-1-4799-6288-4/14/$31.00 ©2014 IEEE
integrate the following features [4]. The voting system should
maintain the privacy of voters, and should maintain that only
enrolled voters are allowed to cast their vote. Only one vote
per voter should be maintained, there should not be an
opportunity for authorities to swindle the vote counts or
choice, and there should not be any receipt of the voting
account. The system should also display transparency but be
discrete in the procedure, and finally it should be an accurate
system that can withstand the usage of multiple voters.
However, these are requirements that can be related to the
sustenance of a voting system in any environment as
suggested in [3]. An election system should be able to
withstand a variety of fraudulent behaviors and should be
sufficiently transparent and comprehensible that voters and
candidates can accept the result of an election.
The major issue of traditional voting systems oscillates
around the system of tallying. The main problem of this
system is dependable on manual procedure and for this reason
has raised many questions. Following the US presidential
elections in 2000, questions rose on the ballot counting
procedure [5]. During the counting of tally, ballots may be
displaced and often marks on ballots are hard to identify and
distinguish [5][6]. Therefore we would like to simplify the
tedious job of tally counting with the help of modern
technology. Keeping count of the tallies should be digitalized,
to save time and of course increase reliability. To eliminate the
confusion of distinguishing between improperly marked
ballots we plan on using digital buttons systems. The
advantage being that pressing on the button means a vote has
been casted and no chance is left to human error.
As suggested by research, an election system should be
able to withstand fraudulent behaviors [3][4]. This includes
the familiar issue of multiple votes cast by a single voter.
When a voter is admitted into the system to cast their vote, it
is essential that they are properly identified and allowed to
vote only once. Keeping this in mind, the paper suggests the
use of Near Field Communication (NFC) cards as each voter’s
identification tag. NFC technology allows for communication
between the users ID card and the device in a very fast and
uncomplicated manner and increases the usability [8].
However, only NFC cards as the main entry system of a
383
2014 17th International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (ICCIT)
voting machine can make it susceptible to attacks [9].
Furthermore, using only an ID card opens the opportunity for
a voter to use different voter ID cards to cast multiple votes.
To overcome these complications and to reinforce the
checking procedure, the paper suggests the use of fingerprint
identification using reliable biometric technologies. Use of
biometrics in voting systems has been an acclaimed one as
fingerprints are unique to individuals [10][11].The system
suggested uses the fingerprint of the voter to compare to a
predetermined database where the information on the voters
NFC ID card must match to their corresponding fingerprint.
After the verification and matching of the two data, the voter
is allowed to proceed to voting. With the automation and use
of two layers of identification systems, the procedure removes
the chance of any fraudulent entrants.
Many electronic voting systems that have been proposed
before contain the use of online networking, and the risk of
tampering of information through hacking posed a great threat
[5][7]. The machine presented eliminates the use of a live
network altogether, thus causing the vote casted to be safe from
any tampering. Through the integration of these features and
the multiple checking mechanism of using NFC cards and
biometric fingerprint identifier, a more secure and prompt
method of the traditional voting system can be developed
which complies with the expectations mentioned in [3][4].
II. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
The devices used in this EVM are; NFC controller shield
for Arduino, optical fingerprint sensor, 16X2 LCD display,
Arduino UNO, Arduino Mega, and Raspberry Pi. A schematic
diagram of internal devices and connection of EVM is shown
in Fig.1.
A. Description of Subsystems
The different devices used and how they are used
connected to the system is described below
a) NFC controller shield for Arduino
Near Field Communication (NFC) cards interact with the
NFC controller shield via the use of electromagnetic radio
fields. To allow two way communications between the ID
Fig. 1 Internal devices and connection
978-1-4799-6288-4/14/$31.00 ©2014 IEEE
cards and the device we have used a reader/writer shield. This
allows the device to both receive and send data to the ID cards
coming into the range of operation [12]. The NFC system is
valid for a 13.56 MHz frequency. The shield is connected to
the Arduino UNO, and all data received and sent through the
shield are processed by the microcontroller.
b) Optical fingerprint sensor
The fingerprint sensor is connected to the Arduino Mega.
An integrated DSP chip within the device processes the
identification of fingerprints. Packets of data are sent each time
a fingerprint is received, and each fingerprint is given a code
which is stored in the database.
c) 16X2 LCD display
The 16X2 LCD display is connected to the Arduino Mega
and shows sixteen characters in two lines. The microcontroller
provides the data that will be shown on the screen of the
display.
d) Arduino UNO and Arduino Mega
The Arduino UNO and Arduino Mega are advanced open
source microcontrollers. The main operation programs for the
devices connected to them are stored within. The Mega
contains fifty four digital input and output pins, of which
certain pins can be used for PWM, analog inputs, and UARTS.
It contains a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, a
power jack, an ICSP header and a reset button. The Arduino
microcontrollers can also provide constant supply of 5V and
3.3V [13].
e) Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi is a single board computer. The board
allows the integration of database and the two Arduino boards
into the system [14]
B. Brief Description of System
The proposed system utilizes the NFC cards as an
identification card for voters. Each voter’s ID card contains a
unique ID number and information on whether they have
already cast a vote. The voter’s fingerprints are given an ID
corresponding to that of the individual’s voter ID number. This
information is stored in the database prior to the voting process.
To vote, the voter must provide their ID card in the proximity
of the NFC shield, and the once the NFC shield identifies the
ID provided, the voter is asked to present their fingerprint. The
fingerprint sensor sends the information about the fingerprint
received to be checked to the corresponding ID card. If the two
match, the voter is allowed to select their choice of candidate
from the buttons in the selection panel. After a vote has been
casted the ID card is marked for future referencing, this
prevents the voter from casting multiple votes. The voter’s
information is also marked in the database of the system. The
voter’s information is also marked in the database of the
system. The tally for each candidate’s vote is stored in the
database, and once the voting process has ended, the results
may be obtained. Figure 2 shows the system flow diagram of
the EVM.
384
2014 17th International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (ICCIT)
Fig. 2 System flow diagram
III. SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
The integral system utilizes the different characteristics of
each device essentially brought together by the use of the
microcontrollers, i.e. the Arduino UNO, Arduino Mega and
Raspberry Pi. The process of interfacing each of the devices
with the microcontrollers is described below.
To evaluate and manipulate the NFC ID cards, the PN532
NCF controller shield from ElecFreaks is used with the
Arduino UNO. The shield compiles with the Arduino UNO,
and the pins are connected. The PN532 software library
developed from Adafruits PN532 Library was used to program
the shield.
The NFC cards come with a unique identification number
which was used as the identification number for each voter.
Information carried within the card is kept discrete by
encapsulating, and the data can only be manipulated during
the initial set up procedure. The cards are blank at the primary
stage and have to be initialized to be entered into the system.
Once the card is brought into the range of the shield, through
the use of the serial monitor, the information within it
becomes available. To enroll a voter into the list, the
corresponding identification number of each card and
individual is stored into the database.
Registered voters may proceed to voting only when they
have placed their ID cards within the range of the NFC shield.
Once the card has been acknowledged by the device, it
proceeds to check that the identification number is present in
the provided database. When this has complied the voter is
given a signal to move onto the next stage.
The fingerprint sensor from Adafruit is interfaced with the
Arduino Mega and is connected to the microcontroller using
the TTL serial. Through the utilization of Principal
Component Analysis (PCA) algorithm, the fingerprints
obtained are matched in MATLAB. The fingerprint entered
into the system for each voter is given a unique identification
number after which the number is stored into the database to
the corresponding voter’s ID card number.
When a fingerprint match has been found, the enrolled
number for the fingerprint is checked with the database in the
Raspberry Pi. The number obtained from the sensor and the
corresponding fingerprint number of the NFC card entered
earlier is matched by one to one checking. The comparison
then yields a value for success that allows the voter to proceed
to vote. Instructions and results are displayed through the use
978-1-4799-6288-4/14/$31.00 ©2014 IEEE
of the LCD display which is interfaced with the Arduino
UNO.
Vote is cast through the use of buttons corresponding to
each candidate’s information. The model produced consists of
seven choices. The buttons are connected to the Arduino Mega
board and each line is stored in the database for the candidates
in the election. Once a button is pressed the candidates count
is incremented and the voting process is stopped. No more
votes are accounted for after one vote. If a voter attempts to
press the button multiple times, or try to select any other
button, an error is given. Subsequently, when a candidate’s
count has been incremented, the voter’s NFC identification
card is encrypted to not allow any further acceptance into the
system. The database in the Raspberry Pi is also marked off.
During the course of this paper, we plan to incorporate the
Arduino UNO, Arduino Mega and Raspberry Pi boards using
the I2C method of interface keeping the Raspberry Pi as the
master and the Arduinos as slaves. We also plan to develop a
database within the Raspberry Pi using MySQL.
In figure 3 the first image shows the NFC ID card being
read by the NFC shield connected to the Arduino UNO, the
second image shows the biometric fingerprint sensor scanning
a fingerprint and the third image shows a vote being casted
using the buttons and an LED for confirmation.
IV. RESULTS
Once the devices have been connected, it is possible to
view the process of the system through the use of the serial
monitor of the Arduino software. Figure 4 shows the prompt
given for the NFC card followed by the message for
fingerprint.
After the NFC ID card has been recognized, the user is
asked to provide their fingerprint. The received fingerprints ID
is checked to the NFC ID and once the two have matched the
voter is requested to proceed to vote. The buttons send a signal
to the Arduino, and the corresponding candidates vote count is
incremented. Figure 5 shows this process occurring.
To ensure that a voter cannot vote more than once, the
information in each voters ID card is manipulated once they
have casted their vote. Each voters ID contains a number in
which one memory block is used to determine the eligibility of
the voter. The specific memory block is changed once a voter
has chosen a candidate and thus if they attempt to vote again,
will be denied the option to enter the system as the code has
changed. The determination of the memory block can be done
(a) (b) (c)
Fig. 3 (a) NFC card and NFC sensor with arduino (b) Fingerprint (c)Vote
selection button
385
2014 17th International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (ICCIT)

prior to starting the voting process and thhus does not need
modifying during the course of election.
The fingerprint sensor provides a thhreshold value of
confidence level when it receives a fingerprrint to match. The
values of the confidence levels for the matchhing of fingerprints
from five different people were graphed and a observed. The
average value is high and therefore we can conclude that the
fingerprint sensor is a reliable method of incorporating
biometrics into the system. Figure 6 shoows the graph of
confidence level.
V. DISCUSSION
Fraudulent behaviors during votes havee been a common
issue throughout the globe. Although this t project was
established keeping the voting system of Baangladesh in mind,
Fig. 5 Fingerprint identification, vote casting
c and tallying
the EVM may be able to tackle similar situuations in different
parts of the world. The issue of having baallots mismatched,
counting errors, and voters trying to cast multiple
m votes are 350
tackled in this system. Each card is providedd with a unique id
300
number; however it might be possible to gennerate this number

Confidence Level
by our own means. This would allow us to t create our own 250
unique number system which could be assiggned to each NFC
ID card, permitting us to separate voters according to area of 200
origin, voting district, etc., through the use of common
prefixes. Hence by generating a unique set of identification 150
number, any country could easily adopt thiis technology, and
improve their voting mechanism. Groupinng voters to areas 100
could give the advantage of being able to iddentify voters who
may try to vote in different voting areas. More
M work can also 50
0 5 10 15 20 25
be done to bring the general public’s reliance on the system as
T
Trial
a whole.
The paper ballot system has been an agge old system that Fig. 6 Confidence level versus finggerprint number graph
people have grown accustomed to, and many m do not feel Using NFC cards as the voters ID card allows each
comfortable about their votes being processeed correctly if they individual card to carry informmation that can be used to match
cannot see for themselves that their vote haas been accounted with solely its owner. It is alsoo a simple and quick technology
for. To tackle this, a printer that prints out each
e voter’s ballot which only requires the plaacement of the card in close
may be added in future versions of the EVM. proximity of the sensor. There is no hassle of having to insert
or place in accurate order, this not only increases usability but
VI. CONCLUSION
also makes the process an effficient one. The second step of
The concept of electronic voting systems is i not a new one. verifying the identification of an
a enrolled voter consists of the
However for its use to widely spread it is immportant to aim for fingerprint sensor. The obviouss advantage of biometrics is that
a system that properly is able to fulfill alll the requirements it cannot be altered or copied. Each individuals fingerprint is
expected as well as the standards achievabble by the use of matched and stored in the database
d to their corresponding
technology. The system provided by thiss paper goes the voter ID card. Through thhis process, the window of
lengths to cover the necessities that researrch has deemed a impersonation is nullified. Furrthermore, the NFC cards allow
requirement for a fair, transparent and reliablle election tool. the voters to be marked of electronically once they have casted
a vote, thus removing the riskk of one voter casting multiple
votes. Overall this system can be incorporated into the voting
systems of different areas sinnce it can be a more reliable,
efficient and easy to use alternaative.
ACKNOWLLEDGMENT
The members involved in thiss research would like to thank
Risul Karim and Md. Zahanngir Alam lecturer of CSE at
BRAC University for their ardenta advice and suggestions
during the progress of this worrk. The group would also like to
express their gratitude to theirr peer Ismail Kiron for lending
Fig. 4 NFC ID card recognition his help towards the project.

978-1-4799-6288-4/14/$31.00 ©2014 IEEE 386

2014 17th International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (ICCIT)

REFERENCES
[1] D. Farrell & I. Mcallister, “Electoral systems.”, The Cambridge
Handbook of Social Sciences in Australia, p. 287, 2003.
[2] S. Heiberg, P. Laud & J. Willemson, “The application of i-voting for
Estonian parliamentary elections of 2011.” E-Voting and Identity:
Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Vol.7187, pp. 208–223, 2012.
[3] D.A. Gritzalis, “Secure electronic voting.”, Dordrecht: Kluwer
Academic Publishers., 2003
[4] M.M. Sarker& M.N. Islam, “Management of sustainable, credible and
integrated electronic voting (E-Voting) system for Bangladesh,”
Management of Sustainable Development. Vol. 5, pp. 15–21, 2013.
[5] R. Mercuri, “A better ballot box?” 10th ed., IEEE SPECTRUM, Vol. 39,
2002
[6] “Voting: what is; what could be.”,Available:
http://www.vote.caltech.edu/Reports/, 2001
[7] T. Kohno, A. Stubblefield, A.D. Rubin &D.S. Wallach, “Analysis of an
electronic voting system.” Security and Privacy Proceedings: IEEE
Symposium, Vol., pp. 27–40, 2004.
[8] K. Ok, V. Coskun& M.N. Aydin, “Usability of mobile voting with NFC
technology.” Proceedings of IASTED international conference on
software engineering,, pp. 151–158, 2010.
[9] Y. Oren & A. Wool, “Attacks on {RFID}-Based electronic voting
systems.”, IACR Cryptology ePrint Archive, p. 422, 2009.
[10] D.A. Kumar & T.U. Begum, “A novel design of electronic voting
system using fingerprint.”, International Journal of Innovative
Technology & Creative Engineering, Vol. 1 , pp. 12–19, 2011.
[11] S. Hof, “E-Voting and Biometric Systems?” Electronic Voting in Europe
Technology, Law, Politics and Society., 2004,
[12] I.J. Britz, “Remote monitoring of a coffee percolator with a web-based
platform using sensors and an actuator” (Doctoral dissertation,
University of Stellenbosch)., 2014,
[13] D. Wheat, S. Kelly & J. Munoz, “Arduino internals”,Apress, p. 387,
2011.
[14] C. Edwards, “Not-so-humble raspberry pi gets big ideas.” Engineering
& Technology, Vol. 8, pp. 30–33, 2013.
[15] D.A. Kumar & T.V. Begum, “A comparative study on fingerprint
matching algorithms for EVM.”, Journal of Computer Sciences and
Applications, Vol. 1, pp. 55–60, 2013.

978-1-4799-6288-4/14/$31.00 ©2014 IEEE 387