Empowering Secure and Cost-Efficient Blockchain Electronic Voting by Optimized ZK-SNARK Algorithm

Electronic voting systems are crucial for maintaining democratic principles and ensuring transparency in modern democracies. Initially designed for secure and decentralized record-keeping, blockchain technology holds significant potential for revolutionizing the voting process by providing tamper-resistant and auditable ledgers. To this end, our research proposes a robust blockchain platform to enhance the security and affordability of electronic voting. The platform's architecture leverages the innovative Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge (ZK-SNARK) algorithm to enhance privacy and security while minimizing computational overhead. By integrating ZK-SNARKs, we enable voters to prove their eligibility and vote correctness without disclosing their votes. Our proposed platform also incorporates circuit design optimizations and pairing-friendly elliptic curves, using efficient cryptographic curves like the alt_bn128 or similar options suitable for ZK-SNARKs. This approach ensures the integrity and authenticity of the voting process. This paper offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by traditional voting systems, outlines the architecture of the proposed blockchain platform, and details the optimized implementation of the ZK-SNARK algorithm. Our research aims to advance secure, cost-effective electronic voting systems that enable inclusive and trustworthy elections.