Conceptual Design of E-Voting System for Academic Institution

Abstract

Voting or casting of lots has become the main method of selecting individuals for a vacant position. There have been several methods of voting practiced over the years, ranging from raising of hand, using ballot papers, and even using pebbles as in the typical case of the Republic of Gambia. It is on this premise that this study was embarked upon to design and implement an effective Online Voting System for Academic Institutions. The concept has been implemented for the Regent University College of Science and Technology in Ghana. The results showed that the online system was outstanding with real-time results of the voting process and easy administrative management. The users of the system which involved students as well as some electoral supervisors realized the online voting system was a better, effective and more efficient way of voting in the school as compared to the paper balloting method of voting. The concept could be extended to all Institutions or organization's election once the electorates can be identified with unique Identification Numbers. It is recommended that further research and implementation should be conducted to include functionalities or features to enable the visually impaired individuals vote.