SMART VOTING SYSTEM USING RFID,

FINGERPRINT, AND WEB SERVER COMMUNICATION

Nikhil Raj G T Nuthan M N Dr. Sharmila BS
Department of Electronics and Department of Electronics and Assistant Professor
communication communication Department of Electronics and
The National Institute of Engineering, The National Institute of Engineering, communication
Mysore Mysore The National Institute of Engineering,
Email: 2021lec_ nikhilraj Email: 2021lec_ nuthan [email protected] Mysore
[email protected] Email:[email protected]

Sathwik P M Vinod Kumar

Department of Electronics and Department of Electronics and
communication communication
The National Institute of Engineering, The National Institute of Engineering,
Mysore Mysore
Email: 2021lec_Sathwik [email protected] Email:
[email protected]

Abstract— This paper presents the design and

implementation of a secure, IoT-enabled electronic II. SYSTEM DESIGN
voting system that integrates RFID and fingerprint
biometric authentication using a dual ESP32 A. Introduction
microcontroller setup. The system ensures accurate The system is designed as a modular, embedded
voter verification, prevents multiple voting, and logs solution that ensures secure electronic voting through a
votes in real time to Google Sheets for transparency. A combination of RFID authentication, fingerprint
TFT display controlled via UART showcases biometric verification, and real-time cloud data logging.
constituency-specific candidate images, enhancing The dual microcontroller architecture enhances task
usability and trust. Designed for institutional and small- separation between user interface operations and
scale elections, the solution prioritizes modularity, backend communication.
scalability, and data integrity, drawing on multiple
biometric and anti-fraud authentication techniques.
B. System Architecture
Keywords— RFID, Biometric Authentication, ESP32, The system follows a dual-node ESP32 architecture:
IoT Voting System, Real-Time Logging, TFT Display,
• Node 1 (Master ESP32): Handles RFID scanning,
Secure Elections
fingerprint matching, vote selection, and Google
Sheets logging.
• Node 2 (Display ESP32 or Arduino Uno):
I. INTRODUCTION Receives voter constituency information via UART
In democratic societies, ensuring free, fair, and and displays the relevant candidate images on a
tamper-proof elections is a fundamental requirement. TFT screen.
Traditional voting systems—whether paper-based or
early-stage electronic—often suffer from issues such as Communication Flow:
impersonation, double voting, and lack of transparency.
To address these challenges, this project introduces a • Voter scans RFID card → fingerprint verification.
secure, portable electronic voting system leveraging • If authenticated, constituency info is shared with the
RFID and fingerprint-based authentication, built on a display module.
dual ESP32 microcontroller platform. • Voter selects a candidate using buttons; vote is logged
The system authenticates each voter through a unique to Google Sheets.
RFID tag and biometric fingerprint verification, ensuring • Feedback is shown on an LCD, and the TFT displays
that only eligible individuals can cast their vote—and constituency-based photos.
only once. Upon successful authentication, the voter's
constituency-specific candidates are displayed on a TFT C. Hardware Design
screen, and the selected vote is logged in real time to
Google Sheets using Wi-Fi. The architecture separates
control and display operations across two ESP32 units, • The hardware design focuses on portability and low
optimizing performance and modularity. power consumption, integrating the following
modules:
Inspired by multiple IEEE-published approaches, this • ESP32 Microcontrollers: Dual units for parallel task
project integrates advanced authentication techniques handling.
with IoT-based communication to provide a scalable, • R305 Fingerprint Sensor: Captures and verifies user
user-friendly, and secure voting solution ideal for fingerprint data.
educational institutions, local bodies, and internal • MFRC522 RFID Module: Reads voter ID from
organizational elections. RFID cards.
• TFT Display (ILI9341): Displays candidate images communication (if
based on constituency. needed)
• I2C LCD Display (16x2): Displays instructions and
system messages. Jumper Wires, Resistors - Circuit connections
• Tactile Buttons (NEXT, SELECT): User navigation
Buzzer 1 Alert signal output
for candidate selection.
• Buzzer: Provides audio feedback for success/error
states.

D. Circuit Summary III. SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

The circuit integrates key components including an
ESP32 microcontroller connected to an MFRC522 RFID G. Hardware Implementation Summary
reader via SPI, an R305 fingerprint sensor via UART, an
I2C LCD display, and navigation buttons through GPIO
pins. A second ESP32 or Arduino Uno communicates The hardware implementation of the voting system is
over UART to control a TFT display that shows centred around a dual ESP32 architecture, carefully
constituency-specific candidate images. The entire structured to handle both authentication and user
system is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery with interaction processes in real time. The Master ESP32
a DW01A and 8205A-based Battery Management serves as the primary control unit, interfacing with the
System (BMS) for overcharge, over-discharge, and MFRC522 RFID reader to identify the voter, and the R305
short-circuit protection. fingerprint sensor to authenticate the user's identity. Only
when both authentication checks are successful, the
system proceeds to the voting phase.

For visual feedback, a 16x2 I2C LCD module is used to

guide the user throughout the voting process, including
messages such as “Scan RFID,” “Place Finger,”
“Authentication Successful,” or “Vote Already Cast.”
User interaction is managed through a pair of tactile
buttons – one for navigating through candidate options
(NEXT), and another for selecting the desired candidate
(SELECT). A buzzer is included to provide immediate
auditory feedback for system states such as access denial,
vote success, or error warnings.

E. PCB Design The second ESP32 (or Arduino Uno in some variants)
A custom-designed PCB consolidates all components handles the constituency-specific candidate image display.
into a compact layout, optimizing for portability, signal This microcontroller receives constituency data from the
integrity, and power efficiency. The board includes Master ESP32 via UART serial communication. It
clearly separated power and signal paths, integrated retrieves and renders the appropriate candidate images
connectors for modular component access, and on-board from an SD card and displays them on a TFT screen
BMS circuitry. Mounting provisions and compact (ILI9341). This allows each voter to see only the
routing ensure the design is suitable for enclosed and candidates relevant to their registered constituency,
mobile applications. improving clarity and user experience.

F. Component List The entire system is powered by a 3.7V Li-ion battery

with a DW01A + 8205A-based Battery Management
Component Quantit Description
System (BMS) that provides protection against
y overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuits. All the
hardware modules are integrated onto a compact, custom-
ESP32 Microcontroller 1 Core control and designed PCB that ensures neatness, portability, and ease
communication units of maintenance. The PCB layout was optimized to avoid
signal interference and ensure reliable GPIO pin
MFRC522 RFID Reader 1 For voter identification connectivity across all modules.
R305 Fingerprint Sensor 1 For biometric
authentication H. Software Flow

I2C 16x2 LCD 1 User feedback display The software implementation is designed to operate
efficiently across two microcontrollers while ensuring
TFT ILI9341 Display 1 Candidate image data integrity and system responsiveness. The firmware
display is developed using Arduino IDE, with structured
modules to separate concerns such as input handling,
Tactile Push Buttons 4 Navigation and vote
verification, communication, and display.
confirmation

Li-ion Battery (1S) 1 Portable power supply Upon system startup, the Master ESP32 initializes
all hardware components and displays a welcome
DW01A + 8205A BMS 1 set Battery protection message on the LCD. The system then enters idle
circuit mode, awaiting RFID input. When a voter scans their
RFID card, the system checks the UID against a pre-
Logic Level Converter 1 For safe UART defined list. If the UID is valid and the voter has not
 previously voted, the system prompts for fingerprint • Vote logging was tested using simulated Wi-Fi
verification. disconnection and reconnection to check if vote data
persistence was maintained.
Upon successful fingerprint authentication, the
voter's constituency code is identified, and this Comprehensive testing sessions also involved stress testing
information is sent via UART to the Display Node. The over multiple iterations to observe stability and power
Display Node uses this code to fetch relevant candidate consumption behavior under continuous use.
images from its SD card and render them on the TFT
display. Meanwhile, the Master Node allows the user to
cycle through the displayed candidates using the NEXT Votes were successfully logged to Google Sheets with
button. Once the voter confirms their choice using the accurate timestamps and correct constituency-candidate
SELECT button, the vote is recorded and mapping. The system also displayed a high level of
simultaneously logged to a Google Sheet using HTTP resilience against invalid input and unauthorized access. All
POST requests. feedback mechanisms, including buzzer sounds, LCD
messages, and TFT visuals, functioned as intended to guide
The software ensures state management through the voter clearly throughout the process.
clear transitions: from system initialization to
enrollment, voting mode, and confirmation. Each action Overall, the implementation confirms that the system is
is time-stamped using the ESP32’s Network Time ready for deployment in small-scale elections such as
Protocol (NTP) for traceable logging. college student councils, club polls, or community
associations, with a focus on transparency, security, and
I. Test Cases real-time traceability.

To verify the reliability and robustness of the system,

IV. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
various test cases were designed and executed:

• Valid Voter Test: A voter with a registered RFID The system architecture is based on a dual
and fingerprint should pass authentication and be microcontroller model utilizing two ESP32 boards to
allowed to vote once. separate the core voting operations from the user interface
• Duplicate Vote Test: A voter attempting to vote functionalities. This distributed architecture enhances
again should be denied and shown a “Vote Already modularity, performance, and scalability. The Master
Cast” message. ESP32 is responsible for the core logic of the system,
• Invalid RFID Test: If an unregistered RFID card is which includes RFID card reading, fingerprint
scanned, the system should block access authentication, candidate selection, and real-time vote
immediately. logging to Google Sheets via Wi-Fi. It also manages user
• Fingerprint Mismatch Test: When the fingerprint feedback through a 16x2 I2C LCD and auditory responses
does not match the stored template, the system using a buzzer.
should not proceed.
• Connectivity Test: If Wi-Fi is turned off or The Display Node, implemented using either a second
unavailable, the system should retry logging the ESP32 or an Arduino Uno, is dedicated to displaying
vote until successful. constituency-specific candidate images on a TFT screen.
• UART Communication Test: The constituency code Upon successful voter authentication, the Master Node
sent from the Master ESP32 should match the one sends the voter’s constituency code to the Display Node via
received by the Display Node and display the UART serial communication. The Display Node then
correct candidate images. accesses the SD card to retrieve and render the appropriate
images on the TFT display, enabling a personalized voting
Each test case was documented with expected and experience based on region or constituency.
actual results, and adjustments were made in software
logic wherever discrepancies were found. Communication between the two nodes is established
using UART protocol, ensuring fast and reliable data
transmission. The entire system is powered by a Li-ion
J. Testing Methodologies
battery supported by a Battery Management System (BMS)
circuit based on DW01A and 8205A ICs, providing
Testing was conducted in a staged manner using both unit protection against overcharge, over-discharge, and short
testing and integration testing approaches. circuits. This architectural design supports high security,
low power consumption, and user-friendly interaction,
• Unit testing was applied to verify each module making it ideal for secure, small-scale electronic voting
independently, such as fingerprint sensor accuracy, applications.
RFID scanning, and Google Sheets data logging.
• Integration testing ensured proper communication and
synchronization between the two ESP32s, particularly
in sending constituency codes and rendering the right
images.
• Edge cases, like multiple button presses, long idle
time, or sensor failure, were also tested to ensure
robustness.
• Debouncing techniques were implemented for tactile
buttons to avoid multiple unwanted inputs from a
single press.
 V. DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM VI. CONCLUSION

The primary goal of this project was to design and implement a

The proposed smart voting system is organized into secure, multilayered biometric electronic voting system
three major operational modes: Admin Mode, integrating RFID technology, fingerprint authentication,
Enrollment Mode, and Voting Mode. Each mode has ESP32-based dual-mode communication, and real-time
its specific functions and responsibilities to ensure cloud-based logging via Google Sheets. Drawing inspiration
secure and structured election management. from multiple IEEE research works, this solution addresses
several major challenges found in traditional electronic voting
Admin Mode systems—namely, fraud prevention, voter identity
verification, and tamper-proof vote logging.
successful RFID authentication, the system enters a
secure configuration state where administrative tasks The developed prototype incorporates three critical
such as voter enrollment and switching to voting authentication stages: RFID-based Aadhar validation,
mode can be performed. Admin Mode is essential for fingerprint-based biometric confirmation, and secure vote
maintaining control over when the system allows logging using an encrypted communication mechanism. These
voter registration or actual voting, preventing layers significantly enhance the integrity and transparency of
unauthorized or untimely access. This mode also the voting process. By embedding TFT displays, users are also
includes functions like clearing previous voter data, provided with real-time feedback and guidance throughout the
resetting the vote count, and managing results voting procedure, thus improving usability and accessibility,
visibility. even for non-technical voters.
Furthermore, the inclusion of admin mode enables efficient
Enrollment Mode system monitoring, user enrollment, and result review, thereby
ensuring administrative control and auditability. The project’s
Enrollment Mode is initiated by the admin after the hardware design is compact, affordable, and optimized for real-
system is securely accessed. In this mode, new voters time processing, while the software architecture is modular
are registered into the system. Each voter is required to and scalable. Integration with Google Sheets ensures that all
scan their unique RFID card, which links them to their voting data is securely stored in a tamper-resistant and
ID within the system. Following the RFID scan, the transparent manner—easily auditable by election commissions
voter enrolls their fingerprint using the biometric sensor. or administrators.
The system cross-checks to ensure no duplicate
fingerprint or RFID entry is made, enhancing security
and reducing fraud. Each voter is also tagged with a PROJECT COST
unique voter ID and constituency code during
enrollment, which later assists in fetching relevant The total estimated cost of the project is approximately INR
candidate images. The enrolled data is stored locally and 3,500 – 4000 INR, making it a highly affordable and practical
used in the subsequent voting phase. Enrollment Mode solution for small-scale or educational use. Below is the
is critical for creating a secure voter database before the breakdown of the costs for individual components used in the
election process begins. implementation:

Voting Mode

Once all voters are enrolled, the admin can press a

designated button (e.g., NEXT button) to shift the system
into Voting Mode. In this mode, the system is ready to
accept votes from authenticated users. A voter begins the
process by scanning their RFID card, which the system
verifies for validity and checks whether the user has
already voted. If the RFID is valid and voting status is "Not
Voted," the system proceeds to biometric fingerprint
verification. Upon a successful match, the Master ESP32
sends the voter’s constituency information to the Display
Node (TFT module), which displays only those candidates
relevant to the voter’s region. The voter can cycle through
candidate options using the NEXT button and cast their

vote using the SELECT button. Once the vote is cast,

the system logs the data to Google Sheets and disables the
user’s voting access by marking them as "Voted."
Component Name Quantity Total
Cost

ESP32 Development Board (Wi-Fi + 1 600

Bluetooth)
RFID Reader Module (RC522) 1 150

RFID Tags (Aadhar ID-linked, sample cards) 2 80

Fingerprint Sensor Module (R307 or 1 950

equivalent)
TFT LCD Display (2.4” or 2.8”) 1 400

Buzzer + LEDs (for alerts and status) 1 set 50

Power Supply Unit (Battery, 18650 + BMS 1 300

circuit)

DW01A + 8205A Battery Protection Circuit 1 60

Connecting Wires, Resistors, Capacitors, 1 set 150

Breadboard
PCB Fabrication and Assembly - 400

MicroSD Card Module (for offline backup) 1 100

USB Cable, Switches, and Accessories 1 set 100

Miscellaneous (Soldering, Heat Shrink, etc.) - 300
Enclosure 1 100
Total Estimated Cost 3,740 INR
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS [10] Deepa, G., Dash, D., Manikandan, B. V., Kalaiselvi, T. C.,
Yeshwanth, N. B., Shanthakumar, N., Sowndharya, K.M., &
Sivasamy, M. (2021). Biometric Based Voting System Using Machine
We, Nikhil Raj G T, Sathwik P M, Nuthan M N, Vinod Kumar Learning Intelligence and Secure Socket Layer. In the proceedings of
International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Smart Energy
would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those (ICAIS) (pp. 1071-1075). IEEE
who supported us throughout this project.
First and foremost, we would like to extend our sincere
thanks to our guide, Dr. Sharmila B S, for her
exceptional guidance, constant encouragement, and
insightful feedback that helped us shape this project into
what it is today.
We are also grateful to Mr. Vishwanath M K from the
Electronics and Communication Department at the
National Institute of Engineering, Mysore, for his
valuable suggestions and for always being available to
provide us with expert advice.
Lastly, we appreciate the collaborative efforts and
camaraderie between us, which played a significant role
in the successful completion of this project. Each of us
brought something unique to the table, making this a
truly rewarding experience.

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