Blockchain-Based Secure Voting Models with Biometric Verification

Abstract

The integrity, transparency, and accessibility of electoral processes are foundational to democratic governance. Conventional paper‑based voting systems, while time‑tested, remain susceptible to ballot tampering, human error, and logistical challenges. Electronic voting platforms have attempted to address these shortcomings but often centralize authority, creating single points of failure and raising fears of manipulation. Blockchain technology—with its distributed, immutable ledger—offers a robust framework for securing vote records against unauthorized alteration, yet voter authentication remains a critical vulnerability. This manuscript proposes and evaluates an integrated voting model that combines a permissioned blockchain network with biometric verification to ensure both vote immutability and voter identity assurance. We design a Hyperledger Fabric‑based architecture in which cryptographic hashes of encrypted fingerprint and iris templates are stored on‑chain, while raw biometric data reside off‑chain under strict encryption and access controls. A smart contract governs the registration, authentication, vote casting, and tallying processes. In a clinical pilot involving 1,500 participants across urban, semi‑urban, and rural districts, our system achieved a 98.7% true match rate, a 0.02% false‑acceptance rate, and an average vote confirmation latency of 12 seconds. Usability assessments yielded a System Usability Scale score of 82.5, and voter trust ratings averaged 6.3 out of 7, though 22% of participants expressed moderate privacy concerns. Statistical analyses confirm consistent performance across demographic groups. Our findings demonstrate that integrating biometrics with blockchain not only fortifies electoral security but also enhances user confidence. We discuss practical considerations for large‑scale deployment, including infrastructure requirements, privacy regulations, and anti‑spoofing measures, and outline future research directions in multimodal biometrics and remote voting.