SMS Voting System Essay Example

serves as a connection between two disparate networks, specifically for linking to the Internet. SMS, commonly known as "Short Message Service," allows users to send concise messages through a mobile network. Students have the ability to utilize their mobile phones for tasks such as voting and handling SMS protocols including sending and receiving messages. SIM, an acronym for Subscriber Identify Module, is employed to establish a connection with a specific mobile network. Each individual SIM card can be easily differentiated from others.

The objective of this project proposal is to improve the voting and tabulating procedures for the ACLC Ormoc Pageant by developing an application called "ACLC Ormoc Pageant Tabulating and Voting System via SMS Gateway."

The objective of this project is to aid the Pageant organizer, Judges, and Candidates/Contestants by providing software that will make their tasks easier and more efficient. We, as proponents, are confident that this software will streamline and enhance their responsibilities.

The organization can benefit from this project by reducing the effort required to complete their work. The project was initiated in September 2013 and is scheduled to be completed by March 2014.

The purpose of the project "ACLC Ormoc Pageant Tabulating and Voting System with SMS Gateway" is to ensure fair decision-making and accurate tabulation. It also aims to assist event organizers in reducing correctional errors.

The project's primary objective is to create the ACLC Ormoc Pageant Tabulating and Voting System with SMS Gateway. The system intends to streamline and speed up the voting and tabulating process for the ACLC Ormoc Pageant, saving time and effort through an efficient and accurate system. Furthermore, it aims to

ensure transparent and fair calculation of results without any complications.

Scope and Limitation

The goal of the system is to improve the working environment and productivity of the ACLC Ormoc Pageant by offering a user-friendly interface. The main aim is to create a customized computerized tabulating and voting system specifically for the pageant.

The system cannot be accessed online and instead relies on a computer acting as the server. Online voting is not possible, but voting can be done via an SMS Gateway. User access differs depending on their status. Judges have total control over the system and can assess candidates based on criteria. Students cannot directly access the voting system, but they can submit their votes by sending a text with their candidate's number and code to the system using their mobile phones. This system was created for judges to rate candidates and for students to vote for their preferred contestant.

The project's purpose and description are as follows:

The aim of this project proposal is to improve the way tabulation and voting are done at ACLC Ormoc. The implementation of this system is beneficial to the event organizers and judges, as it aligns with fairness and God's guidance. By utilizing automation, there will be no need for papers and pencils anymore, saving time and effort. The inclusion of a Short Message System voting feature adds excitement to the competition, as students can also participate in the voting process.

The proponents believe that this project will benefit several individuals. The Tabulator will be able to make tabulation and voting faster. The Judges will simply need to click and

type their scores for the contestants using the system. The students can easily vote for their desired contestant through texting. The Contestants will understand the true essence of competition as they receive the results of their performances. Finally, the proponents themselves will experience the pressure of being a student and the challenge of analyzing, designing, and building the project, which is a graduation requirement.

Review of Related Literature and Systems

Conducting a literature review is essential as it introduces readers and future researchers to the researcher's work and offers valuable information. The review helps readers gain knowledge on how to conduct their own studies by carefully selecting and evaluating appropriate research, ensuring access to well-investigated information.

Review of Related Literatures

Thomas Haupt (2008) discusses various forms of "electronic voting," such as computerized counting of paper ballots without changing them. This article specifically examines Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) voting, which is a specific type of electronic voting. One benefit of electronic voting is its ability to ensure accurate counting and inclusion of the majority of ballots in the final results. In contrast, paper-based voting machines may miss out on ballots due to human errors during insertion.

According to Kevin Bonsor and Jonathan Strickland (2008), votes are now counted using an electronic system, which is much faster than manual counting. Voters use a touch screen or similar electronic device to make their choices. Once the voter submits their vote, a printer connected to the device produces a physical paper ballot. Later, an election official or volunteer collects all the paper ballots and transports them to a central location for counting after

the polls close. This entire process is made possible by Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) systems. Essentially, a DRE system is a computer. As Walter Jensen (2008) argues, there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with electronic voting.

When implementing an electronic system, it is crucial to acknowledge that errors and faults may arise, potentially causing problems. It is important to remember that no system can be completely free of errors. Nevertheless, our objective is to discover the best possible solution that maximizes vote counting.

The Philippines, an Asian country and member of ASEAN, was one of the pioneers in implementing e-voting during their recent presidential elections (Avasadanond, 2012). The nation has become infamous for its widespread corruption, including activities like vote buying and bribery. Moreover, poverty poses significant difficulties for the Philippines as a considerable portion of its population earns less than one dollar per day.

The Philippines used a total of 76,300 voting machines for their voting population of 45.5 million people in the context of e-voting. By 10 pm, approximately two-thirds of the votes were already counted using these machines, which showcases their efficiency. However, concerns have been raised by Dr. Manalastas (2012) regarding the limited time provided for thorough testing of the electronic voting machines that will be utilized in the upcoming general elections. Despite being specifically designed for the Philippines, doubts persist concerning the reliability and source code integrity. Dr. Manalastas also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness and security of precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines employed in automated elections within the country.

Review of Related Studies

According to Kevin Bonsor (2008), tabulation is faster since

votes are recorded on a memory device instead of paper ballots. This reduces the risk of mechanical errors. Human error and software bugs are still concerns, but in an ideal system, tabulation is instant and eliminates the need for recounts. Jonathan Strickland (2008) argues that a paper-based system provides reassurance to voters as the ballot is physically represented by a piece of paper, ensuring their choices are counted.

Despite the use of physical ballots, there are still potential issues that can lead to an incorrect vote count. These issues include problems with punch cards, such as misaligned or incomplete punches, creating what is known as a "hanging chad," famously seen in the 2000 election in Florida. Optical scan cards can also be problematic, as stray marks or incomplete markings can be misinterpreted during the tabulation process. Additionally, printers used to mark optical scan cards may run out of toner, resulting in marks that are incomplete or illegible. Furthermore, there is the possibility of over voting, where a voter selects two or more candidates for a single position, but these selections are not recognized by the tabulation devices.

According to The Center for Association Growth TCAG (2012), after years of studying E-voting systems, they found that they offer several benefits. These benefits include cost savings, increased participation rates, better informed voters, reduced administration, the ability to create and deploy a ballot quickly and with ease, ensuring the integrity of the vote, instant runoffs, allowing for last minute changes to the ballot, eliminating human error in vote counting, and eliminating the need for recounts. Gloria Lin and Nicole Espinoza (2007) also mentioned that "Elections are

unique".

They have the power to alter the destiny of nations, shape political engagement and activism, and profoundly impact the lives and mindsets of individuals. It is imperative to inquire: What advantages does electronic voting offer? Enhanced efficiency is a notable advantage of this novel system. It is crucial to contemplate that the success of electronic voting hinges on the capability of Electronic Voting Machines to operate according to the specific requirements and preferences of the voting district.