CardanoVote - Decentralized Voting System for Local Communities

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Guido Zatloukal

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

10

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

VotaCardano offers local communities secure and transparent digital voting using the Cardano blockchain: anonymous voting, traceability, real-time results, and ease of use.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The project’s output will be completely available to the public. With our experienced creative team, we will create audiovisual content on every step of the process, from the planning and setup stage, to the events themselves, focusing on the community building aspect of this endeavor, documenting its impact.

We are committed to ensuring transparency and to openly share every resource available with the community.

[METADATA] Horizons

Governance

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

General Description: VotaCardano is a decentralized voting platform based on the Cardano blockchain, specifically designed to facilitate decision-making processes in local communities, neighborhood organizations, cooperatives, and municipalities. The platform allows communities to conduct voting in a secure, transparent, and accessible manner, with immutable records on the blockchain, ensuring trust in the results and eliminating the possibility of fraud.

Problem Addressed: Local communities often face outdated, costly voting processes that are prone to manipulation or human error. Currently, many important municipal or community decisions are made using paper ballots, which involve high logistical costs and slow collection and verification of results. Additionally, the lack of transparency in the process generates distrust among citizens and decreases their participation.

Proposed Solution: VotaCardano will enable local communities to implement a digital voting system based on the Cardano blockchain, ensuring transparency, security, and accessibility of the processes. The main functionalities of the platform are:

• Secure and Anonymous Voting: Voters can cast their votes digitally and completely anonymously, eliminating the possibility of result manipulation.
• Traceability and Transparency: All votes cast are recorded on the Cardano blockchain, allowing public verification without compromising voter privacy.
• Real-Time Results: The platform allows for real-time result tracking, streamlining decision-making processes.
• Ease of Use: The user interface is designed to be intuitive, allowing participation from everyone regardless of their technical level.

Use Cases:

• Participatory Budgets: Municipalities can use the platform for citizens to vote on the allocation of community funds, ensuring resources are directed toward local priorities.
• Elections in Cooperatives: Cooperatives and neighborhood associations can transparently and securely hold elections for their directors or vote on important decisions.
• Public Consultations: Municipalities can call for public consultations for citizens to vote on general interest topics, such as changes in local regulations or the execution of infrastructure projects.

Project Components:

• Digital Voting System: A panel for local authorities where they can create and manage votes, configure options, and manage election dates.
• Citizen Voting Interface: A web and mobile application where citizens can cast their votes simply and securely.
• Results Verification: A public portal where citizens can verify that their vote has been recorded on the blockchain without compromising privacy.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project aims to expand the community of users and developers interested in blockchain technology in Argentina.We propose to introduce this innovative technology, highlighting its main virtues and capabilities.In addition, we will present practical cases and success stories that demonstrate its applicability and effectiveness in various industries, focusing on the opportunities and tools that the Cardano Ecosystem brings.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our ability to deliver this project with a high degree of confidence and responsibility is based on the vast experience and solid background of the members of our team and institutions.They have a proven track record in management and successful execution of initiatives aimed at creating communities and projects linked to blockchain.

Community Engagement: The active and systematic organization of numerous events, workshops and conferences within the blockchain industry demonstrates a clear and strong commitment to the development of transparent, diverse, and inclusive communities.

Metrics And impact measurement: During the execution of the project, we will establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and other essential metrics to evaluate both progress and impact generated. Event attendance, active participation of attendees, social media influence and integration of new developers, will be monitored and reported on periodically in order to validate and optimize the effectiveness of the project.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Pensamiento sobre 11 segundos

Sure, here are five key milestones to measure the progress of the VotaCardano project from scratch to the implementation of a functional MVP in a municipality:

Milestone 1: Analysis and Strategic Planning

• Description: Conduct a thorough study of the needs of local communities and define the system's functional and technical requirements.
• Objectives to Achieve:
• Analyze current voting processes and challenges faced by municipalities and communities.
• Clearly define the essential functionalities of the system.
• Design the system architecture based on the Cardano blockchain.
• Develop a detailed project plan with timelines and resource allocation.
• Success Indicators:
• Complete documentation of requirements and design approved by stakeholders.
• Established project timeline and assigned teams.

Milestone 2: Development of the Initial Prototype

• Description: Create a functional prototype that demonstrates the platform's basic features, allowing for internal testing and initial feedback.
• Objectives to Achieve:
• Develop the digital voting system for local authorities in a basic version.
• Create a simplified user interface for citizens.
• Implement initial smart contracts for vote registration and counting.
• Success Indicators:
• Operational prototype in a test environment.
• Feedback collected from internal users and adjustments made to the prototype as needed.

Milestone 3: Development of the Complete MVP

• Description: Build the Minimum Viable Product with all essential functionalities, ready for testing in a real environment.
• Objectives to Achieve:
• Full integration with Cardano wallets for secure vote casting.
• Implementation of security measures and voter anonymity.
• Development of the web and mobile applications with an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Setup of the public portal for results verification.
• Success Indicators:
• Functional MVP tested internally and ready for pilot testing.
• Fulfillment of all functional requirements defined in Milestone 1.

Milestone 4: Pilot Testing in Controlled Environments

• Description: Conduct pilot tests with cooperatives or small communities to validate the MVP's functionality and make adjustments based on the feedback obtained.
• Objectives to Achieve:
• Select one or more communities to participate in the pilot test.
• Train users and local authorities on how to use the platform.
• Monitor the voting process and collect data and comments.
• Success Indicators:
• Successful completion of pilot votes without critical incidents.
• Positive feedback from participants and authorities.
• Identification and correction of errors or necessary improvements before the official launch.

Pensamiento sobre 11 segundos

Sure, here are five key milestones to measure the progress of the VotaCardano project from scratch to the implementation of a functional MVP in a municipality:

Milestone 1: Analysis and Strategic Planning

• Description: Conduct a thorough study of the needs of local communities and define the system's functional and technical requirements.
• Objectives to Achieve:
• Analyze current voting processes and challenges faced by municipalities and communities.
• Clearly define the essential functionalities of the system.
• Design the system architecture based on the Cardano blockchain.
• Develop a detailed project plan with timelines and resource allocation.
• Success Indicators:
• Complete documentation of requirements and design approved by stakeholders.
• Established project timeline and assigned teams.

Milestone 2: Development of the Initial Prototype

• Description: Create a functional prototype that demonstrates the platform's basic features, allowing for internal testing and initial feedback.
• Objectives to Achieve:
• Develop the digital voting system for local authorities in a basic version.
• Create a simplified user interface for citizens.
• Implement initial smart contracts for vote registration and counting.
• Success Indicators:
• Operational prototype in a test environment.
• Feedback collected from internal users and adjustments made to the prototype as needed.

Milestone 3: Development of the Complete MVP

• Description: Build the Minimum Viable Product with all essential functionalities, ready for testing in a real environment.
• Objectives to Achieve:
• Full integration with Cardano wallets for secure vote casting.
• Implementation of security measures and voter anonymity.
• Development of the web and mobile applications with an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Setup of the public portal for results verification.
• Success Indicators:
• Functional MVP tested internally and ready for pilot testing.
• Fulfillment of all functional requirements defined in Milestone 1.

Milestone 4: Pilot Testing in Controlled Environments

• Description: Conduct pilot tests with cooperatives or small communities to validate the MVP's functionality and make adjustments based on the feedback obtained.
• Objectives to Achieve:
• Select one or more communities to participate in the pilot test.
• Train users and local authorities on how to use the platform.
• Monitor the voting process and collect data and comments.
• Success Indicators:
• Successful completion of pilot votes without critical incidents.
• Positive feedback from participants and authorities.
• Identification and correction of errors or necessary improvements before the official launch.

Milestone 5: Implementation and Launch in a Municipality

• Description: Deploy the functional MVP in a selected municipality, conducting an official vote and laying the groundwork for future expansions.
• Objectives to Achieve:
• Coordinate with municipal authorities to plan and execute the voting.
• Launch a communication campaign to inform citizens about the new platform.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout the voting process.
• Analyze results and present reports to the authorities.
• Success Indicators:
• Successful execution of an official vote using VotaCardano.
• High citizen participation and satisfaction with the process.
• Approval and recognition by municipal authorities.
• Plan for scaling the project to other municipalities or regions.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Guido Zatloukal : Project Lead -

Guido Zatloukal is an experienced web developer with a 10-year track record in the tech industry. He was a key player in the implementation of the “NAC” an Argentine Digital Literacy project sponsored by the national government. Additionally, he is the co-founder and president of the Blockchain Argentina Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness and widespread usage of blockchain technology in the country.

Alex Barros : General Project Manager

Co-Founder and Operations Director of the Argentine Blockchain Foundation, with ample experience in the field of communications/ marketing consulting, and an academic background in Political Science, a field that he studied at the University of Buenos Aires, bringing several diverse skill sets to the table that make him valuable to projects such as this, that requiere excellence in many different fields in order to succeed.

Victoria Belohlawek : Press and Communications Manager 

Journalist, plays a crucial role at the Blockchain Argentina Foundation as its press director . With a notable background in promoting cultural events and projects, she has brought her experience to the world of blockchain technology, boosting the visibility and impact of the foundation. Her unique combination of communication skills and passion for innovation makes her an invaluable asset to the organization and the sector as a whole.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the VotaCardano project represents exceptional value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to several key factors:

1. Driving Adoption and Utilization:

• Real-World Application: VotaCardano offers a tangible use case of blockchain technology in local governance, making it more accessible and understandable to the general public.
• User Base Expansion: By engaging municipalities, cooperatives, and citizens, the project brings a significant number of new users to the Cardano network.

1. Showcasing Cardano's Capabilities:

• Advanced Features Demonstration: The project leverages Cardano's secure, scalable, and transparent infrastructure, highlighting its suitability for critical applications like voting.
• Smart Contracts Utilization: By implementing smart contracts for secure voting processes, it exemplifies Cardano's technological strengths.

1. Ecosystem Growth and Innovation:

• Inspiring Developers: A successful implementation can encourage other developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) on Cardano, fostering a vibrant ecosystem.
• Platform Improvement: Feedback from the project's deployment can lead to enhancements in Cardano's technology and user experience.

1. Economic Benefits:

• Increased ADA Usage: The integration with Cardano wallets means more transactions using ADA, boosting the cryptocurrency's utility and demand.
• Cost Savings for Communities: By reducing the expenses associated with traditional voting methods, it showcases blockchain's potential for cost-effective solutions.

1. Network Effects and Security:

• Enhanced Network Activity: More transactions and interactions strengthen the network's security and resilience.
• Decentralization: A broader user base contributes to a more decentralized and robust blockchain environment.

1. Building Trust and Reputation:

• Transparency and Security: Successful secure voting builds trust in Cardano's technology, which is crucial for wider acceptance and adoption.
• Government and Institutional Relations: Demonstrating value in public sector applications can open doors for partnerships and endorsements.

1. Educational Impact:

• Blockchain Awareness: Training and educating users and authorities increase overall awareness of blockchain benefits, positioning Cardano as a leader in the field.
• Community Engagement: Active involvement of citizens fosters a community that is knowledgeable and supportive of Cardano's mission.

1. Scalability and Future Opportunities:

• Template for Success: The project's framework can be replicated in other regions, amplifying its impact without proportional increases in cost.
• Foundation for More Services: Establishing a presence in local governance can lead to additional services built on Cardano, multiplying the return on investment.

1. Social Impact and Alignment with Cardano's Vision:

• Empowering Communities: Facilitating transparent and accessible voting aligns with Cardano's goal to promote social good and financial inclusion.
• Global Reach Potential: Starting in Argentina, the project has the potential to scale globally, affecting positive change on a large scale.

1. Feedback Loop for Continuous Improvement:

• Data-Driven Enhancements: Real-world usage provides valuable data to refine both the VotaCardano platform and the underlying Cardano technology.
• Adaptive Development: Ongoing improvements ensure that the platform remains relevant and effective, maximizing the initial investment's value over time.