An online voting system is a system that allows individuals to cast their votes electronically, rather than in person at a polling station. This can be especially useful in situations where it is difficult for people to physically visit a polling station, such as during a pandemic or for individuals who live in remote areas.
A data flow diagram (DFD) is a visual representation of the flow of data within a system. It can be used to understand how data is processed, stored, and transmitted within a system. In this essay, we will discuss the data flow diagram for an online voting system.
The first step in the process is for individuals to register to vote. This can be done through a web application or mobile app. The voter enters their personal information, such as their name, address, and date of birth, and this information is stored in a database.
Once the voter is registered, they can cast their vote. The voter selects their preferred candidate or party and submits their vote. The vote is then transmitted to the voting system server, which stores the vote in a database.
The voting system server also checks the voter's identity to ensure that they are eligible to vote. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as verifying their identity through a government-issued ID or using two-factor authentication.
Once the vote has been cast and the voter's identity has been verified, the voting system server sends a confirmation message to the voter. This confirmation message lets the voter know that their vote has been successfully cast and recorded.
The votes are then counted and the results are tallied. The results are transmitted to a central server, which stores the results in a database. The results can then be accessed by authorized individuals, such as election officials, to verify the accuracy of the vote count.
In summary, the data flow diagram for an online voting system shows the flow of data from the point at which an individual registers to vote, through the process of casting their vote, to the final tally of the results. It is a useful tool for understanding how an online voting system works and for identifying potential areas for improvement.