DE20301520U1 - Electronic voting system uses remote handsets coupled to remote central station with internet link - Google Patents

Abstract

The voting system has hand held units [100] that are in wireless communication with a central processing station [10]. The entry is made using a personal identification code that is entered by the user. Special keys [101-103] are provided for indicating voting decisions. After acceptance data is entered into a data base [25] and can be transmitted over the internet [30].

Description

8 April 2003

Haubrok Corporate Events GmbH

H50305

Description Electronic voting system

The present invention relates to an electronic voting system consisting of one or more devices according to the preamble of claim 1 and a voting device for such an electronic voting system.

Such electronic voting systems are used, for example, at general meetings of stock corporations, delegate assemblies of political parties, in the Bundestag or in competitions with evaluation by the public.

A key advantage of electronic voting systems over traditional voting methods using ballot papers is that the voting process and the evaluation of the votes cast are very quick because they are practically fully automated. There is no need to collect and count ballot papers manually. Furthermore, the evaluation of the vote is largely error-free because it is carried out automatically.

In a well-known electronic voting system, the participants cast their votes using handheld devices assigned to them, which are connected via radio to a central recording device. As soon as the actual vote is to be carried out, the participants press a button that corresponds to the desired alternative, i.e.

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e.g. "yes", "no" or "abstention". It is also known that the votes of the individual participants in the vote can be weighted differently. For this purpose, the handheld devices are designed to be programmable so that information about the weighting of votes can be entered.
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Especially at general meetings of large stock corporations, not all shareholders with voting rights are present, but only a few representatives who cast votes in accordance with instructions for a large number of absent shareholders (e.g. independent voting representatives within the meaning of the German Corporate Governance Code, representatives of shareholder associations or of credit institutions). This situation could be taken into account by the above-mentioned different weighting of the votes of the representatives present according to the number of absent shareholders represented. However, this option reaches its limits when a representative has to cast a wide variety of votes (yes, no, abstention, etc.) on various agenda items for the shareholders/voting material he represents according to instructions or instruction groups and/or every shareholder represented by the representative must be listed by name in the list of participants, including the name of the person representing him. If the system described above is used, the participant must either be given several handheld devices, each of which has different voting weights according to the different contents of the instructions/groups of instructions, or must manually enter the respective number of votes into the handheld device using a keyboard for each vote. However, the situation becomes extremely complicated if several votes are carried out sequentially at a general meeting and the number of different votes is large.

Another disadvantage of known systems is that the weighting of the votes is set by programming each individual handset, either directly or using a corresponding chip card. If the programming is carried out at the time the handset is issued, changes to the used

voting material submitted during the Annual General Meeting (e.g. independent proxy is available during the Annual General Meeting until the beginning or even until the end of the voting) will no longer be taken into account.

The object of the present invention is therefore to develop an electronic voting system in such a way that votes from absent voters can also be included in the electronic vote if they vote differently. This object is achieved by a system according to claim 1. Advantageous developments are defined in the subclaims. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a voting device which functions with the system according to the invention.

According to the invention, an electronic voting system is therefore provided, i.e. a technical system consisting of one or more devices, comprising: a device for recording votes cast in a vote by participants by means of electronic voting devices, in which means are provided with which votes to be cast by the participants in the vote can be assigned contents that can be clearly predetermined, such that when the votes are cast by the participants, the contents are included in the vote.

The allocation means can advantageously be designed separately from the voting devices.

Furthermore, the allocation means may comprise storage means, in particular a database, for storing the contents to be allocated to the voices.

In the context of the present invention, "vote" is understood to mean the statement of the person entitled to vote. In the present invention, this statement is made by means of the voting device.

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What makes the difference is the "content", the expression of the vote, i.e. the vote for one of the options put to the vote by "yes", "no", "abstention" or the like.

The present invention has numerous advantages. The possibility of storing content or instructions for a representative in a database that the evaluation and/or recording device can access means that instructions can be carefully prepared and stored before the actual vote and can also be changed up until shortly before the respective voting point is voted on. These changes are particularly interesting if agenda items change at the meeting at short notice, new items are added, facts become known during the meeting that require a different form of votes or the voting method is changed. Furthermore, making instructions available electronically also creates considerable security against errors and other disruptions. Furthermore, the electronic allocation of the content of the instructions to the votes cast significantly speeds up the voting or evaluation process.

According to the present invention, it is therefore not only possible for a participant in a vote to cast "his" vote, but also votes from other voters who are not personally present at the vote. Of particular interest here is that the content of these votes can be predetermined, such that the participant who casts these votes only casts a vote formulated by the actual voter. The case is also included in which a participant does not cast his own vote at all, but only votes from voters who are not present, i.e. only acts as a representative. It can be provided that the vote is entered directly by the actual voter, but also that the participant who casts this vote enters it into the system himself in advance of the vote.

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The invention is described in more detail with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1 shows an overview of the voting system according to the present invention and

Fig. 2 shows a schematic data structure in which the contents or instructions of the voters are stored in the database.

Fig. 1 shows a recording device 10 which is set up at the voting location 1, i.e. where the voting takes place. The voting can take place, for example, as part of a general meeting of shareholders of a stock corporation. The recording device 10 is wirelessly connected to the voting devices 100. The voting devices 100 are designed as portable handheld devices which are handed out to the participants of the general meeting who are entitled to vote at the entrance to the voting location 1 in return for proof of authorization. The handheld devices 100 can be distinguished from one another only by an identifier ID which is stored on an associated chip card 115. The identifier can be used to assign the handheld device to a specific participant in the vote, as described below. Each voting device 100 has various buttons (indicated by 101-103 in the example), each of which is assigned to the alternatives available for the vote. Voting, i.e. the transmission of the content of the vote S, takes place when the voter presses the button assigned to the desired alternative when the vote is carried out. After pressing the button, the content is transmitted to the vote recording device 10 via radio. During transmission, the ID of the respective voting device 100 is also transmitted. This allows the respective vote to be evaluated with an individual weighting factor when evaluating the votes, for example in order to take into account a different number of votes from the various participants.

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The vote weighting assigned to each participant is stored in the database 25 at the vote evaluation device 20.

A particularly interesting aspect of the invention is that by assigning the ID for each handheld device 100 to the vote cast with it, not only the weighting of the vote can be determined, but also the content of the vote S itself (i.e. voting behavior/characteristics) can be specified. This specification can be made by the participant storing the content according to his voting behavior in the database 25 before the vote, with reference to a code number assigned to him (e.g. on the invitation to the shareholders' meeting). It is also possible for a single participant present to cast votes for several people during the vote, who have in turn stored them accordingly in the database 25. Such instructions can therefore be issued in advance by entering the appropriate information in the database 25. This database 25 is preferably accessible via a communications network 30, such as the Internet. It is particularly advantageous if communication with the database 25 takes place on the Internet via the "World Wide Web". Then the shareholders who are entitled to vote can enter the instructions themselves on their own computer 200. Of course, it is also possible for the representative to make these entries. Input/output devices 15, 16 are also provided (computer, terminal, with screen and printer) which are connected to the database 25 at the meeting location itself, so that the respective participant or representative can view his voting behavior or the instructions given to him and, if necessary, change them.

The voting device is designed in such a way that during voting the vote or votes can be released (validated) or rejected according to the contents/instructions by pressing a button on the voting device 100.

Of course, the database in which the voters enter their instructions does not have to be physically identical to the one on which

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Evaluation of the vote(s). It is only important that the instructions from the voters can be made accessible when the vote is evaluated.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic of the data structure in which the contents or instructions of the voters are stored in the database 25. The first line shows the code numbers, each of which is assigned to a voter, and the first column lists the individual votes (of the general meeting) or the questions to be voted on. The code numbers and the votes form a two-dimensional matrix, the fields of which can be filled with the contents of the votes to be cast, for example "yes", "no" or "abstention". The number "4711" shown on the mask represents the code number for the representative. This code number is used to access the instruction matrix stored in the database 25 during the vote. The code number (corresponding to the number of the admission ticket to the general meeting) is used for the corresponding assignment. Of course, the code number system of the voters or representatives and the IDs of the voting devices 100 do not have to be identical. It is only important that there is an association between the ID of the voting device 100, the owner (representative or present voter) and the content I of the database 25 and that the content I can be predetermined in the manner described.

The contents of the instruction matrix can be changed at any time. This applies to both the number of admission tickets or votes assigned (horizontal expansion of the matrix) and the agenda items put to the vote (vertical expansion). In the case of the horizontal expansion, this is done by manual entries by the representative or directly by the shareholders who wish to be represented. Each person entitled to vote has an admission ticket (or a comparable identification as being entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting) which has the code number with which he or she

gains access to the Annual General Meeting. If he appears as a representative of several people entitled to vote, the ID is assigned a corresponding instruction matrix. It is also possible to create a new ID that acts as a collective number for the IDs to be represented. The assignment is determined by entering the participant's code number. If the code number is available in the form of a barcode in connection with the admission ticket, the admission ticket can also be scanned at the event location. For this purpose, appropriate scanning devices 12 are provided at the entrances to the voting location.
The expansion of the matrix in a vertical direction is only possible by authorized support staff and is usually individually based on the published agenda, submitted counter-motions or motions regarding the rules of procedure.

By entering a password, the instruction matrix can be displayed on the computer/terminal 15, 16. Entries or changes to the instructions can also be permitted. The changes relate to the voting behavior. Possible values are, for example, "yes", "no", "abstention". The instruction matrix can be printed out on paper.

During each vote, the associated matrix is searched for using the ID, which is transmitted by a voting device 100 together with the vote, and the contents of the instruction of the corresponding line are read. This content is included in the vote. The next line is read in the same way during the next vote.

Of course, changes to fields in the matrix that correspond to votes that have already been carried out are not possible. Such fields can be marked accordingly on the screen or on the printout, for example.

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For the purpose of a better overview, a list with all admission tickets (or ID) and the entered instructions can be created and printed out, e.g. on the computer/terminal 15,16.

An evaluation device 30 is provided for evaluating the votes cast during the vote, which can be located at the event location or at any other location. Voting results can be made visible via corresponding display devices 40 at the event location or outside. Communication between the recording device 10, allocation means, database 25 and evaluation device 30 can take place via a network.

It can also be provided that voting devices 100 that are assigned to a representative who votes for several voters can be made distinguishable from those that are only used to cast a single vote. This allows a quicker distinction to be made when the devices are issued at the entrance to the voting location and the different functionality of their voting device can be made clear to the voting general meeting participant. This is interesting if the devices 100 have already been personalized in advance using the chip cards 115. Furthermore, it is possible to provide for a coded transmission of the vote from the voting devices to the recording device 10 for reasons of security against eavesdropping and interference.

Furthermore, it is possible to register the voting device 100 when the owner enters the voting location 1 and to deregister it when leaving. This can be done automatically by stationary activation means 11 at the entrances and exits and corresponding activation means 110 that are housed in the voting device 100. This ensures that only people present in the voting room can cast votes. It is also possible to assign the

The chip card for a voting device should be designed in such a way that after the card has been inserted into the device, operation of the device with another card or the card with another device is blocked for a predetermined period of time. This can prevent misuse. 5

By using suitable encryption methods, the communication between the voting device and the vote recording unit during voting can be secured against eavesdropping and falsification.

The voting devices 100 can also be connected to the recording device 10 by wire. This can be of interest, for example, in rooms in which votes are regularly taken, e.g. in parliament, or when the highest possible level of security against interference or eavesdropping must be ensured.

The personalization and assignment of instructions could also be carried out in other ways, e.g. by appropriate programming in the voting devices 100 themselves.

In order to ensure that the instructions cannot be forged, technical precautions 26 are provided which enable authentication of the person accessing the database 25. This can be done by each voter receiving an access code (login, password) together with the invitation prior to the vote, which he or she can then use to access the database.
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List of reference symbols Voting location 1 Recording device 10 stationary release devices 30 11 Scanning tools 12

15, 16 Input/output devices (computer/terminal, screen, printer) 20 Allocation means 25 Database 26 Authentication means 30 network 40 Display device 100 Voting device, handheld device 101-103 Keys 110 Activation tools 115 Chip card 200 PC I Contents ID Identifier S Agree

Claims (21)

1. Electronic voting system comprising:
a device ( 10 ) for recording votes (S) cast by participants using electronic voting devices ( 100 ),
characterized in that
Means ( 20 ) are provided by which votes (S) to be cast by the participants in the vote can be assigned to contents (I) that can be clearly predetermined, such that when the votes (S) are cast by the participants, the contents (I) are included in the vote. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the allocation means ( 20 ) are formed separately from the voting devices ( 100 ). 3. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the allocation means ( 20 ) comprise storage means ( 25 ), in particular a database, for storing the contents (I) to be allocated to the voices (S). 4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contents (I) have identifiers (ID) which serve to assign the contents (I) to the voices (S). 5. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device ( 10 ) is designed such that it receives identifiers (ID) with the votes cast ( 5 ), which serve to assign the contents (I) to the votes ( 5 ). 6. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contents (I) can be supplied to the allocation means ( 20 ) via a communication network ( 30 ), in particular the Internet. 7. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the voice recording device ( 10 ) is designed such that it can be connected to the voting devices ( 100 ) wirelessly, in particular via radio. 8. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vote recording device ( 10 ) is designed such that several votes can be recorded sequentially. 9. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contents (I) can be fed to the allocation means ( 20 ) via a communication network ( 30 ), in particular the Internet, in particular via a web interface, into a database ( 25 ) which is designed to communicate with the detection device ( 10 ). 10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the contents (I) can be changed dynamically until the vote. 11. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that technical means ( 26 ) are provided which enable authentication of a person accessing the allocation means ( 20 ). 12. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means ( 110 ) are provided with which the voting devices ( 100 ) can be activated for voting. 13. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the activation means ( 110 ) comprise chip cards ( 115 ) which are uniquely identified in the detection device and are assigned to the voting devices ( 100 ). 14. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that output means ( 15 ) are provided with which the predeterminable content of the voices (S) can be made known at least to the participant whose voice (S) the contents are assigned to. 15. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that input means ( 16 ) are provided with which the contents (I) assigned to the voices (S) can be changed. 16. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined contents (I) contain data which are designed as instructions to participants of a general meeting of shareholders. 17. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a voice evaluation device ( 30 ) is provided which is suitable for evaluating the votes (S). 18. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vote recording device ( 10 ) is designed such that the votes (S) can be weighted when evaluating the vote. 19. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display device ( 40 ) is provided which is suitable for displaying information for the vote or for the result of the vote. 20. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that release means ( 11 ) are provided which interact with corresponding release means ( 110 ) accommodated in the voting devices ( 100 ) in order to release the respective voting devices ( 100 ) at the voting location 1 or to block them outside the voting location 1 . 21. A voting device ( 100 ) adapted to operate with the system according to any preceding claim.