CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

The computer, an extraordinary creation of human ingenuity, has revolutionized

the world in countless ways and stands as a pillar of modern automation. From its
inception, computers have been at the forefront of driving automation across industries,
transforming the way we work, manufacture, and interact with technology. With their
remarkable processing power, storage capacity, and ability to execute complex
algorithms, computers have become indispensable tools in automating repetitive tasks,
streamlining processes, and enhancing productivity on an unprecedented scale. By
harnessing the power of computers, automation has become a driving force behind
increased efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in various sectors. From assembly lines in
manufacturing plants to data analysis in finance, computers have taken on the role of
intelligent assistants, seamlessly integrating with human operators to optimize
operations, reduce errors, and deliver consistent results. Through automation,
computers have not only improved productivity but also provided opportunities for
innovation and the exploration of new frontiers in fields such as artificial intelligence and
robotics.

Furthermore, the impact of computer-driven automation extends beyond the

industrial realm. In our daily lives, computers have automated mundane tasks,
simplifying and enhancing our experiences. From smart homes that can adjust lighting
and temperature based on our preferences to voice-activated personal assistants that
can manage our schedules and answer our queries, computers have become integral
parts of our households, making our lives more convenient and connected.

As we look to the future, the potential of computers and automation remains

boundless. Advancements in machine learning, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT)
technologies are paving the way for even greater levels of automation, transforming
industries and reshaping the way we live and work. With computers at the core of this
transformative process, the possibilities are endless, promising increased efficiency,
improved decision-making, and the potential for discoveries that will shape the world for
generations to come.
 The election process allows the general population to choose their
representatives and express their preferences for how they will be governed. Naturally,
the integrity of the election process is fundamental to the integrity of democracy itself.
The election system must be sufficiently robust to withstand a variety of deceptive
behaviors and must be sufficiently transparent and comprehensible so that voters and
candidates can accept the results of an election. Election fraud and delayed process of
electoral selection were common problems in any kind of voting system. Voting is a
method for a group such as a meeting or an electorate to make a decision or express an
opinion—often following discussions, debates, or election campaigns. It is often found in
democracies and republics. Electronic voting (also known as e-voting) is a term
encompassing several different types of voting, embracing both electronic means of
casting a vote and electronic means of counting votes. Electronic voting is often seen as
a tool for making the electoral process more efficient and for increasing trust in its
management. Properly implemented, e-voting solutions can increase the security of the
ballot, speed up the processing of results, and make voting easier. However, the
challenges are considerable. If not carefully planned and designed, e-voting can
undermine confidence in the whole electoral process.

Valerio P. Palmares National High School is using the traditional way of voting for
the set of SSG officers. A paper-based ballot is used as a way to vote during Election
Day. In this study, the researchers aim to develop a computer-based voting system that
is accurate, reliable, and easy to use during the election of student representatives and
to provide relevant and accurate information needed after the election process.

Project Context

The Valerio P. Palmares National High School (VPPNHS) is using the traditional
way of voting in their election process where students will have to line up and register
their name before they can vote. The students will collect their ballot, write their chosen
candidate, submit their ballot, and have their fingernails inked. The counting of
processes is another problem. After the given election period, the members of the
electoral board will have to count the votes manually which is a very tedious task and is
prone to errors. Thus, manual counting may result in inaccurate and unreliable results.
 In this study, the researchers aim to develop an efficient, accurate, and reliable
computer-based election system for the students that could track ballots, speed up the
counting of ballots, and can facilitate electoral fraud. The design of the electronic
election system will be based on the electoral process adopted by the school. The
system can be made fully accessible to any computer; information on the student
candidates such as their pictures and accomplishments, the student can identify and
determine easily their respective candidate.

The software includes important features such as user’s log access, voter’s page,
admin page, database maintenance, and help assistant. Thus, this project will focus on
how to design and develop a computer-based election system adopting the direct
recording electronic voting to be used by the school during the election period.

Purpose and Description

The main purpose of this project is to develop automated election software that
is user-friendly and reliable. The Automated SSG Election System will be developed by
the researchers for VPPNHS. The proposed project “Automated SSG Election System is a
computer-based software that enables voters to vote smoothly, comfortably, and
peacefully during student government elections. The Automated Election system enables
users to interactively view profiles of the candidates and choose their candidates on an
electronic screen, through buttons, a mouse-based GUI, or by simply using an input
device to make their choices. The system will focus on the school’s election which will
allow voters to vote using a computer and the system will provide accurate voting
results.

The features of the system will focus on log-in/log-out services, administrator’s

page, voter’s page, database maintenance, and help assistance. Log-in/Log-out Services
refers to one of the features of the proposed system that will prompt users to enter their
user ID and password to be able to access the student voter’s page and the school
administrator’s page. Voter’s Page is used by the student voters to view candidates’
party lists and candidates' profiles and cast their votes during the election period.
Administrator’s Page is used to register and validate new voters, existing voters, and
candidates’ records, and generate election voting results. Database Maintenance refers
to one of the features of the system wherein the administrator can update voters’
records, and candidates’ records, manage data and transaction log files, and back up
the system. Help Assistant, which contains instructions on how to use the system.

The proposed project can generate the following outputs, these are user’s log
report, candidate party list, and election tabulation results. The proposed project offers
several benefits for the school administration and the student voters which include the
following: voters can easily cast their votes, voters can choose their candidates through
an electronic screen or computer monitor with a click of a mouse, speeds up the
counting of votes, increase the security and reliability of elections, computer can count
an unlimited number of ballots, and the system can automatically generate the results to
determine the winning candidates.

Objectives of the Study

General Objectives

The main objective of this project is to develop a computer-based election

system, an Automated SSG Election System for Valerio P. Palmares National High School
to use during the election of student representatives.

Specific Objectives

Specifically, this project aims to:

1. Provide election software that is fully accessible through the Local Area Network
(LAN) of the school.
2. Provide a direct recording election system where voters view ballots on a
computer monitor and make choices using an input device.

3. Provide results of the election that are fast, reliable, and accurate.

4. Provide a help guide feature to guide voters on how to use the system.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

 The coverage or the scope of the study is that it will provide the Voter's ID, and
password generated by the system of each student so the student can use their
provided voter ID and password not just once but as long as they are staying in the
school. For logging in, the voter's ID number is the username, and the password is
generated and it will be set by the user. A valid voter's ID and password per person will
be used to vote and their voter ID and Password are permanent until they are active on
campus. It will act as the main security to the voting system. The voters can view the
candidates and vote through PC. The voters can also view their details and they can
request edits, the voters can also view the status of the election like unofficial tallies and
they will receive a notification that the election has been finished.

This study is limited only to the faculty, staff, and students of Valerio P. Palmares
National High School. Authorized personnel only can access to update the profile of
candidates and students. This system can only be used using a local server and the
admin can edit the profile of the candidate. The voter can only vote ONCE per year.

Significance of the Project

This study is beneficial to various groups of people, institutions, and other

coming elections.

The Proponents. Would benefit them as researchers for this would serve as their
training tools in creating a program system to use as an effective strategy to have a
faster, more reliable, and secured election.

The SSG (Supreme Student Government). This study will minimize the effort and
work of the SSG officer because this system will automatically get the result of the
election.

The Institution. This system will provide an efficient and secure election of the new
student officers of the Institution.

Candidates. This system provides security that can assure candidates to have a fair
election.

Students (Voters). This system provides accuracy and security that can assure they
will have a fair and correct result of the election.
Future Researchers - this study will serve as a future reference and guide to the
students who will conduct a study to help them get an idea for the system that they are
going to make in the future.