# zkVote : Vote Anonymously and Confidently

# Project Abstract

ZKVote(https://zkvote.webflow.io/) is a decentralized application designed to address the challenge of maintaining voter anonymity and integrity in polling systems.

It enables users to create and join groups, set up polls, and cast votes anonymously, ensuring the privacy of voter identity while still making the results verifiable and transparent.

By leveraging zero-knowledge proofs, ZKVote aims to enhance the trustworthiness and security of digital voting processes, making it a significant step forward in achieving secure, anonymous, and fair voting mechanisms in various settings.

This solution addresses the critical need for maintaining confidentiality and integrity in votes, thus fostering a more inclusive and trustworthy framework for decision-making processes.

# Objectives

- To implement and enhance ZK circuits and smart contracts for secure, anonymous voting.
- Deploy the service on Ethereum L2 networks, promoting broader adoption.
- Continue research to improve privacy infrastructure within the blockchain space.

# Outcomes
- A fully functional, decentralized voting system that guarantees voter anonymity and security.
- Increased adoption of ZK technology across the Ethereum network, enhancing overall privacy standards.
- Contributions to the Ethereum ecosystem's growth through high-quality research and development.

# Grant Scope

The grant will support the deployment of zkVote on Ethereum L2 chains, frontend and backend development for scalability, and ongoing research efforts aimed at privacy infrastructure improvements.

# Project Team

**Sam Hu**
Background: B.S. CS @ Tianjin University, S.M. CS @ Fudan University.
Pre-Crypto: Maintainer @ Linux Kernel Network, Compiler Engineer, Hardware Designer.
Crypto: Building IEEE 802.11i for wireless chips, four zk-based projects from scratch including spot/perpetual zk-rollup DEXs and ZK-privacy social/gaming.

**Lucy Qiu**
Background: Bachelor CS @ Rutgers University
Crypto: Twice Eth Hackathon Sponsor Prizes Winner including top prizes from The Graph, Push Protocol, OP, Gnosis Chain, Covalent.

# Background

Building on existing research, zkVote is at the forefront of privacy technology in blockchain. The team has published papers detailing advancements in zero-knowledge proofs and Merkle forest solutions, contributing significantly to the field.
- DeFROST(https://hackmd.io/@lm3fyIz-TQqOiqATSbtJ7w/HkiSmnNA3)
- Merkle Forest(https://github.com/samzkback/merkle-forest)

# Methodology

The project employs advanced cryptographic techniques, including Semaphore's ZK proofs and homomorphic encryption, to build secure, anonymous voting mechanisms. Research and development focus on enhancing privacy infrastructure, with practical applications tested through zkVote deployment.

# Timeline

**Milestone 1: Frontend Development and Snap Integration**

**Timeline**: 2024 Q2
**Summary**: This phase focuses on developing the frontend interface, integrating with MetaMask Snaps for enhanced user functionality, and finalizing UI/UX designs for optimal user experience. The team will work on coding, testing, and refining the frontend application to prepare for launch.
Budget: 30,000 USD

**Milestone 2: Mainstream Layer 2 Integration**

**Timeline**: 2024 Q3
**Summary**: During this period, the project will focus on integrating zkVote with mainstream Ethereum Layer 2 solutions to ensure wide accessibility and scalability. This includes technical development for compatibility, security testing, and deployment on L2 networks.
Budget: 20,000 USD

**Milestone 3: Infrastructure Development for Merkle Forest/Defrost**

**Timeline**: 2024 Q4
**Summary**: The final phase of the project will concentrate on building and improving foundational privacy infrastructure, such as Merkle Forest and Defrost solutions. This involves research, development, and deployment of new cryptographic methods to enhance privacy and efficiency.
Budget: 20,000 USD

# Budget

- Principle Researchers Costs: $40,000 USD
- This covers the salaries for two main developers working on the project, focusing on the development and implementation of zkVote's core functionalities.

- Audit Costs: $20,000 USD
- Allocated for external professionals to audit the circuit and smart contract code, ensuring security and reliability.

- Other Costs: $10,000 USD
- This includes miscellaneous expenses such as hardware, software, and data services required for the project's development and implementation phases.