Data processing and analytics solution

Reducing manual work and optimizing operational processes 

Generating 64,000 ballots for a single area would normally require 600 hours because of the amount of manual work required to check CSV files with data and build ballot charts. To optimize this process, we automated business rules via scripts that cover all manual work and produce fast, error-free results. 

Optimizing the technical solution

We performed a detailed analysis of functional and nonfunctional requirements in search of a well-balanced technical solution. We implemented a GraphQL API  for interacting with multiple data objects, as it predefined the software architecture and supplied a broad range of templates. The Aurora MySQL database has data field limitations but won us 25% more time for software development. 

Ensuring website scalability and high-load capabilities

Live Vote Results needs to show many views of filtered ballot charts, so we had to ensure the site could easily scale. We chose AWS Lambda and AWS AppSync for the GraphQL API, as they offer on-demand scalability. With these technologies, our client can add servers to power up the site for election time and disable unnecessary servers at other times. We also conducted load testing of Live Vote Results. The site can easily handle over 100,000 requests per second, while 450 users can simultaneously request filtered ballot charts and get them in less than two seconds.

Providing anti-fraud mechanisms

To avoid mistakes or intentional manipulation of ballot chart results, we added a logging feature to the admin panel and implemented different roles for it. Polling station commissioners only have access to the area they’re responsible for, while the admin panel automatically logs their work. If any incorrect information is found in a ballot chart, an admin can check the logs and roles to see who was the last to edit the chart and ask them to correct it. 

Improving the website UX 

Our client required us to add interactive maps to help users filter election results and ensure a certain level of website customization. For this, we implemented:

• interactive maps. Our client supplied us with detailed district maps. With the help of React, we processed maps in the SVG file format and created clickable maps that let users view election results for a selected area.
• chart customization. To prioritize election results based on a user’s interests, we added chart order customization. We also allowed polling station commissioners to preview charts and chart lists before publishing. Whenever required, polling station commissioners can configure electoral district names and sizes as well as create new districts.