Vocdoni - Secure voting accessible to millions worldwide using zkRollups, zkSNARKs and Homomorphic Encryption

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Project Description:

Vocdoni is an open-source, decentralized, and universally verifiable voting protocol that prioritizes privacy, low costs, and scalability. By leveraging blockchain technology and zero-knowledge cryptography, Vocdoni delivers secure, anonymous, anticoercion and censorship-resistant digital voting at minimal marginal cost.

We’ve successfully executed high-stakes voting for organizations such as football clubs, city councils, associations, political parties, professional bodies, movements under prosecution and
more.

Until today, we have been relying on a customized proof-of-authority Layer 1 network. But we believe it’s now time to transition to a zero-knowledge (zk) based infrastructure to achieve full decentralization and address the main challenges of digital voting systems

We introduce a new universal voting protocol that tackles critical issues like receipt-freeness, voter privacy, scrutiny transparency, universal auditing, and eliminating the need for a trusted coordinator.

Designed for scalability and accessibility, the system enables high-frequency, low-cost voting suitable for mass adoption. We laverage on zkSNARKs and threshold homomorphic encryption (ElGamal), to ensure end-to-end verifiability and anonymity for the end user.

A decentralized zkSNARK-based state machine, operating as specialized layer 2 on the Ethereum blockchain, provides censorship-resistance, integrity, trutless operation and a transparent scrutiny of results. A distributed key generation (DKG) among sequencers, coordinated via smart contracts, allows for secure and decentralized encryption key creation without reliance on a central authority.

Most components have been implemented using accessible technologies and have undergone proof-of-concept testing, confirming that the protocol is practical and ready for immediate deployment. We plan to launch the testnet in Q1–Q2 2025

We’re now raising funds to develop this new protocol (see discussion on Ethresearch), that can also have a big impact in the Web3 world, by enabling use cases such as anonymous, anti-coercion, and gasless voting for DAOs and multisigs, while maintaining the same level of security and verifiability as on-chain voting.

Public Repository:

github.com/vocdoni

Budget Breakdown

Milestone #1: Testnet launch of the zkRollup for voting [5 ETH]

  • Estimated deadline: May 2025
  • Deliverables:
    • An alpha version of the new voting protocol using a single sequencer
  • Expected Outcome: By launching the testnet we will be able to start testing the protocol and improving it for the Beta launch.

Milestone #2: Simplified UI to interact with the zkRollup for voting [5 ETH]

  • Estimated deadline: May 2025
  • Deliverables:
    • A simplified UI to interact with the protocol, create elections and vote.
  • Expected Outcome: By launching a simplified UI, we will be able to showcase the protocol potential and continue testing it in public.

Milestone #3: Business development and GtM execution [5 ETH]

  • Estimated deadline: June 2025
  • Deliverables:
    • 15 new organizations using Vocdoni Protocol
    • 1 organization testing the new protocol through the simplified UI on testnet.
  • Expected Outcome: We must maintain our commercial activities to increase revenue and improve our overall sustainability. Additionally, by converting more organizations into protocol users, we will be able to seamlessly migrate this user base to the new protocol version. As a result, it will be easier for the new protocol version to get traction, what will, in turn, drive demand for the protocol’s token and strengthen the project’s long-term viability.

Funding requested: 15 ETH

In more general terms, the funds will provide the necessary time and resources to continue preparing for our Beta launch in September. Starting in June, we plan to: continue the protocol development to launch the protocol decentralization and prepare for the beta launch, conduct comprehensive betatesting, enhancing user documentation, execute audits, and start targeted marketing campaigns to raise awareness and foster community engagement for the mainnet launch.

Simultaneously, we will continue providing our solutions to Web2 organizations via the current protocol, while we prepare to seamlessly migrate these users to the new protocol once it has been thoroughly tested and proven reliable.

Further simplified roadmap:

  • September 2025:
    • Beta version of the Vocdoni App released.
    • Communications and community-building activities to prepare the Mainnet launch.
  • November 2025:
    • Protocol with decentralized sequencers.
    • Completion of audits and tokenomics finalized.
  • December 2025
    • Finished integration of the existing Vocdoni App with the new protocol.
  • February 2026:
    • Mainnet protocol launched.
    • Token Generation Event (TGE) conducted.
    • Migration of existing Vocdoni App users completed.
  • From February 2026:
    • Growth partnerships and boost ecosystem
    • Extend the protocol with eID/Passport support

Plans should you fall below, reach or exceed funding goals:

We are an agile team that has been working together for six years, deeply committed to executing our vision of making secure voting accessible to anyone in the world. We will continue exploring all possible avenues to sustain the project, even under the most challenging circumstances.

  • Below Goal: Use this partial funding to extend our operational runway, allowing the team to successfully finalize the seed round and keep developing the new protocol development. In parallel, continue pursuing additional funding avenues, such as Gitcoin Grants, other grants and new customers.
  • At Goal: Implement full development roadmap on schedule, reaching testnet, deploying a simplified UI, finalizing tokenomics and continue executing our GtM strategy.
  • Exceed Goal: Extend even more our operational runway, giving us time and enough resources to continue the new protocol development, improve community outreach, present the project on international events.

Impact Measurement and Reporting

Inputs > Activities > Outputs > Outcomes > Long Term Impact

Short-term Outcomes (0-3 months):

During this period, our primary focus will be on internal development. We will work on the new protocol version that leverages zkRollups, zkSNARKs, and threshold homomorphic encryption. Alongside this technical advancement, we will create a simplified user interface and enhance the user experience for early testers and integrators.

In parallel, we anticipate onboarding an additional 4-5 organizations to utilize the Vocdoni protocol for their voting processes.

Mid-term Outcomes (3-6+ months):

By deploying the testnet, a simplified UI, and the Beta Vocdoni App, we expect simpler user onboarding and higher engagement. Migrating existing users, adding more integrators, and surpassing 300k processed votes will broaden adoption and stimulate protocol usage. Technical audits, the Token Generation Event, and targeted marketing and community campaigns will increase trust, encourage participation, and help us build an ecosystem around the protocol. As well as a base for new builders and service providers on top of the protocol.

Long-term Impact (5+ years):

  • The protocol becomes a standard for secure, privacy-preserving digital voting around the world.
  • Hundreds of thousands of organizations around the world use Vocdoni as their voting technology.
  • First official regional/national election done using Vocdoni protocol.
  • Dozens of companies and projects offer governance services to their clients using Vocdoni under the hoods.

Outcomes Measurement:

  • Quantitative Metrics:
    Quantitative metrics can be tracked using our Explorer.
    • Number of organizations using the protocol.
    • Votes cast and voter turnout rates.
    • Number of integrators building services on top of Vocdoni protocol
  • Qualitative Metrics:
    • User satisfaction surveys and community feedback.
    • Case studies of high-stakes votes and their social/political impact.
  • Tools:
    • Vocdoni Explorer → explorer.vote
    • If we have funds available, we can integrate our protocol into other chain analytics tools (e.g., Dune Analytics) to track activity and usage.
    • Monitoring GitHub activity (issues, PRs, contributions) to measure development progress.

Interim Reporting

Regular Updates:

  • We can provide quarterly progress reports, complemented by periodic interim updates when relevant progress and milestones are reached.

Milestone Verification:

  • We’ll publish reports, demos, public UIs to showcase and provide technical documentation as soon as they are available.
  • We’ll also provide with visual stats on our GtM progress.

Sustainability Plan

We began commercial operations 12 months ago, and we didn’t reach yet our breakeven point, currently generating an average of USD 3,000 in monthly revenue. As a result, we are supplementing this income with grants and actively pursuing a seed round, which we expect to finalize in the coming weeks.

Short term → SaaS revenue & Seed round

Mid term → SaaS revenue & Token launch

Long term → SaaS revenue and value accrued through the protocol usage

We plan to achieve financial sustainability through:

  • Revenue Model: Short-term revenue from SaaS and SDK integrations for organizations needing user-friendly interfaces or specialized integrations.
  • Future Funding & Tokenomics: Introduction of a utility token ensuring long-term sustainability and ecosystem growth. The token model will be needed to create votes enabling scalable value capture as protocol adoption increases and will provide incentives for network participants,

Case Studies and Testimonials

  • +300 organizations using our protocol
  • +200k votes processed
  • 5 major integrators, including the world’s largest governance platform Decidim (used by Brazil government, NYC, Helsinki city, Barcelona city, and dozens more)
  • Average voter turnout: Always higher than the average in the market using Vocdoni, but exceeding 50% with our Web3 UIs (compared to <15% industry average)

Notable projects using our distribution channels (app + sdk) include:

  • Barcelona City Council’s official voting system
  • FC Barcelona’s global fan association elections [1] [2]
  • Belarusian opposition elections (6,723 participants) [3]
  • Catalonia’s presidency critical referendum [4]
  • Spain TOP10 political parties using it for their internal elections and referendums [5]
  • Official referendums under spanish law done with Vocdoni [6]

“The commitment to Vocdoni has been clear, as from Òmnium Cultural we opted for a secure and verifiable voting system that would allow us to hold our statutory meetings with full guarantees to the more than 180,000 members who make up our organization

— Òmnium cultural

“One of the decisive facts that led us to choose Vocdoni was that its protocol guaranteed the participation and vote of all our members, with security, reliability and transparency in the whole process, including access and participation in the Annual General Meeting”

— Centre Excursionista de Catalunya

Advancing Values of Freedom and Privacy

Vocdoni enhances freedom and privacy by enabling anonymous, censorship-resistant, anticoercion and universally verifiable voting. Through zero-knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption, we safeguard voter identities and ensure that no single entity can manipulate the outcome. This approach not only empowers individuals to participate freely and securely, but also prevents coercion and vote buying, strengthening the overall integrity of the voting process.

And, thanks to its design, all this can be achieved without trusted parts.

Supporting Decentralization

Our protocol runs on decentralized infrastructure, removing reliance on centralized servers or authorities. With decentralized sequencers and permissionless design, we remove single points of failure. This ensures the protocol remains unstoppable, robust, and accessible to anyone, anywhere.

Team Information

  • Jordi Pinyana (CEO): Solidity engineer with 8+ years in blockchain. Formerly at Everis and Caelum Labs, also a professor in blockchain post-degree programs.

    Warpcast

  • Pau Escrich (CTO): Former CTO at Aragon Labs, expert in distributed systems, decentralized infrastructure, and mesh networking.

    Warpcast

  • Jordi Aulet (Product Manager): Product manager with 15+ years in SaaS, previously at Scytl/Civiciti.

    Warpcast

  • Ferran Reyes (Comms Lead): Communications strategist, ex-board member of Spain’s largest telecom co-op, experienced in partnerships and community building.

    Warpcast

Social Proof

  • We are active on social media: X/Twitter, Warpcast and Bluesky
  • We develop solutions city councils, political, parties, etc including top-tier organizations like Football Club Barcelona.
  • Our protocol has been integrated by service providers and large governance platforms (e.g., Decidim)
  • Our protocol has been used for high-stakes votes like for the Belarusian opposition.
  • GitHub: Over 30 contributors and regular updates in open-source repositories.
  • Our project has been endorsed by Jordi Baylina (Polycon co-founder and Ethereum Whitehat hacker) and other members of Polygon, Ethereum Foundation and Aragon.
  • We signed partnership agreements and MoU with projects like Holonym, Gitcoin Passport, Aragon, Orbis DB, and more.
  • Full details and successful past milestones available in our GitHub repository: Vocdoni · GitHub

Transparency

Vocdoni is a non-profit association registered in Switzerland. We plan to convert ETH to USDC/EUR using this legal entity to pay our operational costs.

Other funding

  • Grant Funding since last Epoch:
    • Gitcoin Grants GC22: 2,656 USD
  • Other Non-Grant Funding:
    • Crowdfunding: 2.2m DEGEN
    • Revenue from current customers (far from break-even)
    • Current runway of 14-18 weeks.
    • We recently initiated a seed funding round with the goal of closing it in the coming weeks
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