Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are devices used to facilitate the voting process in elections. They allow voters to cast their votes electronically, replacing traditional paper ballots. The first use of EVMs in India occurred in 1982 at the Paravur Assembly Constituency in Kerala. Since 1998, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has increasingly adopted EVMs, with full implementation for Lok Sabha elections beginning in 2004.
Development of EVMs
EVMs were developed by the Technical Experts Committee (TEC) of the ECI. This initiative involved collaboration with two Public Sector Undertakings – Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bangalore and Electronic Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) in Hyderabad. These organisations played important role in the design and production of EVMs.
Components of EVMs
EVMs consist of two main components:
- Control Unit (CU): Operated by polling officials, it manages the voting process.
- Ballot Unit (BU): Located in the voting booth, it allows voters to select their preferred candidates.
These units are connected by a cable, typically five metres long.
Functionality of EVMs
The voting process using EVMs is straightforward:
- The Control Unit is activated by election officials.
- Voters are identified and allowed to cast their votes.
- Voters press a button corresponding to their chosen candidate on the Ballot Unit.
- The vote is recorded and stored in the Control Unit’s memory.
- A Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slip is generated for verification.
Key Features of EVMs
EVMs possess several notable features:
- Capacity: Each EVM can record up to 2,000 votes.
- Battery Operated: They function on a 6-volt alkaline battery, making them usable in areas without electricity.
- Secure Design: EVMs include tamper-evident seals and encryption for data security.
- Instant Results: Votes can be quickly tallied, leading to faster results compared to paper ballots.
- Multilingual Options: EVMs can display candidate names and symbols in multiple languages.
Benefits of EVMs
EVMs offer various advantages over traditional voting methods:
- Accuracy: They reduce the likelihood of invalid votes.
- Efficiency: The time for counting votes is reduced.
- Cost-Effectiveness: EVMs lower costs associated with paper ballots, printing, and storage.
- Transparency: VVPAT allows voters to verify their votes, enhancing trust in the system.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduced paper usage contributes to sustainability.
Concerns Regarding EVMs
Despite their advantages, EVMs face criticism and concerns:
- Lack of Transparency: Critics argue that the technology behind EVMs is not fully transparent.
- Reliability Issues: Concerns exist about potential technical malfunctions.
- Trust Issues: Some voters and political parties remain sceptical about the integrity of EVMs.
What is VVPAT?
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is an essential feature of EVMs. Introduced in 2013, it allows voters to confirm that their votes have been accurately recorded. When a voter casts a vote, a paper slip is printed, displaying the candidate’s name and symbol. This slip is visible for seven seconds before being stored in a sealed box.
Legal Framework and Supreme Court Ruling
The necessity of VVPAT was emphasised by the Supreme Court of India in a 2013 ruling. The court mandated that VVPAT should be implemented in elections conducted using EVMs to ensure transparency and accountability.
Public Awareness and Education
Awareness about EVMs and their functioning is crucial for public confidence. Educational initiatives by the ECI aim to inform voters about the benefits and operation of EVMs.
Impact on Electoral Process
EVMs have transformed the electoral landscape in India. They have streamlined the voting process, making it more efficient and secure. The introduction of VVPAT has further enhanced the credibility of elections, allowing voters to verify their choices.
