What is EVM Detailed Information on Electronic Voting in India

Advantages of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)

Here are some of the advantages of EVM as follows: 

1. Accuracy: EVMs are made for accurate recording of votes. They lower the possibility of errors in the vote-counting process by doing away with the errors that come from manually counting and interpreting votes on paper 

1. Speed: When compared to manual counting, electronic voting machines (EVMs) can speed up the voting process and yield speedier results. Elections can be conducted more efficiently due to the generally faster electronic recording and tabulation of votes 

1. Decreased Invalid Votes: EVMs have the potential to assist in lowering the quantity of invalid votes. Voters are guided by built-in measures that stop them from casting additional or invalid votes, such as under or overvoting 

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Over time, using electronic voting machines (EVMs) to conduct elections may prove to be more economical. Over time, savings may result from lower printing, shipping, and storage expenses related to paper ballots, even though the initial investment in buying and operating an electronic voting machine may be substantial 

1. Resource Optimization: EVMs reduce the amount of manual effort required for counting. Because the electronic recording and tabulation procedure requires less staff and storage space, election authorities can maximize their resources, including time, human resources, and physical space 

1. Transparency: The voting process is made transparent using EVMs. To enable voters to confirm their selection, they usually feature a display screen that shows the chosen candidate or party before the vote being cast. Voters' trust in the validity of their votes is increased as a result. 

The Design of EVMs

An EVM is designed with two units: the control unit and the balloting unit. These units are joined together by a cable. The control unit of the EVM is kept with the presiding officer or the polling officer. The balloting unit is kept within the voting compartment for electors to cast their votes. This is done to ensure that the polling officer verifies your identity. With the EVM, instead of issuing a ballot paper, the polling officer will press the Ballot Button which enables the voter to cast their vote. A list of candidates names and/or symbols will be available on the machine with a blue button next to it. The voter can press the button next to the candidate's name they wish to vote for.

The machine is also designed to overcome the rampant electricity problems in the country. To ensure uninterrupted voting, the machines run on 6V alkaline batteries that are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore and Electronics Corporation of India Limited, Hyderabad. This enables the machines to run independently without power supply and also eliminate the possibility of electric shocks.

How To Operate an Electronic Voting Machine

In India, use an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) through the following:

1. Verify that your name is on the electoral roll for your constituency and that you are a registered voter. A valid voter ID card or equivalent recognized form of identification should be in your control 

1. On election day, arrive at your designated polling place during the allotted voting hours. Voter information cards or public announcements will notify you in advance of the specifics of your polling place 

1. When you get there, get in line and wait for your turn. By examining your voter ID card or any other valid form of identification, poll workers will confirm your identity. You will be taken to the voting area after verification 

1. An Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is set up on a table within the polling booth. If necessary, a polling officer will be there to assist you with the process 

1. Go to the EVM and show the poll worker your identity. After verifying your identity, the poll worker will turn on the electronic voting machine so you can cast your vote 

1. Check the EVM's control unit for the candidate's name and symbol. Click the button next to your preferred candidate. Your choices will be confirmed by an alarm or indicator of light. Make sure you select the right option because once your vote is recorded, it cannot be changed 

1. The EVM will briefly display a paper slip called the VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) after you have chosen your candidate. Make sure the candidate you planned to vote for is listed on the VVPAT slip. This enables you to verify in person that your vote was cast in the manner you selected 

1. The VVPAT slip will be automatically printed and placed into a sealed box that is connected to the EVM after you have confirmed it. This preserves the ballot's confidentiality while giving you a tangible record of your vote. You have now cast your ballot 

1. Exit the polling booth and the polling station's premises

Limitations of Electronic Voting Machines

1. If your preferred language is English, then you might face a little difficulty. You should be familiar with the candidates symbol you wish to vote for. The names of the candidates will be placed alphabetically in the respective language of the state. Therefore in Maharashtra, the names appear in Marathi, in Karnataka, the names appear in Kannada, and so on.
2. Each ballot unit can accommodate only 16 candidates. Therefore ballot units may be linked together to accommodate more. A total of 4 ballot units can be linked to accommodate 64 candidates from a single constituency. Any number above this will have to be added by the old manual voting method.
3. EVMs can record 3840 votes. Although, this number is not much of a limitation as the number of voters at a polling station is generally lower.