An Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is a thick, rectangular device used to record votes cast in elections. It is a crucial aspect of the voting process, providing an efficient and accurate way to count votes.
The EVM consists of three units – a ballot unit, a control unit, and a voter-verifiable-paper-audit-trail (VVPAT) unit. The control unit is used by the officer in charge to ensure that each voter can only cast one vote. The VVPAT unit produces a paper slip that is visible to the voter for about seven seconds before being stored in a sealed drop box.
During the voting process, the control unit is placed next to the officer in charge, while the ballot unit and VVPAT unit are kept in a voting compartment for voters to make their choices privately. The entire system operates without any wired or wireless connectivity to outside sources, ensuring security and integrity of the voting process.
Each ballot unit can accommodate 16 candidate options, including “none of the above.” Up to 24 ballot units can be connected to a control unit, allowing for a maximum of 384 candidates to be included on the EVM system for one seat. This flexibility makes it possible to include candidates from various parties and backgrounds on the ballot paper.
EVM systems are capable of recording up to 2,000 votes and are powered by batteries or power packs supplied by government manufacturers such as Bharat Electronics Ltd and Electronics Corp of India. Election staff carefully monitor and check each EVM before and during the election process to ensure accuracy and integrity of the voting system. This helps maintain public trust in the electoral process.
In conclusion, EVMs have revolutionized the way we vote by providing an efficient and secure way to count votes accurately. They have become an essential tool for conducting free and fair elections around the world, ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard fairly and transparently.