The Secure and Efficient EVM Voting System: Revolutionizing Elections in India

The electronic voting machine (EVM) is a rectangular device that records votes cast in elections. Voters can make their selection by pressing one of the blue buttons next to the serial number, name, and symbol of their chosen candidate or opt for “none of the above.”

The EVM consists of three units: a ballot unit, a control unit, and a voter-verifiable-paper-audit-trail (VVPAT) unit. The control unit ensures each voter can only vote once, while the VVPAT unit produces a visible paper slip before being stored in a sealed drop box.

During voting, the control unit is near the officer in charge, while the ballot and VVPAT units are kept in a private compartment for voters’ choices. The entire system operates without any connectivity to outside sources.

Each ballot unit can hold 16 candidate options, including “none of the above.” Up to 24 ballot units can be connected to a control unit, allowing for up to 384 candidates on an EVM system per seat. EVMs can record up to 2,000 votes and run on batteries or power packs supplied by government manufacturers like Bharat Electronics Ltd and Electronics Corp of India.

Election staff closely monitor and check each EVM before and during elections to ensure accuracy and integrity of the voting system.