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Electronic Voting Machine

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are electronic devices used to record votes instead of paper ballots, first used in India in 1998. EVMs have two units, a control unit kept with polling officers and a balloting unit in voting compartments. EVMs display candidate names and voters select their choice, with advantages like accuracy, speed, and reduced invalid votes, though concerns include technical issues, security risks, and lack of independent auditability.

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23 views3 pages

Electronic Voting Machine

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are electronic devices used to record votes instead of paper ballots, first used in India in 1998. EVMs have two units, a control unit kept with polling officers and a balloting unit in voting compartments. EVMs display candidate names and voters select their choice, with advantages like accuracy, speed, and reduced invalid votes, though concerns include technical issues, security risks, and lack of independent auditability.

Uploaded by

NEF MSW
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Electronic Voting Machine

Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) means a machine that is used to conduct elections. Electronic
Voting Machine has two units: a control unit and a balloting unit. EVM displays the names and
symbols of the candidates in a constituency. An Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is a simple
electronic device that is used to record votes instead of the ballot papers and boxes that were
previously used in traditional voting systems.

EVMs were first used in elections to the Assemblies of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi in
1998 on an experimental basis in selected constituencies. In 1999, EVMs were used for the first
time in general elections (state-wide) to the Goa Assembly. To ensure free and fair elections, the
Election Commission has begun using tamper-proof electronic voting machines (EVMs).

An EVM is composed of two components: the control unit and the balloting unit. A cable
connects these units together. The EVM control unit is kept with the presiding officer or polling
officer. The balloting unit is kept in the voting compartment so that voters can cast their ballots.

This is done to ensure that your identity is verified by the polling officer. Instead of issuing a
ballot paper with the EVM, the polling officer will press the Ballot Button, allowing the voter to
vote. A list of candidate names and/or symbols will be displayed on the machine, along with a
blue button. The voter can vote by pressing the button next to the candidate's name. An EVM has
a maximum capacity of 2,000 votes. If an EVM fails, it is replaced with a new one, and all votes
cast up to that point are saved in the control unit's memory. The result can be stored in the
control unit's memory until it is deleted or cleared.

Advantages of Electronic Voting Machine

Accuracy: EVMs are designed to record votes accurately. They eliminate errors caused by
manual counting and interpretation of paper ballots, reducing the chances of mistakes in the vote
tallying process.

Speed: EVMs can speed up the voting process and provide faster results compared to manual
counting. The electronic recording and tabulation of votes are typically quicker, enabling more
efficient elections.

Reduced invalid votes: EVMs can help reduce the number of invalid votes. They have inbuilt
features that guide voters and prevent them from casting multiple or invalid votes, such as over
voting or under voting.
Cost-effectiveness: In the long run, EVMs can be more cost-effective for conducting elections.
While the initial investment in purchasing and maintaining EVMs may be significant, the
reduction in printing, transportation, and storage costs associated with paper ballots can lead to
savings over time.

Resource optimization: EVMs minimize the need for manual labor in the counting process.
This allows election officials to optimize their resources, such as human resources, time, and
physical space, as the electronic recording and tabulation process requires a lesser staff and
storage space.

Transparency: EVMs provide transparency in the voting process. They typically have a display
screen that shows the selected candidate or party before the vote is cast, allowing voters to verify
their choice. This enhances the confidence of voters in the accuracy of their votes.

Accessibility: EVMs can be designed to accommodate various accessibility needs, such as


providing audio support for visually impaired voters or tangible interfaces for those with limited
skills. This helps ensure that the voting process is inclusive and accessible to a wider range of
voters.

Environmental Impact: EVMs have a positive environmental impact compared to paper


ballots. They reduce the consumption of paper and ink, leading to a decrease in deforestation and
waste production associated with the printing of millions of ballot papers.

Disadvantages of EVM

Technological complexity: EVMs are sophisticated electronic devices that require technical
expertise for their operation and maintenance. The complexity of the technology used in EVMs
can pose challenges for election officials, particularly in regions with limited technological
infrastructure or resources.

Vulnerability to malfunction: Like any electronic device, EVMs are susceptible to technical
faults, hardware malfunctions, or software errors. These issues can potentially impact the
accuracy and reliability of the voting process, leading to concerns about the integrity of the
elections.

Security concerns: EVMs face security risks, including the possibility of hacking, tampering, or
unauthorized access. Safeguards such as encryption and tamper-evident seals are implemented to
reduce these risks, but ensuring strong security measures is crucial to maintaining the integrity of
the electoral process.
Lack of voter confidence: Some individuals may have reservations or lack trust in the accuracy
and security of EVMs. The absence of tangible data or physical evidence of the vote can
contribute to concerns about transparency and the ability to verify election results independently.

Limited auditability: EVMs often lack comprehensive mechanisms for independent auditing
and verification of election results. This can hamper the ability to conduct thorough post-election
analysis and investigations in case of disputes or allegations of fraud.

Cost and maintenance: While EVMs can potentially save costs in the long run, their initial
acquisition and maintenance expenses can be significant. This may pose financial challenges for
countries with limited resources or frequent elections.

Software security and transparency: EVMs rely on software to function, and the security and
transparency of this software are crucial for ensuring the integrity of the voting process.
However, proprietary software and limited access to the source code can hinder independent
verification and scrutiny, leading to concerns about potential vulnerabilities or biases.

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