A Closer Look at EVM – Electronic Voting Machine

• EVMs are electronic devices that enable voters to cast their votes by pressing a button corresponding to their choice of candidate. This machine is connected by a cable to an electronic ballot box.
• It consists of two units – the control unit and the balloting unit, linked by a 5-meter cable.
• The EVM is powered by a 6-volt single alkaline battery installed in the control unit, allowing it to function even in areas without electricity.
• The control unit is placed with the Election Commission appointed polling officer.
• The Balloting Unit is set up in the voting compartment where the voter enters to secretly cast their vote by pressing the button next to the name and symbol of their preferred candidate.

Advantages & Disadvantages of EVM

An Introduction to Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)

• VVPAT is an independent verification printer machine that is connected to EVMs.
• It allows voters to confirm that their vote has been cast to the intended candidate.
• When a voter presses a button in the EVM, a paper slip is printed through the VVPAT. The slip displays the symbol and the name of the candidate.
• This feature allows the voter to verify their selection.
• After the voter views the ballot slip in the VVPAT's glass case for seven seconds, the slip is cut and dropped into the VVPAT's dropbox, followed by a beep sound.
• Only polling officers can access VVPAT machines.

Start your UPSC 2021 Preparation today!