How do EVMs work? How is it different from paper ballot? All FAQs answered!

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have revolutionized the electoral process, providing a secure and efficient means of recording and counting votes. As the backbone of democratic elections, it's essential to understand the basics of EVMs, their historical milestones, current usage, functionality, and addressing concerns. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about EVMs, along with their answers, to enhance your understanding of this crucial aspect of the electoral process:

1. What is an EVM?

An EVM, or Electronic Voting Machine, is a device used for electronically recording and counting votes in elections. In India, the ECI-EVM is specifically designed and used as per the rules of the Election Commission of India.

2. How does the functioning of EVMs differ from the conventional paper ballot system? Is technical knowledge required to cast a vote through EVM?

In the paper ballot system, voters mark their choice on a paper ballot, whereas with EVMs, voters press a button corresponding to their preferred candidate. Technical knowledge is not required to cast a vote through EVMs.

3. When were EVMs first used in an election?

EVMs were first used in the by-elections to Parur Assembly Constituency of Kerala in 1982.

4. When was VVPAT introduced?

Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) with EVMs was first used in the by-election to Noksen Assembly Constituency of Nagaland in 2013.

5. What is the model of EVMs currently in use, and how many VVPATs were deployed in the General elections - 2019?

The M3 Model of ECI-EVM and VVPAT is presently in use. During the 2019 General elections, a total of 17.40 lakh VVPAT units were deployed.

6. Where are EVMs manufactured, and what is the procurement cost?

EVMs/VVPATs are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), and are not imported. The procurement cost is finalized by the Price Negotiation Committee.

7. What is the maximum number of votes and candidates that EVMs can handle?

EVMs can record a maximum of 2,000 votes but are generally used for 1,500 votes. Each Ballot Unit can cater to 16 candidates, and a set of EVMs can cater to up to 384 candidates.

8. How does a voter ensure that their vote has been recorded?

When a voter presses the button against their chosen candidate, an LED glows red, and the VVPAT prints a slip with the candidate's details. A beep sound confirms the vote registration.

9. Do EVMs malfunction?

EVMs, like any other electronic device, can fail and are rectified accordingly. However, there are safeguards in place to prevent tampering or malfunctioning that could favor a particular candidate.

10. Is it possible to use EVMs for simultaneous elections for Parliament and State Legislative Assembly?

Yes, during simultaneous elections, two separate sets of EVMs are required in a polling station; one for the Parliamentary Constituency and the other for the Legislative Assembly Constituency.

11. How can EVMs be used in areas where there is no electricity?

EVMs and VVPATs do not require any external power supply. They run on their own battery or power packs.

12. What is the life of EVMs?

The economic life of EVMs is approximately 15 years.

13. What is the cost of CU, BU, and VVPAT?

The present cost of a BU is Rs.7,991, CU is Rs.9,812, and VVPAT is Rs.16,132.

14. What is the maximum number of votes that can be cast in EVMs?

The ECI-EVM system can record a maximum of 2,000 votes, although it is generally used for recording 1,500 votes.

15. What is the maximum number of candidates which EVMs can cater to?

Each Ballot Unit can cater to 16 candidates including NOTA. A total of 24 BUs can be connected to a CU, catering up to 384 candidates including NOTA.