Electronic Voting Machine - FAQs

What is an EVM?

EVM stands for Electronic Voting Machine. It is a device used to electronically record and count votes cast in elections and is one of efficient and accurate methods for voting.

Which company made EVM?

EVMs/VVPATs are indigenously designed and manufactured by two Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) namely Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), under the Ministry of Defence and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL).

What are the benefits of EVM machine?

As voting is done by pressing a button, these is no invalid vote as in paper ballot system. No possibility of voting after CLOSE button is pressed at the close of poll. VVPAT’s printed slip helps Voter is instantly able to verify that his / her vote has been cast correctly.

In which year EVM was first used?

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) consisting of Ballot Unit (BU) & Control Unit (CU) were used for the first time in the by-elections to Parur Assembly Constituency of Kerala in 1982.

How many votes can be casted in EVMs?

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

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

EVM and VVPAT do not require any external power supply. EVM and VVPAT run on their own battery/ power-packs supplied by Bharat Electronics Limited / Electronics Corporation of India Limited.

Transportation of polled EVMs

Candidates/Polling agents are allowed to follow vehicles carrying polled EVMs from polling station to collection centre.

Counting Day

Counting of votes is done in the presence of representatives and counting agents appointed by them. After completion of counting of votes, VVPAT slips are taken out from VVPATs and stored in black envelope in the presence of the candidates/their representatives.

Where are the BU, CU and VVPATs kept and for what period?

EVM are kept in warehouse/Strong room under the custody of District Election Officer at all times under CCTV vigilance.