Everything You Need to Know About EVMs

April 26, 2024

Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)

EVMs are electronic devices used for casting votes in elections. They are designed to be user-friendly, tamper-proof, and provide accurate results quickly.

EVMs typically consist of a control unit and a balloting unit connected by a cable. The control unit is with the presiding officer or a designated poll official, while the balloting unit is placed inside the voting compartment for voters to cast their votes.

Components

EVMs incorporate various security features to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. These include tamper-evident seals, encryption of data, dynamic coding, and a secure communication protocol between the control unit and balloting unit.

Security Features

To cast a vote using an EVM, voters press the button adjacent to the candidate's symbol on the balloting unit. A beep sound confirms the vote, and a light against the chosen symbol glows. Once the voting process is completed, the presiding officer seals the EVM to prevent tampering.

Voting Process

After the polling ends, EVMs are transported to counting centers where votes are tabulated. The control unit is connected to a computer, and the stored data is decoded to reveal the voting results. The Election Commission of each country oversees the entire process to ensure transparency and fairness.

Vote Counting