The counting of votes in the assembly elections in the states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the union territory of Puducherry is scheduled to take place on May 4. Before the decisive election results, questions arise about how the system works behind the scenes. How do electronic voting machines (EVMs) record votes? What role do VVPAT vouchers play in verification? What exactly happens on counting day?
As anticipation builds, here’s a closer look at the process that enables India’s electoral machinery to cast votes to the final results.
In India, voting machines are referred to as ECI-EVMs – a term used to distinguish them from similar systems used elsewhere. They are specially designed, manufactured and deployed in accordance with the rules laid down by the Election Commission of India, with detailed procedures laid down in the official manuals, according to the official website of the Election Commission of India.
What constitutes an EVM system
The EVM is not a single unit, but rather a combination of three parts working together. There is a “polling module”, where voters press a button against the candidate of their choice. This is linked to the ‘controller’, which stores and manages voting data.
Read also | In the Bengal elections, the Trinamool Congress leads the parties in women candidates
Besides, a third component was added later – the “Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail”, or VVPAT. This system provides an additional layer of transparency by allowing voters to verify that their votes were recorded correctly.
These machines fall into a broader category known as direct electronic registration (DRE) systems, a voting method used in various forms around the world.
Why EVMs replaced paper ballots
The shift from paper ballots to electronic voting machines was driven by efficiency and accuracy. Unlike paper voting, where unclear or improperly stamped ballots can be rejected, electronic voting machines ensure that each vote is clearly recorded for one candidate.
Read also | A battle for women voters is changing elections in India
It also significantly reduces the time it takes to count votes, making the entire process faster and more streamlined.
When VVPAT entered the system
VVPAT system was later introduced to boost voter confidence. It was first used in India during the by-elections in 2013, in the Noxen Assembly constituency in Nagaland.
India currently uses the M3 model of EVMs along with VVPAT systems. Like previous versions, these devices are standalone and not connected to any network. They are powered by their own power sources, usually batteries or power packs, ensuring that they operate independently.
How are votes counted?
Once voting is over, attention turns to the counting process – one of the most important stages of the election. This process is managed through a system called ENCORE.
The counting unit within ENCORE handles the process of counting votes and announcing results for both parliamentary and assembly constituencies. Depending on the type of election, officials such as the ARO, RO or ROPC oversee the process.
The system works in two stages. The first starts one day before the count, and prepares the setup. The second stage takes place on counting day, when votes from electronic voting machines and postal ballots are entered and processed.
Together, these steps ensure that the final results are compiled and announced in an organized and systematic manner.
