EVMs Transform India’s Elections with Speed, Accuracy and Stronger Security

A Shift from Paper Ballots to Digital Voting

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have brought a revolutionary transformation to India’s electoral system, replacing the traditional paper ballot method that once dominated the country’s elections. First deployed on a large scale in the 2004 General Elections, EVMs have since become the standard voting mechanism for over 900 million voters, significantly improving efficiency and reducing errors.

How the EVM Works

An EVM is made up of two primary components — the Ballot Unit (BU) and the Control Unit (CU) — connected by a secure cable.

• The Ballot Unit, placed inside the voting compartment, allows voters to choose candidates by pressing corresponding buttons.

• The Control Unit securely stores votes electronically, removing the possibility of invalid votes and drastically reducing the time needed for counting.

This system has ensured faster polling and helped streamline election-day operations across thousands of polling stations.

VVPAT: Enhancing Transparency and Trust

In 2013, the Election Commission introduced the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) to further strengthen public confidence in electronic voting. Each VVPAT device briefly displays a printed slip showing the voter’s choice — including the candidate name and symbol — before depositing it in a sealed box. This paper record enables cross-verification when required and has added a new layer of transparency to the electoral process.

Security Protocols Reinforce Reliability

EVMs are designed to operate offline, meaning they cannot be connected to the internet or hacked remotely. After the conclusion of voting, machines are sealed and guarded under multi-layer security, including CCTV surveillance. Political parties are also provided with serial numbers of the allotted machines to ensure transparency throughout the process.

Debate Continues, But Experts Vouch for EVMs

Although occasional debates emerge calling for a return to paper ballots, experts consistently affirm that EVMs have significantly reduced electoral fraud, increased accuracy, and enabled faster results — often declared within hours of voting.