As the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections approach, the importance of understanding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and their associated processes cannot be overstated. With employees currently being trained to conduct the election using EVMs, it is essential to familiarize everyone involved with the various terms and procedures related to these machines. EVMs have been a significant advancement in ensuring transparent, efficient, and tamper-proof elections in India. In this blog, we will delve into the key EVM-related terms that are crucial for the smooth conduct of the upcoming elections, providing detailed explanations to aid understanding.
1. Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)
The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is a device introduced by the Election Commission of India to modernize and streamline the voting process. The EVM comprises two main units: the Control Unit and the Ballot Unit. The Ballot Unit is placed inside the voting compartment where the voter casts their vote by pressing a button corresponding to their chosen candidate. The Control Unit, on the other hand, is operated by the presiding officer or polling officer, who manages the voting process.
One of the most significant advantages of EVMs is their ability to eliminate invalid votes. Unlike traditional paper ballots, where voters might inadvertently spoil their vote, EVMs are designed to be foolproof, ensuring that only valid votes are cast and counted. Additionally, EVMs can store votes securely, making them less susceptible to tampering or manipulation. This feature is especially important in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where the integrity of the electoral process is paramount. The introduction of EVMs has also significantly reduced the time required to count votes, allowing election results to be declared much faster than in the past.
The EVM system is user-friendly, making it accessible even to first-time voters or those with limited literacy skills. The machine’s simplicity ensures that voters can cast their ballots with ease, while the security features guarantee that the votes are recorded accurately. Election officials must be well-trained in operating EVMs to ensure a seamless voting process on election day.
2. Mock Poll
A mock poll is a critical step in the election process, conducted before the actual voting begins. It serves as a test run to ensure that the EVMs are functioning correctly. During a mock poll, election officials simulate the voting process by casting a small number of votes to verify that the machine records and displays the results accurately. The mock poll is typically conducted in the presence of polling agents representing various political parties, who observe the process to confirm the machine’s reliability.
The results of the mock poll are compared with the number of votes cast to ensure there is no discrepancy. If the mock poll is successful and all parties are satisfied with the results, the EVM is reset, and the machine is ready for actual voting. However, if any issues are detected, the machine is replaced or repaired before voting begins. This process is crucial for building trust in the EVM system among voters and political parties, as it demonstrates the machine’s integrity and accuracy.
In regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where political sensitivities are high, conducting a thorough and transparent mock poll is essential to reassure the electorate that their votes will be accurately recorded and counted. Election officials must be diligent in carrying out this procedure to prevent any doubts or suspicions that could undermine the electoral process.
3. Proxy Vote
Proxy voting is a provision that allows a registered voter who cannot be present at their polling station on election day to appoint someone else to vote on their behalf. This facility is primarily available to certain categories of voters, such as members of the armed forces, who may be stationed away from their home constituency during the election.
In the context of EVMs, the proxy voting process is carefully controlled to prevent any misuse. The appointed proxy must be a registered voter and is authorized to cast the vote in the name of the absentee voter. The process requires thorough documentation, including an official authorization form that must be submitted to the election authorities in advance of the polling day. The proxy vote is then recorded in the EVM just like any other vote, ensuring it is securely stored and counted.
Election officials must be well-versed in the regulations surrounding proxy voting to ensure that the process is conducted legally and transparently. This includes verifying the identity of the proxy and ensuring that all necessary documentation is in order. Proxy voting is an important provision that ensures that voters who cannot be physically present at their polling station still have a voice in the election. However, strict adherence to the rules is essential to prevent any fraudulent activity that could compromise the integrity of the election.
4. Challenge Vote
A challenge vote is a mechanism designed to resolve disputes regarding a voter’s identity. During the election, if a polling agent or another voter suspects that a person attempting to vote is not who they claim to be, they can challenge the voter’s identity. When a challenge vote is issued, the presiding officer must follow a specific procedure to address the situation.
The individual whose identity is being challenged is required to sign a declaration affirming their identity, and the presiding officer records the challenge vote separately from the regular votes. The voter is then allowed to cast their vote, but it is recorded in a special section of the EVM or a separate ballot paper, depending on the local procedures.
The challenge vote is not counted immediately; instead, it is subject to verification after the polling has concluded. If the voter’s identity is verified as genuine, the vote is included in the final tally. However, if the identity cannot be confirmed, the vote is rejected. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the election, as it helps prevent impersonation and ensures that only eligible voters can cast their votes.
For election officials, understanding the challenge vote procedure is essential to handle any identity disputes that may arise during the polling. The ability to resolve these issues fairly and transparently is key to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where the security and credibility of the election are of utmost importance.
5. Tendered Vote
A tendered vote is a safeguard against voter impersonation. It occurs when a voter arrives at the polling station only to find that someone else has already voted in their name. In such cases, the voter is allowed to cast a tendered vote, which is recorded separately from the other votes.
The process of casting a tendered vote involves several steps. First, the voter must provide identification and fill out a tendered vote form, which includes details such as their name, address, and voter ID number. The presiding officer then issues a ballot paper instead of using the EVM, and the voter marks their choice on the ballot. The ballot is then placed in a sealed envelope and kept aside for verification.
Tendered votes are not counted along with the regular votes. Instead, they are only included in the final tally if an investigation proves that the original vote was cast fraudulently. This process ensures that the genuine voter’s rights are protected, even if their vote has been compromised by impersonation.
Election officials must be knowledgeable about the tendered vote process to ensure that it is carried out correctly. This includes verifying the voter’s identity, properly recording the tendered vote, and ensuring that the sealed envelopes are securely stored for potential verification. The tendered vote is a critical component of the election process, particularly in regions where voter impersonation has been a concern in the past.
6. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is an additional feature introduced to enhance the transparency and integrity of the voting process. The VVPAT works in conjunction with the EVM to provide a physical record of each vote cast. When a voter selects their candidate on the EVM, the VVPAT generates a paper slip that shows the voter’s choice.
The paper slip is visible to the voter through a transparent window on the VVPAT machine for a few seconds before it is automatically cut and stored in a sealed box. This allows the voter to verify that their vote has been recorded correctly. The VVPAT serves as an audit trail, providing a physical record that can be used for cross-verification in the event of a dispute or recount.
In the event of any allegations of tampering or discrepancies in the EVM results, the VVPAT slips can be counted and compared with the electronic results to ensure accuracy. This feature is particularly important in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where trust in the electoral process is vital for maintaining peace and stability.
For election officials, understanding the operation of the VVPAT is crucial. They must ensure that the VVPAT machines are properly set up, that the paper slips are correctly stored, and that any discrepancies are promptly addressed. The VVPAT is a powerful tool for enhancing voter confidence in the EVM system and ensuring that every vote is accurately recorded and counted.
7. Polling Booth
The polling booth is the physical location where voters go to cast their votes during an election. Polling booths are typically set up in public buildings such as schools, community centers, or government offices. Each polling booth is equipped with EVMs, a voting compartment for privacy, and staffed by trained election officials who oversee the voting process.
The setup and management of polling booths are critical to the smooth conduct of the election. Election officials are responsible for ensuring that the booths are accessible, properly equipped, and secure. They must also manage voter queues, verify voter identities, and address any issues that arise during voting. The secrecy of the vote is paramount, and the design of the polling booth must ensure that voters can cast their ballots in privacy without any undue influence.
