Page 162 - General Election

The slip is then cut and stored in a sealed Drop Box, accompanied by a confirmation
beep from the Control Unit.

The VVPAT paper slips serve as a record for verifying the electronic count from the

Control Unit in case of disputes. The process of correlating VVPAT and Control Unit
count, along with mandatory verification procedures, ensures the trustworthiness
of the EVM voting system. This system requires no technical knowledge, allowing

ordinary citizens to easily cast their votes.

Advantages of ECI-EVM voting system:

(i) As voting is done by pressing a button, these is no invalid vote as in paper ballot
system.

(ii) Booth capturing has been eliminated by technology used in EVMs and
administrative procedures such that capturing booth is not worthwhile even if
attempted. EVM voting system does not permit more than 4 votes per minute

under any circumstances. Thus, it takes too long a time to cast a substantial number
of votes giving sufficient time to security forces to respond to the Booth Capturing
attempt.

(iii) No possibility of voting after CLOSE button is pressed at the close of poll.

(iv) It ensures quick, error free and mischief free counting of votes.

(v) Voter is instantly able to verify that his / her vote has been cast correctly by

verifying the VVPAT ’s printed slip.

2. What is the maximum number of votes that can be cast through an EVM?
How many candidates can it cater to?

The ECI-EVM system can record a maximum of 2,000 votes but generally it is used
for recording 1500 votes only. Each Ballot Unit can cater to 16 candidates including
NOTA. A total of 24 BUs can be connected to a CU to make a set of EVM. Therefore,

when required, one set of EVM can cater up to a maximum of 384 candidates
including NOTA.

3. Who loads the Serial numbers, names of candidates and symbols allotted
to contesting candidates in VVPAT unit and how?

Before poll, details like serial number, symbol etc. are allocated to the candidates.

During Commissioning of EVMs or Preparation of EVMs, serial numbers, names of
candidates and symbols allotted to them are used to prepare the Ballot sheet on
laptop / PC provided by DEO. This sheet is loaded in VVPAT units using Symbol
Loading Unit (SLU). The preparation of Ballot sheet and its loading in the VVPAT is

done with the help of Manpower for preparation. (Authorized engineers of the
manufacturer i.e., ECIL / BEL) in the presence of candidates / their agents. The SLU
also facilitates the representatives of recognized political parties / candidates / their

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