Question 22 of 28intermediate⚖️ EvaluateShort Answer3 marks

What, in your view, are the advantages of the EVM over paper ballots?

Correct Answer

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) offer several advantages over paper ballots.

First, they are faster and more efficient — counting is quicker and results can be declared sooner.

Second, they eliminate issues of invalid votes that occur with paper ballots when voters mark incorrectly.

Third, they reduce the use of paper, making elections more environmentally friendly.

Fourth, they are more secure and harder to tamper with when properly managed.

Fifth, they reduce the manpower needed for counting.

Sixth, when combined with VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail), they provide both electronic efficiency and a paper trail for verification.

Seventh, they are more convenient for voters — pressing a button is simpler than marking paper.

India's EVM and VVPAT systems have been so successful that countries like Namibia and Bhutan have adopted them with ECI support.

Exercise: Questions and activities | Q: 5 | (Chapter: Page 22)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter mentions that 'India's electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems have been used in countries like Namibia and Bhutan with support from the ECI.' It also explains that 'VVPAT is a system that produces a physical paper record, allowing voters to verify that their electronic votes were cast correctly.'

Solution Steps

  1. EVMs are faster and more efficient than paper ballots, enabling quicker counting and sooner results

  2. EVMs eliminate issues of invalid votes that occur with paper ballots

  3. EVMs reduce paper usage, making elections more environmentally friendly

  4. EVMs are more secure and harder to tamper with when properly managed

  5. EVMs reduce the manpower needed for counting

  6. VVPAT provides both electronic efficiency and a paper trail for verification

  7. EVMs are more convenient for voters — pressing a button is simpler than marking paper

  8. India's EVM and VVPAT systems have been adopted by Namibia and Bhutan with ECI support