VVPAT: Ensuring Transparency in Your Vote

In this Issue:

• Supreme Court Verdict on EVM-VVPAT Verification
• Understanding VVPATs
• The Importance of VVPATs for Voters

Supreme Court Verdict on EVM-VVPAT Verification

On April 26, 2024, the Supreme Court of India issued a verdict on petitions seeking 100% verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. The Court rejected the pleas for complete verification but issued directions to further strengthen the security of the voting process. These directions include sealing the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) after the symbol loading process and keeping it secured for 45 days after the declaration of results.

Understanding VVPATs

VVPAT is a paper trail system attached to EVMs. When a voter casts their vote on the EVM, a paper slip is printed with the serial number and candidate symbol corresponding to the button pressed. This slip is visible for a few seconds before being deposited in a secured enclosure within the VVPAT unit.

VVPATs provide a verifiable record of the vote cast, allowing voters to confirm that their intended selection on the EVM is reflected on the paper slip. This adds a layer of transparency and helps to build trust in the electronic voting process.

The Importance of VVPATs for Voters

VVPATs offer several benefits to voters:

• Increased Transparency: VVPATs allow voters to visually verify their vote, reducing concerns about manipulation of electronic data.
• Enhanced Voter Confidence: By witnessing the paper slip, voters can be more confident that their vote has been registered correctly.
• Dispute Resolution: In case of discrepancies, VVPAT slips can be used for recounts or verification.

Moving Forward

The recent Supreme Court verdict, while not mandating 100% VVPAT verification, emphasizes the continued importance of this technology in safeguarding the integrity of elections. It's important for voters to be aware of VVPATs and understand their role in the voting process.

VVPAT stands for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail. It's a system used in India alongside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to increase transparency and trust in the election process.

Here's a breakdown of how it works:

• You cast your vote on the EVM.
• The VVPAT, a separate attached unit, generates a paper slip showing the candidate/party you selected.
• Briefly, you can see this slip through a transparent window to verify your vote matches your selection.
• The paper slip is then deposited into a secured compartment inside the VVPAT.

VVPATs are meant to:

• Increase voter confidence by allowing them to verify their vote.
• Help detect any discrepancies between the votes cast on the EVM and the paper trail.
• Provide a means to audit the electronic results if needed.

Stay Informed:

For more information on VVPATs and the Election Commission of India, you can visit their website: Election Commission of India website: https://eci.gov.in/ .