Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, or VVPAT for short, is an impartial electronic voting system paper record. The VVPAT is connected to the EVM through a printer port, and records vote data. It is countered on a paper slip to confirm that the EVM correctly recorded the vote. Before casting a ballot, voters can verify their selections, reducing the possibility of electoral fraud and manipulation.
One of the most significant tools the Indian Election Commission has introduced for electoral reform is the VVPAT. Voters who are visually impaired, illiterate, or elderly can all benefit from using VVPT to ensure that their votes are cast accurately on electronic voting machines (EVMs) and that they have no opportunity to ask questions later. Except in cases when a ballot has been cast on behalf of that voter, no registered voter may touch the EVM.
Importance of VVPAT
Voters can use VVPAT to ensure their votes are cast by their preferences. For voters who are physically unable to use electronic voting machines (EVMs), VVPAT can be of considerable assistance. Voters can check their ballots before casting them, which reduces the possibility of election fraud and manipulation. Thanks to this paper trail mechanism, it is also difficult for anyone to avoid their obligations under the Electoral Act. Where EVM cannot be used because of its weight or other problems, or where there are disadvantages in using it, VVPAT can be utilised.
Advantages of VVPAT
Should an EVM be compromised, the system should guarantee that a paper trail is created just in the event of a hack. Everyone will gain from VVPAT since everyone is entitled to know how they will vote. It would also aid in lessening the likelihood of election rigging and fraud. Additionally, it will calm voters’ anxieties during voting as they won’t have to worry about election fraud and manipulation. Thanks to the VVPAT system, voters can be confident that every vote is counted. This system also removes the possibility of EVM vote tampering. VVPAT guarantees both voting system accuracy and transparency.
Necessity for VVPAT
The cost of each electronic voting machine (EVM) ranges from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000, and the annual maintenance costs are approximately Rs. 1000. This has resulted in high election expenses in India; however, these costs can be reduced by using a VVPAT system.
Compared to other nations like Germany, the USA, Canada, and France, which spend 300 crores each on elections, India’s election expenditures, which range from 5000 to 10,000 crores, are relatively high. Using the VVPAT method during elections might decrease this enormous expense.
Additionally, the VVPAT device will aid in preventing the use of EVM in international elections. Paper trails will be used for international elections to guarantee that electronic voting machines are not tampered with. If this were to happen with the UN, EU, or any other international election, terrible things might be avoided.
The VVPAT method can lessen the likelihood of electoral fraud and rigging since it provides a paper copy of each voter’s vote and allows voters to verify their vote before casting it. VVPAT is, hence, advantageous to all Indians.
How does VVPAT help?
- Voters can confirm their selections before casting a ballot, reducing the possibility of electoral fraud and manipulation.
- The VVPAT method reassures the voters that all votes are counted and that there is no possibility of EVM vote tampering.
- The VVPAT system guarantees the accuracy and transparency of the voting process.
- Because VVPAT provides a paper copy of each voter’s vote and allows voters to verify their ballot before casting, it can lessen the likelihood of election fraud and rigging.
- Thanks to the VVPAT paper trail, election-related activities, including counting votes and investigating suspected wrongdoing, are transparent.
- With the money saved, VVPAT may support other worthwhile initiatives, such as educating the public and defending users’ reputations in court.
- In underdeveloped nations like India, the VVPAT is a straightforward yet beneficial device that, if employed, might help cut down on the enormous costs associated with elections.
- Because of the paper trail method, nobody can retract their actions.
- Voters’ confidence in the electoral process is raised in part by VVPAT.
- It assists in preventing dishonest election procedures like booth capturing, etc.
Voters can verify with the VVPAT system whether or not their votes were cast correctly in EVM polls before casting a ballot, which provides them with a sense of assurance. Additionally, the VVPAT technology can save significant money that can be directed toward other worthwhile goals like educating the public and clearing people’s names in court. Voters with disabilities can also benefit from the paper trail provided by VVPAT.
