An independent paper record system utilized in conjunction with electronic voting machines (EVMs), VVPAT stands for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail. It has a printer port that connects it to the EVM and stores counters and vote data on a paper slip. The likelihood of electoral fraud and rigging is reduced because voters can check their votes before casting them. As part of its electoral reforms, the Election Commission of India introduced VVPAT, a significant innovation.
VVPAT Full Form
In India, the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system has become an essential part of the election process. It ensures that the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) records votes in a transparent and verifiable manner. It is very important for voters who are blind, illiterate, or elderly and might have trouble reading or writing. These individuals are able to verify that the electronic voting machine (EVM) correctly recorded their votes, thereby preventing disputes after the election. Importantly, registered voters are prohibited from touching the EVM unless a ballot has been cast in their behalf.
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Introduction
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, or VVPAT for short, refers to an independent paper record of the electronic voting machine. A printer port connects VVPAT to the EVM, which stores counters and vote data on a paper slip to ensure that the EVM recorded the vote correctly. Before casting their ballots, voters can check their votes, reducing the likelihood of electoral fraud and rigging. One of the most significant tools that the Election Commission of India has implemented in the area of electoral reform is the VVPAT.
Importance of VVPAT
- A voter can use VVPAT to verify that his or her vote was cast in accordance with their wishes. Voters who are physically unable to use EVMs may benefit greatly from VVPAT.
- Before casting their ballots, voters can check their votes, reducing the likelihood of electoral fraud and rigging. Furthermore, no one can escape their responsibilities under the Electoral Act thanks to this paper trail system.
- VVPAT can be used in places where EVM cannot be used due to its weight or other issues, but it has some limitations.
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Benefits of VVPAT
The system should make sure that there is only a paper trail if the EVM is hacked.
- Because everyone has the right to know their vote, VVPAT will benefit everyone. Additionally, it would assist in lowering the likelihood of electoral rigging and fraud. Additionally, voters will experience less anxiety during the voting process as they will not have to worry about electoral rigging and fraud.
- The VVPAT system ensures that every vote is counted and eliminates the possibility of tampering with EVM votes. The voting system’s transparency and accuracy are guaranteed by VVPAT.
Need for VVPAT
Every EVM costs between Rs. 15,000 and 20,000, and its annual maintenance costs about Rs. 1,000. This has made it expensive to hold elections in India, but the VVPAT system will save this money. India spends between 5000 and 10,000 crores on elections, which is a lot of money compared to the 300 crores that Germany, the United States, Canada, and France each spend on elections. By implementing this VVPAT system during elections, this enormous expenditure can be reduced.
Working Procedure of VVPATs
The VVPAT automatically drops a slip with the candidate’s name and election symbol into a sealed box after a voter presses the button on the EVM against the chosen candidate. The voter has the opportunity to verify their vote thanks to the machines. The machine is hidden from view only by the voter inside a glass case. The voter is shown the slip for seven seconds before the VVPAT machine cuts it and drops it with a beep into the storage box. However, the voter cannot access the machines; only the polling officials can.
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Final Words
The visually impaired, illiterate, and elderly voters who are unable to read or write can use VVPT to verify that their votes have been cast correctly on EVMs and that they will not be questioned about it in the future. The electronic voting machine (EVM) cannot be touched by any registered voter unless a ballot has been cast for that voter. The VVPAT system can also save a lot of money that can be used for other important things like educating people and getting their name out of disputes, among other things. Because VVPAT is a paper trail, disabled voters can also benefit.