What is an EVM machine? This is how it works, and this is the voting process

An Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is a small electronic device used to conduct elections, from the Lok Sabha to local elections like city municipalities. 

The EVM is a microcontroller-based machine that ensures secure and robust voting. Since an individual can cast only one vote, there's no chance of incorrect or invalid votes, and vote counting is accurate and quick.

EVMs store voting data for many years, allowing it to be accessed whenever needed. The Election Commission of India developed the EVM in 1989 with the help of BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) and ECIL (Electronics Corporation of India Limited). It was first used in 1982.

How does the machine work?

The EVM consists of two parts: a balloting unit and a control unit. A five-meter cable connects the two. A polling officer operates the control unit, and the balloting unit is placed at the voting station. 

The EVM runs on a 6V battery, allowing it to be used even during power outages. The balloting unit has blue buttons with the candidate's name and party symbol written on them. The control unit also has a button labeled "Ballot," which the official presses for each new voter.

This is how votes are cast

Step-1- As soon as the voter enters the room to cast his vote, an official starts the balloting unit.

Step-2- The voter presses the blue button in front of the name and symbol of the candidate of his choice.

Step-3- After pressing the button, a red light glows in front of the same candidate and a long beep sound is heard.

Step 4- The voter can also see the printed slip, which shows which candidate his vote has gone to.