The Case for EVMs Over Paper Ballots: A Democratic Imperative
Context:
In modern democracy, election mechanisms are critical. India’s adoption of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has bolstered efficiency, transparency, and security, yet debates about reverting to the paper ballot system persist. Globally, the U.S. experience highlights challenges with both methods. By analyzing international experiences and innovations by the Election Commission of India (ECI), this article underscores why EVMs are the optimal choice for India’s vast democracy.
Evolution of Ballots and EVMs in the USA:
- The 2000 U.S. Presidential election revealed flaws in paper ballots, such as vote interpretation inconsistencies and invalidation rates. This led to a shift to Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) machines, with 30% adoption by 2010. However, allegations of interference in the 2016 election revived skepticism, causing partial reversion to paper ballots.
- This vacillation exposed vulnerabilities like manual errors and cybersecurity threats, emphasizing the importance of robust safeguards.
Evolution of Ballots and EVMs in India:
India transitioned from paper ballots to EVMs in the late 20th century under the ECI, addressing issues like ballot stuffing, impersonation, and invalid votes. By 2004, EVMs were used nationwide.
- The ECI’s Measures to Secure EVMs:
- Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT): Allows voters to verify their vote via a printed slip visible for 7 seconds.
- Independent Components: Separate ballot, control, and VVPAT units reduce centralized tampering risks.
- Rigorous Testing: EVMs undergo mock polls and multiple reliability tests.
These measures make Indian EVMs among the most secure globally, impervious to external tampering.
Why EVMs Are Better:
- Environmental Benefits: EVMs eliminate the need for paper, saving 10,000 tonnes of paper (over 2 million trees) in the 2024 elections, aligning with sustainability goals and reducing the electoral carbon footprint.
- Cost Efficiency: EVMs, costing ₹1,34,000 per unit, are reusable for 15 years, whereas paper ballots incur recurring costs of ₹10,000 crore per election.
- Reduction in Human Resource Wastage: EVMs streamline elections, minimizing manpower needs compared to paper ballots, which demand extensive printing, transportation, and counting resources.
- Decrease in Invalid Votes: EVMs have reduced invalid votes from 13% in 1999 to 0.0008% in 2024, eliminating issues like smudging and improper folding.
- Weather Resistance: EVMs perform reliably in India’s diverse climates, unlike paper ballots, which are susceptible to moisture and mishandling.
- Unmatched Security: Indian EVMs, with their offline operation and VVPAT, are virtually tamper-proof and ensure voter confidence.
Pros and Cons of EVMs Over Paper Ballots:
Pros:
- Efficiency: Faster vote counting and result declaration.
- Accuracy: No manual counting errors.
- Sustainability: Environmentally friendly.
- Transparency: VVPAT ensures trust.
Cons:
- Initial Costs: High upfront investment.
- Technical Literacy: Requires voter education.
- Dependence on Technology: Rare malfunctions may disrupt polling.
