Conceived in 1977, the prototype EVM was developed by Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL) in 1979 and demonstrated to political parties by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 1980. Following a broad consensus, EVMs were first used on a pilot basis in 1982, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in the Indian electoral process.

Early Development and Legal Framework

The use of EVMs gained momentum with the amendment of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, in December 1988. This amendment included a new Section 61A empowering the ECI to deploy EVMs. The amendment took effect on March 15, 1989. After successful prototype demonstrations, Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) was selected alongside ECIL to manufacture the machines.

In January 1990, the Government of India established the Electoral Reforms Committee (ERC) to oversee the implementation of EVMs, which included representatives from various political parties. The Technical Expert Committee (TEC), formed under the leadership of Mr. S. Sampath, Chairman of the Research Advisory Committee, DRDO, and featuring eminent scientists like Dr P.V. Indiresen and Dr. Rao C. Kasarbada, recommended the immediate use of EVMs after deeming them secure and transparent.

Gradual adoption and technological advancements

EVMs were first significantly utilized in the 1998 elections across 16 Legislative Assembly Constituencies in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi. Their use expanded in 1999 to 46 Parliamentary Constituencies, and by 2001, they were employed in state assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal. The landmark 2004 general elections saw EVMs used in all 543 Parliamentary Constituencies, completely replacing paper ballots.

EVMs have undergone several technological upgrades over the years. Machines manufactured before 2006 are known as ‘M1 EVMs,’ those between 2006 and 2010 are ‘M2 EVMs,’ and the latest generation, produced since 2013, are ‘M3 EVMs.’ These upgrades have improved security, reliability, and ease of use.

While having a conversation with Working President Ruben Mascarenhas of the Aam Aadmi Party, he said, “My earliest memory of a polling both was my parents going to caste their votes.”

So how does it work?

The Voting Process and VVPAT Integration

An EVM consists of two units: the control unit, managed by the polling officer, and the balloting unit, located in the voting compartment. 

When a voter arrives at the booth, the polling officer verifies their identity and activates the ballot unit. This enables the voter to cast their vote by pressing a button next to their preferred candidate’s name. The control unit then emits a beep, confirming the vote has been recorded.

To enhance transparency and verifiability, the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) was introduced in 2013. The VVPAT generates a paper slip displaying the selected candidate’s details, visible to the voter for seven seconds before being securely stored. This system allows for cross-checking of votes, ensuring the integrity of the election process.

Some interesting insights shared by Working President Ruben, who is also an engineer, gave valuable insights regarding the EVM machines. 

“As Indians, we are used to adapting to technology but over the last few years, there have been few questions regarding these machines.

There have been questions regarding the transparency of EVM machines, since its electronic data, hence, regarding its transfer, data structure, source code and if theres any way of influencing it.

Yes, there is a change but also a lot of unexplained phenomena regarding malfunction because of which votes being caste to one side alone.

Indians are not averse to technology and are world leaders in this space too, so they need answers and don’t like leaving space for doubts.

We need more transparency and answer questions.”

Currently, votes from 5 VVPAT machines per Assembly segment are cross-checked with EVMs. There are ongoing discussions to increase this number to ensure greater accuracy. The Election Commission has addressed concerns about voter secrecy and potential misuse of paper slips, maintaining a balance between transparency and privacy.

As we reach the final stretch of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Ruben foresees a significant wave of change.

“I have full faith in the Indian masses, especially the youth and women, and come 4th June they will vote in resounding numbers, regardless of the doubts regarding EVMs, and there will be a change.”