ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE

This time, for the 2001 Assembly elections, the electronic voting machine is used for voting in all 140 Constituencies of Kerala. The electronic voting machine consists of 2 parts - 'Balloting Unit' and 'Control unit'. The voters cast their vote in the balloting unit.

16 names of candidates can be included in one balloting unit. Like this, 4 balloting units can be connected from one to another. That is, if a constituency has upto 64 candidates, then four units can be interconnected and used. But, only one control unit is required for a polling station.

When the button on the control unit is pressed, a green light appears on top of the ballot paper screen. After this, the voter can press the button corresponding to candidate's name and symbol, of whom he is planning to vote. Now the 'arrow' symbol next to the button pressed, turns red and a beep sound can be heard. Now the vote is cast. The person cannot vote again or change the vote. So, there won't be invalid votes.

The next person can vote only after the button on the control unit is pressed. After the polling is over the presiding officer will press the 'close' button on control unit and end the voting. Further the control unit is seated and sent to the counting centre. The use of ballot unit is over after the polling.

At the counting centre, the seal on the control unit is removed and the 'result' button is pressed. On pressing this button, total votes received by each candidate is displayed at the top of the control unit. Taking the total number of all control units in a constituency the winner can be determined.