In Nanjangud, Gundlupet bypolls, electors can verify votes in EVMs

 Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units along with electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used in bypolls to Nanjangud and Gundlupet Assembly constituencies. The voting is scheduled for April 9.

Deputy Commissioner D Randeep said that it is for the first time that VVPAT units were being used for the whole of constituencies in Karnataka. Similar units were used in select booths in Ballari and Bengaluru South Lok Sabha constituencies in 2014. The DC said that over 500 VVPT units are being brought from Uttar Pradesh. The devices are compatible only with the EVMs manufactured after 2006.

VVPAT units were introduced to bring in transparency in the electoral process and to prevent malpractices. It is a printer-like machine attached to EVMs that allows voters to verify that their vote has been cast correctly.

Once a voter presses the button of his choice in the EVM, a printed paper appears with the name of the candidate and the poll symbol so that the voter can verify it. After the voter views the receipt, it goes inside a container linked to the EVM, which can be accessed only by the polling officers.

This system is a step further towards prevention of electoral fraud.The printed slips, secured in the box, can be verified in case the EVM develops a problem during counting of votes or later. It can also be used for verification if there are allegations of rigging or malpractice.