Demonstration on VVPAT held in Chikkamagaluru

A demonstration on Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system attached to the EVM was held in town on Saturday.

Deputy Commissioner M K Srirangaiah, Additional DC Kumar, Zilla Panchayat CEO C Sathyabhama, BEL Engineer Nithesh explained the functioning of the VVPAT.

Control unit and VVPAT display unit (VSDU) will be on the table of the presiding officer, while the VVPAT and ballot unit machines will be on the voting table. The VVPAT machines, which will be attached to the EVMs, will allow voters to verify if their vote has gone to the intended candidate. This would ensure transparency in the voting process, said the official.

Seven slips

The process of exercising franchise will begin after availing of seven slips from the machines. When a voter exercises franchise, the machine will print out the choice made by the voter, which will be displayed in the VVPAT machine for seven seconds to be viewed by the voter. Later, the print will remain inside the box and will be preserved. A box can store up to 1,500 print outs.

The officials said that if there are any loopholes in the machines or battery, then it will be changed immediately.

A demonstration on using battery for the VVPAT, the VVPAT collection box ceiling, changing the battery of ballot unit, and control unit was held.

Demos for leaders

The demonstration of the VVPAT will also be held in the presence of elected representatives, leaders of various political parties and candidates.

Srirangaiah said that measures have been taken to clear banners, hoardings and flexes of various political parties. To a query on banners not being removed at the Tamil Colony, the deputy commissioner said that he was not aware of it and will initiate measure after verifying it.