The VVPAT machine is connected to the EVM ballot unit, showing voters their choices on a printed slip for verification. The slip displays candidate details and drops into a box after viewing.
These slips aren’t taken home by voters and are used later to check votes from five random polling booths, aiming to ensure trust in the voting process. Since 2018, VVPATs have become mandatory, allowing voters to verify their choices for seven seconds on the screen.
Many controversies and rumors have been circulating regarding these VVPAT slips, with some parties demanding a higher count for verification, adding tension to election processes.
In 2019, Chandrababu Naidu approached the Supreme Court requesting that at least 50% of VVPAT slips be counted randomly. However, the Election Commission countered, stating that such a move would delay results by five to six days.
There were false claims that VVPAT slips could be bought for Rs.10 from election officers. Such claims are completely fake.
After voting, the slip stays in the machine. After polling ends, votes from both EVMs and VVPATs are counted. If any discrepancies arise, investigations are conducted.
The VVPAT slip cast by the voter remains in the machine and isn’t removed.
