Why is it in the news?

• In late 2022, the ECI proposed a Remote EVM (R-EVM) to address issues related to domestic migrant voting.
• The goal was to improve the 67.4% voter turnout in the 2019 general elections.

About Remote Voting

• Refers to voting from locations other than the registered polling station, including both electronic and non-electronic methods.

Need for Remote Voting

• Enable migrants to vote, as they often move away from their registered constituencies.
• Address the decrease in voting turnout, which can be substantial.
• Accommodate the increasing registrations of unorganized workers.
• Ensure access to the vote, especially for those registered in other constituencies.

Issues with Remote Voting

 Security and Integrity

• Vulnerability to hacking, fraud, and manipulation.
• Threat to the accuracy and reliability of election results.

Accessibility

• Unequal access to technology and internet.
• Challenges in delivering mail-in ballots to remote areas.

Veracity and Verification

• Voter verification systems may produce false positives or negatives.
• Risk of facilitating fraud or disenfranchising citizens.

Internet Connection & Malware Security

• Dependence on reliable internet connections.
• Vulnerability to software errors or malware.

Impact on Elections

• Potential to favour larger parties and wealthier candidates.

Way Forward

• Ensure the system maintains election integrity and prevents manipulation.
• Gain the trust and acceptance of voters, political parties, and election machinery.
• Build confidence in the security, integrity, and accuracy of the system.
• Implement secure and tamper-proof technology with encryption and authentication measures.
• Develop robust voter verification mechanisms.
• Establish clear rules for verifying vote accuracy and transparency.
• Conduct voter education and awareness campaigns.
• Create a strong legal framework outlining rules, procedures, and responsibilities for remote voting.