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What are the advantages and disadvantages of using electronic voting machines in the electoral process?

Sherilyn Ridwood

Electronic voting machines (EVMs) have become a popular choice in many countries as a tool for facilitating efficient and accurate voting in the electoral process. However, they also have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages, some of which are outlined below.

Advantages of using electronic voting machines:

1. Speed and accuracy: EVMs are designed to count votes automatically which reduces the chances of inaccurate vote counts and also ensures that the results are delivered much faster than when using a manual counting system.

2. Convenience: Electronic voting machines offer the convenience of voting from anywhere at any time. Voters don't need to wait in long queues as they can simply cast their votes electronically.

3. Cost-effective: EVMs can save taxpayers significant amounts of money, as they don't require the same amount of manpower and resources involved in manual counting systems.

4. Reduced fraud: Electronic voting machines can help reduce cases of fraud when compared to manual counting systems due to their advanced security features, which can minimize the risks associated with unauthorized access, tampering, or loss of votes.

5. Accessibility: EVMs offer greater accessibility to people with disabilities as they can be designed with features like large buttons, voice-activated commands, or Braille instructions.

Disadvantages of using electronic voting machines:

1. Technical glitches: EVMs are vulnerable to technical glitches that can cause serious problems with vote counting or recording. Power outages, connectivity issues, or equipment failures can all lead to inaccurate vote counts.

2. Malfunction: In some cases, electronic voting machines have malfunctioned, leading to incorrect vote counts or lost votes.

3. Lack of transparency: EVMs offer little transparency as voters can't physically see the votes being counted. This can lead to doubts about their fairness or accuracy in the minds of some voters.

4. Cybersecurity: EVMs are vulnerable to cyber attacks that can compromise the integrity of the voting process. Hackers can insert malware or tamper with the voting software, leading to inaccurate results.

5. Difficulty in detecting fraud: While EVMs can help deter fraudulent activities, they also pose a challenge in detecting them when they do occur. Since electronic voting machines don't leave a paper trail, it can be challenging to identify and rectify cases of fraudulent activity after the fact.

In conclusion, electronic voting machines have their advantages and disadvantages when used in the electoral process. While they can offer speed, accuracy, and convenience, they also pose risks related to technology, transparency, and security. Therefore, it's essential to weigh the different advantages and disadvantages of using EVMs before implementing them in any electoral process.