Remote voting for migrant workers.

Why in News?

• Recently, the Election Commission (EC) announced that it is ready to pilot remote voting for domestic migrants.

About the Remote Electronic Voting Machine (RVM) 

• About:
  • EC has developed a prototype for a Multi-Constituency Remote Electronic Voting Machine (RVM)that can handle multiple constituencies from a single remote polling booth.
  • It is based on the currently used EVM system.
  • The VVPAT system is expected to work along the same lines with the new technology.
• Developed by:

• • The RVM is developed with the assistance of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL).

• Characteristics & functioning:
  • The RVMs are stand alone, non-networked systems, which will effectively be providing the voter the same experience as currently used EVMs.
  • Set up:
    • They will be set up in remote locations outside the state under similar conditions as current polling booths.
  • Single Remote Ballot Unit for multiple constituencies:
    • The unique feature of RVMs is that a single Remote Ballot Unit (RBU) will be able to cater to multiple constituencies (as many as 72) by using a “dynamic ballot display board” instead of the usual printed paper ballot sheet on EVMs.
  • Ballot Unit Overlay Display:
    • The Ballot Unit Overlay Display (BUOD) will show the requisite candidates based on the constituency number read on the voter’s Constituency card.
    • A barcode scanning system will be used to read these cards.
  • The voting process will be as follows: 
    • After verifying a voter’s identity, their constituency card will be read with a public display showing the constituency details and candidates.
    • This will also be displayed privately, on the BUOD in the RVM’s RBU.
    • The voter will then vote and each vote will be stored constituency-wise in the control unit of the voting machine.