The Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system was introduced as an additional measure to increase transparency and voter trust in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) system. The VVPAT system was set up across all constituencies in India during the 2019 general elections, and it was mandatory to use it alongside the EVMs.

The VVPAT is an independent system that is attached to each Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). When a voter casts their vote using an EVM, the VVPAT system prints a paper slip that displays the following information:

Serial number. Name of the candidate. Symbol of the candidate This slip allows the voter to verify that the vote has been cast for the correct candidate, as shown on the paper slip.

After casting the vote, the voter is able to view the slip for a few seconds through a transparent window on the VVPAT machine. This allows the voter to ensure that the vote has been recorded as intended. If any discrepancies are noticed, the voter can raise a concern. The VVPAT slip is not counted as a part of the official result tally but serves as a verification tool for the voter.

It enhances the transparency of the voting process, as voters can verify their vote immediately after casting it.

The VVPAT slips act as a backup for electoral audits in case of any disputes or doubts regarding the EVMs’ functioning.

The system was introduced to address concerns over the integrity of the EVMs and to build voter confidence in the electoral process.

The 2019 general elections were the first to fully implement the VVPAT system across all constituencies, ensuring that each vote was verified by the voter and could be audited if necessary. The Election Commission of India ensured that the system was operational in all phases of the election, from polling stations to the counting process, to maintain credibility and trust in the electoral process.

The VVPAT system was fully implemented in 2019 for the first time across all constituencies in India. It works in tandem with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), allowing voters to verify that their vote was cast for the correct candidate. This system enhances transparency, ensures voter trust, and provides a means for auditing votes if necessary. The Election Commission of India set up the VVPAT system to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process and increase confidence in the use of EVMs.