Lok Sabha Election 2024 Result: While counting votes in elections, some votes are left out from the EVM machine. This is also mentioned in the records. Such votes are taken back from the time of voting on the EVM. Also, a column has been given in this regard in the most important form 17C of the Election Commission of India.
There is also a provision for reserve EVMs
Whenever an election takes place, EVM machines are provided according to the number of voters present at the booth. Apart from this, keeping in mind the possibility of the machine malfunctioning, 02-05 machines have also been provided as reserve. Therefore, if any machine malfunctions, the reserve machines can be used.
The limit of votes in an EVM is 2000
An EVM machine can hold around 2000 votes. When the machine reaches its limit of votes, a beep will sound indicating that all the votes have been cast in that machine. Therefore, the machine will have to be replaced. Also, before voting, EVMs are checked and connected to the network.
This is how EVM machines are checked
Whenever an EVM machine is kept for voting, it is first verified. During testing, the polling officer presses a button in front of each candidate's name. Therefore, before voting begins, each candidate is voted for and it is checked whether the machine is working properly or not.
Due to this some votes get lost during counting.
Therefore, when the votes are counted, the votes cast during the checking of the EVM machine are deducted. That is, whenever a new EVM machine is installed at the time of voting, the machine is checked by voting for each candidate. Therefore, the Election Commission of India issues Form 17C for each booth for every information related to the voting and polling during this checking. In which every information related to voting has to be filled. Apart from this, a column has also been given to record the number of votes cast while verifying the EVM.
What is Form 17C?
This form is given to the presiding officer at every polling station, which he has to fill online. This work has to be done immediately after the voting process is completed.
This form contains the name and number of the polling station, EVM identification number, control unit number, ballot unit number, how many people came to vote, how many votes are registered as per rule 17A?, how many people are not allowed as per rule 49M, verification of EVM during record, how many votes were cast at that time?, for which candidates the voting was conducted?
Along with this, information regarding how many ballot papers have been given and how many ballot papers have been added will also have to be filled in the form.
Why are Form 17C and Form 17A required?
According to the 1961 rules, the Election Commission has to keep two forms ready as soon as the election is over. Form 17A and 17C contain the number of voters and polling data. Under Rule 49S (2), the presiding officer has to give a copy of Form 17C to the polling agent after the completion of polling.
At the time of results, the data in Form 17C is matched with the EVM count. If any discrepancy is found, an election petition can also be filed in the High Court.