Tulsi Gabbard's EVM Debate Reaches India! Should Indians Worry?

Former U.S. Congresswoman and ex-presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard recently raised concerns over the vulnerability of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the United States. Echoing her stance, billionaire Elon Musk called for a return to paper ballots, citing potential cybersecurity threats. The statements have sparked global debate around the integrity of digital voting systems — but should India be worried?

Here’s a quick 5-point cheat sheet on why Indian EVMs stand apart:

1. Indian EVMs are Simple and Secure

Unlike EVMs used in some countries — which involve a mix of internet-connected systems, private networks, and ballot papers — Indian EVMs are standalone machines. They do not connect to WiFi, Bluetooth, the Internet, or any external network, making them highly secure against remote hacking attempts.

2. Largest Electorate, Smooth Process

India’s electorate, with nearly a billion voters, is the largest in the world. Despite this scale, the country relies on a simplified EVM system built for rugged field conditions, ensuring both efficiency and reliability.

3. Verified and Court-Tested

Indian EVMs have repeatedly withstood legal scrutiny, including challenges in the Supreme Court. They are subjected to mock polls and verification by political parties at multiple stages, enhancing transparency and trust in the system.

4. Voter Verifiability with VVPAT

To ensure voters’ confidence, every EVM is equipped with a Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system. When a voter presses the button of their choice, a paper slip displays the selected candidate’s symbol for verification. Over five crore VVPAT slips have been physically verified during counting in front of candidates.

5. Fast, Tamper-Proof Counting

Counting votes from even 100 crore (1 billion) voters can be completed within a day. EVMs are securely stored in sealed strongrooms under constant surveillance by central police forces, further minimizing tampering risks.

In summary, while the U.S. faces a complex debate due to the technical makeup of its voting infrastructure, India’s EVMs remain a global example of secure, efficient, and transparent electoral technology. Experts believe there is no immediate reason for Indian voters to worry — the system has proven its resilience time and again.