EVM Security Protocols
Following the conclusion of voting in Tamil Nadu's 2026 Assembly elections, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) undergo a stringent security protocol.
Once polls close, these machines are immediately sealed and transported to designated counting centres. They are then placed in high-security strongrooms, which are maintained under constant surveillance around the clock. This unwavering vigilance continues until the official counting day commences. On this crucial day, the strongroom doors are only opened in the presence of the candidates or their authorized representatives, ensuring transparency from the very beginning of the process. This secure handling is paramount to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and building public trust in the final results.
Postal Ballot Tally
The very first stage of the vote counting procedure involves the examination and tallying of postal ballots. These ballots represent votes cast by individuals who were unable to vote in person, such as government employees on duty, security personnel deployed during elections, and other essential service providers. The counting of these postal votes is a manual process, meticulously carried out under direct supervision. This initial counting provides an early glimpse into the electoral trends and can offer preliminary insights into the potential outcome before the EVM counts even begin. The careful handling and verification of these ballots are critical to ensuring that every legitimate vote is accurately recorded.
EVMS Counted in Rounds
Once the postal ballots have been accounted for, the focus shifts to the Electronic Voting Machines. For each constituency, multiple counting tables are set up. The EVMs are brought out in manageable batches to these tables. The votes recorded on each machine are then tallied in distinct rounds. Following the completion of each round of counting, the results are promptly announced and publicly displayed. This phased approach allows for regular updates and ensures that candidates and observers are kept informed of the progress and emerging trends throughout the counting day. This systematic process is designed for efficiency and transparency.
VVPAT Slip Verification
To guarantee the utmost accuracy and integrity of the election results, a crucial step involves verifying a select number of EVM tallies against their corresponding Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. The VVPAT system generates a physical paper slip for each vote cast, providing an independent record of the voter's choice. By comparing a sample of EVM counts with these paper slips, election officials can cross-check the machine's tabulation against the actual voter selections. This verification process acts as a vital safeguard, confirming that the electronic count precisely matches the voters' intended choices and reinforcing confidence in the overall election outcome.
Official Declaration
As the counting progresses through all the designated rounds and the necessary VVPAT verifications are completed, returning officers meticulously update and maintain the official figures. The entire process is under continuous, close observation by appointed election observers and representatives from the Election Commission of India, ensuring adherence to all established procedures. Once every single round of counting has concluded and all required verifications are finalized, the returning officer formally declares the final results for each individual constituency. Subsequently, the candidates who have secured victory are officially certified, marking the formal end of the counting process and the determination of the state's next government.
