The process, which is being initiated on an experimental basis, will be extended to all the constituencies in the subsequent elections. State Chief Electoral Officer O.P. Kelkar will conduct a camp to familiarise the media with the operational aspects of this polling system on September 10. This will be followed by public awareness campaigns in the designated constituencies.

Electronic polling will considerably reduce the expenses incurred on the printing and transporting of ballot papers. The tedious process of moving large ballot boxes, ensuring their safety and manually counting each vote will be reduced to the mere pressing of a button.

The electronic polling machine has four panels of 16 candidates each. The electorate is supposed to scan the panels with a cursor and press the button against the name and symbol of his or her favoured candidate. The presiding officer will be all-in-all at the polling station. He will verify the names of those casting their votes, put the indelible ink mark on their index finger and set the machine for them.

The negative aspect of this process is the lack of knowledge about its proper usage, which might lead to technical snags and hamper the polling process. Also, in case of allegations of rigging or manipulation, verification could be extremely difficult.

According to sources in the Delhi election office, electronic polling machines were first used in Delhi during the elections to the metropolitan council in the late 1980s. The machines failed to operate at five polling stations and the polling process could begin only after technical personnel set them right.