Faulty EVMs: Keep your bedsheets handy for next elections; here is why

As hundreds of voters patiently waited to cast their votes in the blistering heat while dysfunctional electronic voting machines (EVMs) were replaced in three parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, the by-polls on Monday saw a moderate turnout of bedsheets to tackle the problem of EVMs being damaged from extreme heat, harsh sunlight and dust.

The local polling stations around the constituencies took their own little precautions like covering the windows with bedsheets, cloth cover near the EVMs and even installing fans to protect the machines from extreme heat or dust.

The poll panel said less than one per cent of voting machines, but over 11 per cent of VVPATs were replaced, even as it sought to put the blame on "extreme heat" and mishandling by some polling staff.
Of the total 2,097 EVMs deployed, 156 machines in different areas of the constituency malfunctioned, but the officials were quick to tackle it, said Palghar Collector Prashant Narnaware.

"The sensors of these EVMs are extremely sensitive to heat, light and dust pollution. We were alerted on this by the Election Commission (EC) beforehand. We faced problems even during the first level checks carried out on these machines a few days ago," he said.