Sir, Just a few days back I read in one of the local newspapers that Gujarat experimented online voting in local body elections held during the year 2015 and it proved to be a tremendous success. There was an overwhelming response from the public. The process is very simple. At first we have to download the online e-voting app released by the Election Commission and register our name, phone number etc. Once the app is installed, on the day of election we will get OTP (one time password) to our registered telephone number. Once we enter that number online through the app, the ballot paper will appear on the computer monitor and immediately we can cast our vote. Of course, people possessing personal computer or laptop can avail online voting facility because only personal compu- ters or laptops have their own unique identification number and identity. So in case of misuse it is easy to identify the culprits immediately. Online voting is possible using smart phone also. In fact the Election Commission is contemplating on this proposal. This in turn would definitely save lot of paper work, labour cost, transportation cost and a lot of money to the exchequer. Even most people in villages, vegetable, flower and fruit vendors are also aware of using smart phone nowadays. Hence, I request the authorities concerned to view this matter seriously and implement online voting at least from the next local body elections.
- Arun Kumar, Chamarajapuram, 6.12.2018
