Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Uttar Pradesh, Goa Begin EVM Checks Ahead of Polls
The Election Commission is preparing for assembly elections in several states.
Uttar Pradesh and Goa have begun checking voting machines.
Engineers test the machines and paper-trail units for mechanical problems.
If a machine does not work properly, it is sent back for repair or replacement.
Old election data is removed from the machines.
Machines that pass the tests receive an “FLC OK” mark and are sealed.
A practice vote is also held while political-party representatives watch.
These steps help prepare the machines before the actual election.
Uttar Pradesh and Goa have started first-level checks of electronic voting machines and paper trail units.
Engineers from BEL and ECIL inspect the machines for mechanical flaws during the checks.
Faulty units are sent to manufacturers for repair or replacement.
Previous-election data is erased, and passing units are marked “FLC OK” and sealed.
Mock polls are conducted with political-party representatives present to verify the machines.
- Who
- The Election Commission, engineers from BEL and ECIL, and representatives of political parties.
- What
- Uttar Pradesh and Goa began first-level checks of electronic voting machines and paper-trail units.
- When
- The checks were reported on September 1 and are part of the Election Commission’s poll-preparation schedule.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh and Goa.
- Why
- To identify mechanical flaws, clear old election data, and prepare voting equipment for upcoming assembly polls.
- Process
- First-level checks, or FLCs, are conducted on electronic voting machines and paper-trail units.
- Manufacturers
- Engineers from BEL and ECIL perform the equipment checks.
- Faulty units
- Machines that fail checks are returned to manufacturers for repair or replacement.
- Data clearing
- Previous-election data is cleared from the Control Units and Ballot Units.
- Security marking
- Passing units are marked “FLC OK” and sealed with specialised pink paper seals.
- Mock poll
- A mock poll is held using the machines in the presence of political-party representatives.
- EVM components
- At least one Ballot Unit, one Control Unit, and one paper-trail machine make up an EVM.