eVoting: The Future of Voting

eVoting, also known as Electronic Voting, is the flagship service of the Right2Vote platform. Let's explore the meaning of eVoting and the various types of digital voting technologies used globally with Right2Vote. Right2Vote is a leading eVoting platform revolutionizing the way elections are conducted with secure, transparent, and efficient digital solutions. With over 11+ years of expertise in the field, Right2Vote conducts around 3,000 elections annually and has successfully completed more than 22,000 elections across various sectors and still counting. Certified by STQC Thrice, ISO 27001, and CERT-IN empaneled agencies. From housing societies to medical associations and professional organizations, Right2Vote caters to a wide range of clients and has also extended its services internationally, making it a trusted partner for fair and accessible elections. If you want to conduct your election through Right2Vote, simply click on the Contact Us and our team will guide you through the process. We make it easy, secure, and hassle-free to organize elections for your association, society or organization.

What is eVoting?

eVoting or electronic voting encompasses several terms including mVoting (Mobile Voting), rVoting (Remote Voting) and iVoting (Internet Voting). Essentially, eVoting refers to voting electronically via the internet. The voting medium can be any internet-enabled device, such as a mobile phone, computer or laptop. Typically, this technology allows voters to cast their ballots remotely, eliminating the need to visit a specific polling booth.

Suppose you live in an apartment building, and it's time to elect a new president for your Resident Welfare Association (RWA) or your society. In the old days, we had to print ballot papers, book a hall, manage the crowd, and physically count the votes. The whole process required a lot of time and effort and led to stress.

But now, what if you could do it all with just a few taps on your phone? No queues, no crowd, no confusion. Just open an app or click a link, select your choices and submit. That’s online voting, or electronic voting. It's the digital version of voting, where everything happens online.

Is There a Difference Between E-Voting, e voting and eVoting?

This is a common question asked by people. The short answer is No, there is no difference.

Whether you write it as eVoting, E-Voting, or e voting, all these terms mean the same thing.

The difference is only in writing styles or writing preferences. The concept behind them is always the same.

Three Types of eVoting Systems

There are three major types of eVoting systems: Remote eVoting, Booth-Based eVoting, and Hybrid eVoting. Remote eVoting allows members to vote from anywhere using their mobile phones or computers. Booth-Based eVoting enables voters to cast their votes digitally at a designated physical location under supervision. Hybrid eVoting combines both methods, allowing members to choose between remote and booth-based voting. Organizations can select the most suitable method according to their election rules, voter preferences, and operational requirements.

Benefits of eVoting for Organizations and Associations

eVoting helps organizations overcome common election challenges, including low voter turnout, high printing costs, lengthy counting processes, and difficulties coordinating members across different locations. Online voting makes participation easier for busy professionals, senior citizens, and members living outside their city. Digital booth voting offers a supervised alternative for organizations that prefer physical voting arrangements. By choosing the appropriate voting method, election committees can simplify administration, reduce logistical difficulties, improve voter convenience, and make the overall election process more efficient.

How Does a Ballot Page Look in Online Voting?

A digital ballot page is the screen where voters view the agenda, resolutions, or candidates and select their preferred choices. The layout of the ballot page depends on the type of election and the organization's requirements. In online voting, ballot pages can be designed for shareholder voting, AGM resolutions, association elections, housing society elections, and other organizational voting needs.

Ballot Page for Resolution and Shareholder Voting

For shareholder voting, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), and other resolution-based voting, the ballot page displays the agenda or resolution to be voted on. Below each resolution, voters can select the available options according to the organization's requirements, such as Accept/Assent, Reject/Dissent, or Abstain. For certain voting requirements, options such as NOTA may also be provided where applicable. This format allows organizations to collect members' decisions on individual resolutions through a structured digital voting process.

Ballot Page for Association and Housing Society Elections

For association and housing society elections, the ballot page displays the post or position being contested, followed by the names of the candidates standing for election. Voters can select their preferred candidate for each position. Common positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Committee (EC) Member. The ballot page can be configured according to the organization's election requirements, helping members understand the available candidates and cast their votes conveniently.

Ballot Page with Candidate Photos and Logos

Organizations can also choose to display candidate photographs or logos on the digital ballot page. In this layout, the position being contested appears first, followed by the candidate photographs or logos and their names. Voters can then identify and select their preferred candidates. This format is particularly useful for association and housing society elections, where visual identification can make the ballot easier to understand. The ballot layout can be customized to suit the organization's requirements and the information it wants voters to see.

Team Elections and Multiple Candidate Selection

Some elections require voters to select multiple candidates for positions on an Executive Committee. Right2Vote refers to this type of election as a Team Election. Instead of selecting only one candidate, voters can choose multiple candidates according to the election rules and configured selection limits. This format is useful when several members must be elected to a committee. For organizations that require reservation-based candidate selection, the Remote Voting system also supports such election configurations, subject to the specific requirements of the election.

Online Election for Shareholder AGM and Voting

Online voting for shareholder Annual General Meetings (AGMs) enables companies to conduct shareholder voting digitally, making the process more convenient and efficient. With a share-based voting system, voting rights can be configured according to the number of shares held by each shareholder. Instead of counting every shareholder's vote equally, the system can calculate voting results based on the shareholding information provided in the voter list, according to the applicable voting rules.

How Does Share-Based Voting Work?

In share-based voting, each shareholder's voting weight is determined by the number of shares recorded against their name in the voter list. For example, if one shareholder holds 100 shares and another holds 500 shares, their votes can carry different weights according to the configured voting rules. The system calculates the results using the shareholding details provided by the organization, helping simplify the counting process for shareholder resolutions and other AGM voting matters.

eVolution of Digital Voting

Voting has undergone significant evolution over time, leading to some confusion about the term eVoting. While eVoting originates from Electronic Voting, it has come to mean internet-based voting. Different regions have adopted various voting processes, each with unique features. Here, we explain the evolution of online voting and why the Generation 4 plus eVoting technology from Right2Vote stands out.

Generation 1 - Physical voting

The oldest form of voting is physical voting, also known as booth-based voting, where voters must be physically present at a designated location. Within physical voting, there are several variations:

1. Voting by Raise of Hands
2. Voting by Dropping Items in Option Boxes : Each option has a separate box, and the one with the most items is declared the winner.
3. Voting by Paper-Based Secret Ballot: This method remains the most prevalent worldwide.

Generation 2 - Electronic Voting with physical presence

In the first generation, paper-based voting has numerous drawbacks, such as:

• Lengthy and time-consuming manual counting
• Counting errors and ballot rejections due to incorrect markings
• Susceptibility to manipulations

To address these issues, Second generation introduced electronic voting machines (EVMs), replacing with traditional paper ballots. In India, EVMs have been in use since 1982, representing a significant technological advancement over manual counting. EVMs are not connected to the internet, ensuring accuracy and reducing ballot rejection due to marking errors.

Generation 2.5 - Limited Remote voting (rVoting)

With advent of internet, internet-based voting limited remote voting experiments started. During the first generation of paper voting, specific voters like members of the armed forces were given the right to vote via postal ballots. Similarly, government of India is providing very limited number of voters or specific class of voters to vote by a technology similar to emails. Here the election commissions email the ballot to the voter, and then the voter downloads it, votes, and emails back the document with his signature. This method is not real time and there are lot of limitations including requirement of physical counting, lengthy process, limited security and authentication etc.

Generation 3 - Internet based voting (iVoting) with physical presence

In the second generation voting technology - EVMs, has many drawbacks including:

1. The EVM machines are costly, bulky, need to be powered by batteries and need safe keeping
2. EVM machines get outdated very soon and need replacement.
3. Voter still need to come to the EVM to vote
4. Counting still require adding up votes from different machines
5. Booth capturing is possible as votes are stored on individual EVM machines and not on central server
6. Manual authentication of voters

Internet based voting solved most of these problems. Internet based voting can be done on most of the internet enables devices with screens. The ballot page can be configured on the software and shown on screen which substantially solves the limitation of EVM machines which provides very limited options. It does not require the voting agency to buy single purpose and costly EVM machines.

However, third generation iVoting is generally limited to specific booths where the voting agency provided stationary digital equipment in form of screens or computers on which voter has to vote. The hardware is generally provided by the voting agency which has security software and hardware bases security to ensure that voters cannot vote via any unauthorised device.

Generation 4 - Mobile Voting or mVoting

The third generation iVoting method still has many limitations including:

1. Voter still has to visit the booth to vote
2. Voting agency need to provide physical device and set up booths for the voters to be able to vote. This makes iVoting very costly and unaffordable for most organizations

To solve these problems, mobile voting or mVoting with the help of mobile devices came into being. Now voter can vote from any device from anywhere. The voter need not visit the booth to vote, and the voting agency need not provide costly equipment to the voters to be able to vote. Voter can vote directly from their mobile phones / tabs / laptops, or any other internet enabled device. mVoting substantially increases voting process efficiency due to following reasons:

1. Voter turnout: Voter turnout increases substantially as voter is able to voter from anywhere and he need not physically visit the booth and stand in a queue to vote. Migrants and others who are not present in the city are also able to vote.
2. Cost saving: With mVoting the election commission need not set up booths or provide physical instruments to the voters to vote. Voters vote from anywhere from their own equipment. This saves substantial cost of election management. It is cost effective for voters also as they can vote within minutes from anywhere and they do not have to spend time and money to visit the booth.
3. Time saving: The complete election process is automatic including sending invites, authentication of voters, voting, result counting and hence saves lot of cost. Elections can be managed in a day or even less. Voters also saves lot of time as they do not have to travel to booth and stand in a queue.
4. Effort saving: As the voting process is automatic there is no requirement of physical security of the booth, logistics of voting machines, management of queue, physical authentication of voters etc. This leads to substantial saving in efforts for the election commission and also for the voter.
5. Better authentication and security: With mobile voting, authentication of voters also happens automatically by the system and there are no chances of manual errors or frauds. Things like duplicate voting, impersonation, false voting, booth capturing etc is history now. The votes are also stored in central servers with proper firewalls, encryption and other security measures.
6. Safe and Contactless: During COVID-19, Online voting became a go-to solution. It allows people to vote without physical contact, keeping everyone safe.

Online Voting for IBC Fully Compliant and Secure

One of the important areas where online Voting is being used today is under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). In insolvency cases, a group of creditors (banks, financial institutions, etc.) need to make decisions on how to deal with a company that is unable to repay its debts.

This is the point where online voting tools become essential.

IBC law includes specific provisions about electronic voting:

• Section 109(4): It allows for proxy voting, including electronic proxy voting, and says it must be done in the format prescribed.
• Section 25A(1): It gives the authorized representatives of financial creditors the right to vote on behalf of the creditors via electronic means.
• Section 24(1): It allows meetings of the Committee of Creditors (CoC) to take place in person or through electronic means.

Many Insolvency Professionals (IPs) and Resolution Professionals (RPs) are already using Right2Vote for fast and secure decision-making under IBC.

Right2Vote's online voting technology

Frequently Asked Questions About eVoting and Online Elections

1. What is eVoting, and how does it work?

eVoting, or electronic voting, allows eligible voters to cast their votes using digital technology. With Right2Vote, organizations can conduct elections through an online platform using mobile phones, computers, or other compatible devices. The process typically involves uploading the voter list, configuring the ballot, sending voting invitations, authenticating voters, collecting votes, and calculating results according to the election rules.

2. What is the difference between eVoting, online voting, and digital voting?

eVoting, online voting, and digital voting are commonly used to describe technology-based voting. eVoting is a broad term for electronic voting, while online voting specifically refers to voting through an internet-based platform. Right2Vote enables eligible voters to cast their votes remotely without necessarily visiting a physical polling station.

3. Can I conduct an online election using Right2Vote?

Yes. Right2Vote provides an online voting platform for organizations that need to conduct elections or collect votes on resolutions. The platform can be configured for different election requirements, including candidate elections, association elections, housing society elections, corporate voting, shareholder polls, and other organizational voting activities.

4. Which organizations can use Right2Vote for online elections?

Right2Vote supports online elections for housing societies, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), professional associations, medical associations, companies, educational institutions, clubs, unions, and other organizations. The platform also supports voting requirements related to Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) proceedings. The appropriate voting method depends on the organization's requirements and applicable rules.

5. Can voters cast their votes from anywhere using Right2Vote?

Yes. Right2Vote supports remote online voting, allowing eligible voters to participate using an internet-connected mobile phone, laptop, or computer. Voters do not need to travel to a common polling location for remote elections. This is particularly useful for organizations whose members live in different cities or countries or cannot attend an election in person.

6. How do voters log in to Right2Vote to cast their votes?

Eligible voters receive an election invitation through the configured communication channel, such as email or SMS. They access the voting link and authenticate using the login details and verification method specified for the election. After successful authentication, they can view their digital ballot, select their choices, and submit their votes within the permitted voting period.

7. What types of elections can be conducted through Right2Vote?

Right2Vote supports a wide range of voting configurations, including single-candidate elections, multiple-candidate selections, shareholder polls, resolution voting, team elections, and other organizational polls. The ballot can be configured according to the organization's election rules, including the available choices, candidate information, voting limits, and other applicable requirements.

8. Can Right2Vote be used for housing society and association elections?

Yes. Housing societies, RWAs, and associations can use Right2Vote to conduct elections for positions such as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Committee Member. The digital ballot can display candidate names and, where configured, photographs or logos. Eligible voters can select their preferred candidates according to the election rules.

9. Can Right2Vote conduct shareholder voting and AGM resolution voting?

Yes. Right2Vote supports shareholder polls and can be configured for resolution-based voting. Depending on the requirements, a ballot may present options such as Assent, Dissent, and Abstain. Share-based voting can also be configured using the relevant shareholding information supplied in the voter list, subject to the applicable voting rules and legal requirements.

10. Is online voting through Right2Vote secure?

Right2Vote describes its platform as incorporating security measures such as encryption, firewalls, and multiple authentication options. The platform also lists features including OTP-based authentication, secret ballots, and audit trails. The appropriate safeguards depend on the election configuration and selected features. Organizations should evaluate the relevant security controls when planning an election.

11. Can Right2Vote maintain voter privacy through secret ballot voting?

Yes. Right2Vote offers a Secret Ballot feature for elections that require confidential voting. Secret ballot configurations are intended to protect the privacy of individual voting choices while allowing authorized election officials to manage the election and access permitted reports. The precise controls should be confirmed against the requirements and configuration of the particular election.

12. How are results calculated in an online election?

Right2Vote supports electronic result calculation based on the configured voting rules. After the voting period ends, results can be generated according to the election's counting method, such as candidate-wise vote totals, resolution-wise choices, or weighted voting. For shareholder elections, the system can be configured to account for shareholding weights when the relevant data and rules are provided.

13. Can Right2Vote prevent duplicate voting?

Right2Vote provides voter authentication and voting-management features designed to help control participation. The system can use the eligible voter list and election configuration to restrict voting to authorized participants and manage repeat voting attempts. Organizations should confirm the specific duplicate-voting controls applicable to their election before launching it.

14. What is the difference between remote eVoting and booth-based digital voting?

Remote eVoting allows eligible voters to cast their votes using their own internet-connected devices from different locations. Booth-based digital voting requires voters to visit a designated location and use electronic devices provided or arranged for the election. The choice depends on voter convenience, organizational preferences, election rules, and the level of physical supervision required.

15. Can Right2Vote support an election where voters must select multiple candidates?

Yes. Right2Vote lists multiple-voting and Team Election features that can support elections requiring voters to select more than one candidate. For example, an organization electing several Executive Committee members may configure the ballot to permit multiple selections. The permitted number of selections and other restrictions should follow the organization's election rules.

16. Can online voting be used for IBC-related decisions?

Right2Vote supports electronic voting requirements for insolvency-related decision-making, including voting by eligible creditors where the applicable legal framework and process permit it. The platform can help organize voting, authenticate eligible participants, collect their decisions, and calculate results. The Insolvency Professional or other authorized person should ensure that the voting arrangement complies with the applicable IBC provisions and regulations.

17. Is online voting permitted for government elections in India?

The rules governing online voting depend on the type of election and the applicable legal framework. Right2Vote's commercial eVoting platform is intended for organizational and other eligible voting requirements. Its availability should not be interpreted as authorization to conduct remote internet voting in public elections. Anyone considering voting for a government election should check the latest instructions issued by the relevant election authority.

18. How can I conduct an election with Right2Vote?

To begin, contact Right2Vote and explain your election requirements, including the organization type, number of voters, election positions or resolutions, voting schedule, authentication needs, and preferred voting method. The team can discuss a suitable configuration and the next steps. Visit the official website or contact contact@right2vote.in to enquire about conducting your election.

---

Also read:

• What is Mobile voting
• Advantage of Mobile Voting
• Types of Voting
• Online Vs Offline
• Security and safety
• Hacking
• Coercion