As active and impassioned citizens of India, our desire for good governance is undermined by the prevailing electoral mechanisms. Our faith in the electoral process is gradually dwindling due to the continued usage of electronic voting machines (EVMs), which add to the questions surrounding the fairness and integrity of the elections. It’s our assertion that the prevailing uncertainty about EVMs leaves room for manipulation and fraud in our democracy - a risk we cannot afford to take.

Recent global trends, including research conducted by experts from the University of Michigan, highlight the repeated demonstrations of various vulnerabilities in EVM systems. As Citizen Lab reported, these machines can be hacked, votes can be changed, and the whole democratic system can be nullified at the push of a button. It is pertinent to look at Estonia, where in 2005 the government transitioned to a full online voting system. And yet, in 2014, an independent audit by international computer experts revealed startling vulnerabilities leading the government to revert to paper balloting.

We, the people of India who value our democratic rights and the sanctity of our votes, propose the reintroduction of ballot papers as a solution. Paper ballots carry the assurance of a traceable, tangible vote.

Our plea here is not based on speculation, but on a veritable worry about the state of our democracy. It is time to eliminate room for doubt and restore faith in the electoral process. Reinstate ballot papers in India and ban the use of electronic voting machines. Sign this petition for a more transparent and fair voting process.