Mon Mar 23 14:46:52 UTC 2026: # EVM Randomization Completed in Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari Ahead of Assembly Elections
The Story:
The first level of randomization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2026 has been completed in Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts. The process, overseen by election officials and observed by representatives from recognized political parties, involved allocating machines constituency-wise using the Election Commission’s EMS 2.0 web portal. The EVMs and VVPATs are now being securely stored and will be transported to designated locations within each constituency under strict police security.
Key Points:
- The first level randomization of EVMs and VVPATs was conducted in Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts.
- In Thoothukudi district, a total of 4,560 Ballot Units (BU), 2,398 Control Units (CU), and 2,590 VVPAT machines were checked.
- Approximately 7% of the machines were used for training and awareness.
- Constituency-wise allocation was done using the Election Commission’s EMS 2.0 web portal.
- Machines will be transported to designated locations in each constituency under strict police security with GPS-enabled container trucks.
- In Kanniyakumari district, additional units (381 BUs, 381 CUs and 571 VVPATs) are kept in ready condition in case of defects.
- The events occurred on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- The Election Commission is actively preparing for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
- Transparency is emphasized through the presence of political party representatives during the randomization process.
- Security measures are in place to ensure the integrity of the EVMs and VVPATs.
- The EMS 2.0 system is being utilized for efficient EVM management.
- Similar EVM randomization processes are occurring across Tamil Nadu, as evidenced by the related historical context (“First-level randomisation of EVMs completed in Nagapattinam”).
First Piper 