Voting machines are electronic devices used to cast and count votes in elections. They can come in various forms, including touch-screen systems and optical scan machines, which read paper ballots. These machines help streamline the voting process, making it faster and more efficient for voters to express their choices. To ensure accuracy and security, many voting machines are equipped with features like paper trails and audit logs. This allows for verification of results and helps maintain the integrity of the election process. Proper testing and maintenance of these machines are essential to prevent errors and ensure fair outcomes in elections involving candidates and political parties.