TRAINING OF POLLING PERSONNEL

TRAINING OF POLLING PERSONNEL, POLL, VOTE, ELECTION, SELECTION, GOVERNMENT, OPPOSITION, MP, MLA, etc.

1. TRAINING OF
POLLING PERSONNEL
“NO VOTER TO BE LEFT BEHIND,
EACH VOTE COUNTS”
CHARAK RAY
[email protected]

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
To provide clarity to Polling personnel on
• Election Management.
•Free & fair conduct of Polling .
• Deep Knowledge on Functioning of EVM & VVPAT.
•Critical Errors of EVM & VVPAT & its action to do.
• Election Laws.
• Mock Poll Procedure.
•Sealing of EVM & VVPAT.
•Sealing of Statutory & Non-Statutory Covers.
•Procedure for application of indelible ink.
•Procedure to handle on Challenge Vote, Tender Vote, Proxy voter, Companion, Test Vote,
Under age elector, PB, EDC, Oversea elector.
•Procedure for filling up of different forms for election.
•To know about do’s & don’ts of EVM & VVPAT
• And other important aspects of election

3. ❑ Electionmanagementisachallengewhichcanbeovercomebyobjective,planningandmeticulousexecution,facilitatedby
anelaborate,attentivetraining.
❑PrOisaGovt/SemiGovt/Localbodyofficialwhoisappointedu/s26ofRPAct,
1950byDEO.Heisoverallchargesofthepollingstation.Inhisabsence,1
st
Polling
OfficershallactasPrO.ThoughallthepollingOfficersincludingPrOappointedfor
electiondutyareundertheadministrativecontroloftheirrespectivedepartment
heads;butforelectionprocess,theyareundersuperintendence,directionand
ControlofECI.DuringElection,theyareunderdisciplinaryControlofElection
CommissionofIndia.
❑ThedutiesofPrOatvariousstageslike
i.OnAppointment
ii.OnthedayofDispersal
iii.OnarrivalatthePollingstation
iv.OnthedayofPoll
v.AfterendofthePoll
NB-ThedetailsmentionedatAnnexure-3ofPrOHandBookatpageNo–145
to147mustbereferredto.

4. ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE WORK OF POLLING
PERSONNEL TO PERFORM AT POLLING STATION
•Fullunderstandingoflaws,Provisions&latestinstructionsofECI.
•ProperunderstandingandHandsonofEVM&VVPATanditssealing
procedure.
•CastingofPB(Form12),VotebyEDC(12A&B),OverseaVoter,CSV,Allowed
electorstovotefromASDlist,ProxyVoter,CompanionVoter(Form14-A),
TenderedBallot(17-B),BrailleBallot,ChartofBU,VoterChallenge(Form-14)
andTestVoteu/s49MA.
•Specialfocuson7A,10,17A,17C,PrOdiary,16pointform,addressTag,
SpecialTag,PPS,GreenPaperSealandStripSeal(A-B-C-Dseal)forsealing
EVM,VVPATandPlasticBoxcontainingblackenvelopofMockpollslip.
Recordingofentriesat17A.
•SettingupofPS,VC,EVM&VVPAT(NodirectSunlighttotheVC,Nodirect
luminouslightovertheVVPAT,VCshouldbeadequatelighted,NoVCnear
window,NoviolationofSecrecyofvoting,NoconcealingofwiresofEVM
andVVPAT.PlacingofVVPATontheleftofBUinsidetheVC.

5. ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE WORK OF POLLING
PERSONNEL TO PERFORM AT POLLING STATION
•BriefingPAsonSecrecyofVoting,ReadingoutdeclarationofpollandobtainsignatureofPAsin
declarationformandalsoattimesubsequentMockPollintheeventofEVMChange.
•PeriodicalTallyofthevotescastedandtwohourlyreporttoSectorOfficer.
•RecordingofEventsinPrODiary&MaintenanceofVisitor’sRegisteratthetimeofvisitingof
OfficerstothePS.
•IssueofNumberedSlipseriallyfromendofthequeuetothevoterswhoarewaitingonqueuefor
voteattheclosuretimeofPoll.
•SealingofBU,CU&VVPATcarrycaseafterClosureofthePoll.Don’tforgettoPresstheClose
ButtonofCUandpoweroftheCUbeforesealing.
•SealingofStatutory,Non-StatutoryandotherCovers.
•EnsuretofilluptheVoteofAccountsin17-C,obtainsignofPAsandsupplyacertifiedcopyofthe
sametothePAspresentinPS.
•ObtainsignatureofPAsinthePollClosureDeclarationFormandSealingofEVM&VVPATcarry
case.
•SignofDeclarations/certificates:MockPoll/StartofActualPoll&Secrecyofvoting/Subsequent
MockPollifany/wrongprintingdeclarationifany/companionvotersifany/closeofPoll/Sealing
ofCarrycase/VoteofAccounts.

6. A SPECIAL FOCUS ON ESSENTIAL FORMS/ DECLARATIONS/
CERTIFICATES TO BE USED OR FILLED UP AT PS BY PRO.
Form-7A
ListofcontestingCandidates(acopytobedisplayedatthenoticeboardofPS
&thesameistobeusedforverificationofBU&CUatDispersalCentre.)
Form-17A
Form-17B
Form-17C
Form-10
Form-12
Form-12A
Form-12B
Form-14
Form-14A
Voters’Register(TobemaintainedbySecondPollingOfficer]-[Important:last
fourdigitofidentityproofmustberecordedwithnameofIC.]
FormtobeusedforlistofelectorscastedtheirTenderedVotes,[Tobefilled
upbyPrOattheendofthePoll.]
AccountsofVote.Part-ItobefilledupbyPrOandSignofPAsmustbetakenat
PSandcertifiedcopyofthesamemustbeprovidedtoPAs.
AppointmentLetterofPollingAgentsmustbeaffixedwithphotographand
SignatureofPAandattestedbytheRO/DEO.
ApplicationforPostalBallotPaperbythepersonnelengagedinpolling
process.
ApplicationforElectionDutyCertificate[EDC]bytheofficialengagedin
Electiondutyifhis/hernamefoundplaceinthePERofsaidAC.
FormforissueofEDC[DEOwillissuetheEDCtotheofficialonreceiptof
applicationinForm12A.]
ListofChallengingCaseswhereChallengenotestablishedandfeeshavebeen
forfeited.
DeclarationoftheCompanionofblindandinfirmvoter.[Tobeobtainedby
PrOandindeliblemustbeprovidedtobothieinlefthandforefingerof
electorandrighthandindexfingeroftheCompanionvoter.]

7. A SPECIAL FOCUS ON ESSENTIAL FORMS/
DECLARATIONS/ CERTIFICATES TO BE USED OR FILLED
UP AT PS BY PRO.
16-Point Form PrOshouldbefilledthe16-pointFormafterendofPollforObserver.
Mock Poll
Certificate-1
Mock Poll
Certificate-II
Poll Declaration
Certificate
Cert. on Sealing
of EVM after Poll
49 MA
declaration
Form-M21
TobepreparedbythePrOandobtainsignofPAs(PoolingAgents)after
verificationofresultwithCU&VVPATSlip;andsealingofVVPATDrop
Box&CUafterclearing.
SubsequentCertificatetobepreparedbyPrO,ifEVMreplacedduringActual
PollafterdoingMockPollwith1votetoeachcontestingcandidateincluding
NOTA.
MeantforDeliveryofmaterialsatReceivingCentre.[Tobefilledupby
thePrOafterendofthepollandsealingofStatutory,Non-statutory&
Othercoversandsubmittedatthereceivingcenter.]
Poll End
Certificate
Under age elector’s
declaration
TobepreparedbythePrObeforestartofactualPolland
signatureofthePAstobeobtained.
TobepreparedbythePrOaftercloseofactualPoll,pressingofClosebuttonofCU
andSwitchofofCU;thansignatureofthePAstobeobtained.
TobepreparedbythePrOaftersealingofEVM&VVPATCarry
CaseandsignatureofthePAstobeobtained.
Theconsequencesofwrongprintingcomplaintwillbeawaretotheelectorand
declarationtobeobtainedbyPrOfromthecomplainantbeforeTestVote.
PrOtoobtainanundertakingfromtheelectorwhoseemstobeunderage
beforeallowingtovote.ItsrecordalsobekeptinPart-IorPart-IIofthe
desiredform.

8. A SPECIAL FOCUS ON ESSENTIAL FORMS/
DECLARATIONS/ CERTIFICATES TO BE USED OR FILLED UP
AT PS BY PRO.
PrO’sDiary PrOshouldfillthedesiredinformationoneacheventinPrODiary.
Visitor’s
Register
PrOShouldensuretoobtainthesignatureofthevisitorslikeSO,Zonal
Magistrate,Observer,RO/ARO/DEO,etcwhilevisitingthePS.
PAs Movement
Register
PrOShouldmaintainthemovementRegisterofPasinPs;sothatonly
oneagentofonecandidatewillpresentatPS.Nomovementbefore2
HrsofendofthePoll.
MCER-Mark
Copy of E.R
Other Copies of
E.R
1
st
PollingOfficerwillmarktheElectoralRollforidentificationofmale
ElectorandWomenElector.ItmustbeinksignedoneofRO/AROwith
seal.ThePB/EDC/CSVvoterifanyshallbemarkedonthesaidPER.
OthercopiesoftheERshallbekeptwithhimforreferenceand
verificationofPrO.Oneofthecopymustbehangedonthewallofthe
P.S.
Check list for
PrO
ThePrOshouldverifythechecklistwhetherhehasaccomplishedthe
taskasperchecklistornot.
Declaration of
Companion
ThePrOwillobtainadeclarationfromtheCompanionvoterforblind/
infirmelector.
List of Under
age elector
ThePrOwillpreparealistintheFormPart-IandPart-IIwhichis
applicablefor

9. POLLING STATION LAYOUT –(IMPORTANT CHECK POINTS)

10. VOTING COMPARTMENT
•VOTINGCOMPARTMENT-LOKSABHAELECTION
•VOTINGCOMPARTMENT-ASSEMBLYELECTION
•VotingCompartmentmadeofflex-boardofsteelgreycolour
(24”x24”x30”),12”extensioninlengthforadditionalBU.
•Heightofthetable-30”.
•Votingcompartmentshouldbepositionedinsuchamanner
thatitdoesn’tviolate“Secrecyofvoting”andVVPATsensors
arenotexposedtodirectlight.Itshouldnotbenearthe
window.
•VCmustbesufficientlywelllighted
•ThecablesofEVMandVVPATshouldnotbeconcealedand
notcriss-crossedsothatelectormaycomeacrossthecable.

12. BRIEF DUTIES OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER
➢(i)PlacetheBallotUnitsandprinterwithdropboxintheirrespectivevotingcompartments.In
nocasetheBallotUnitortheControlUnitorprinterwithdropboxbeplacedonthefloor.It
mustbekeptonatable;
➢(ii)ConnecttheBallotUnitsandprinterwithdropboxwiththeirrespectivecontrolunits;
➢(iii)Switchonthepower;
➢(iv)Demonstratebeforethehourfixedforactualcommencementofthepolltothe
candidates/agentspresentthatthevotingmachinesareclearanddonotcontainanyvotes;
➢(v)ConductmockpolltoensureanddemonstratetothepollingagentsthattheEVMisin
perfectworkingcondition;
➢(vi)Clearthemockpollresult;clearthedropboxofVVPAT.
➢(vii)Preparethecertificateofmockpoll;
➢(viii)HeshouldbeclearthataccordingtotheElectionCommission’sinstructions,ifthereisno
mockpollatapollingstation,thereshallbenopollatthatpollingstation;
➢(ix)EnsurethatonthegreenpapersealfixedintheCONTROLUNITFORLOKSABHAELECTION
onlythecandidatesfortheLokSabhaelectionortheirpollingagents,whoarepresentatthe
pollingstationatthattime,affixtheirsignatures,andsimilarly,onthegreenpapersealfixed
intheCONTROLUNITFORASSEMBLYELEECTION,thecandidatesforassemblyelectionor
theirpollingagentsaloneaffixtheirsignatures;

13. BRIEF DUTIES OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER
➢(x)Seethatvotingcompartmentshavebeenproperlyarrangedwithappropriate
posterspastedoutsidetoindicateclearlytheelectionpertainingtowhichthe
BallotUnitandprinterwithdropboxiskeptinside;
➢(xi)EnsurethatthecablestoconnecttheBallotUnitsandprinterwithdropbox
withtheirrespectivecontrolunitsareplacedinsuchawaythatthecableisvisible
toeveryonewhilealsoensuringthatthevotersarenotrequiredtocrossoverthem
duringtheirmovementsinsidethepollingstation.Itshouldalsobeensuredthat
thecabledoesnothanglooseunderthevotingcompartment;
➢(xii)Ensurethatallthemembersofthepollingpartyareinpositionwellbeforethe
commencementofthepollandallmaterialsandrecordsarekepthandyandready
tocommencepollattheappointedhour;
➢(xiii)Preventanymemberofthepollingpartyoranypollingagentfromwandering
hereorthereinsidethepollingstationandtokeepthemseatedintheirallocated
seats;
➢(xiv)Commencetheactualpollatthestrokeofthehourfixedforcommencement
ofpoll;
➢(xv)Keep,duringtheprogressofpoll,aclosewatchonthemovementsofthe
votersandtobealertandwatchfulsothatnovotergoesawaywithoutvoting;
➢(xvi)Ensurethatduringthefirsthourofthepollwhenpollingisgenerallybrisk,no
memberofthepollingpartyshowsanyslacknessinthedutiesallocatedtohim;

14. BRIEF DUTIES OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER
➢(xvii)Checkthetotalvotescastperiodicallyonboththecontrolunitsandalsoto
ensurethatvotershavevotedinaccedingtotheirserialnumbersgivenonthe
voter’sslip;
➢(xviii)Ensurethatinsimultaneouselection,copiesofForm17Cforparliamentary
electionaresuppliedtopollingagentsofthecandidatesinparliamentary
constituencyonlyandcopiesofForm17Cfortheassemblyelectionaregiven
onlytotheagentsofcandidatesofassemblyconstituency.
➢(xix)Atregularintervalschecktheballotunittoensurethatthevoterhasnot
tamperedwithitinanymanner.Thevoteralreadyinqueueatthetimefixedfor
closeofpollwillbeallowedtovote.
➢(xx)IdentificationofASDVoters-ThePresidingOfficershallpersonallyverifythe
identificationdocument(EPICoranyoneofthealternativephotodocuments,
permittedbytheElectionCommission)andproperdetailsshallberegisteredin
theVoter’sRegister(Form17A).ThumbimpressionofASDVotersshallalsobe
obtained(eveninthecaseofanelectorwhoisliterateandcansign)inaddition
tosignatureagainstthecolumnof‘signature/thumbimpression’ofVoter’s
Register.Attheendofpoll,PresidingOfficershallgiveacertificate(tobekept
withVoter’sRegisterforscrutiny)thatsomanyASDVotershavebeenallowedto
voteafterscrutiny.Whereverpossible,ASDVotersshallbephotographedand
recordofthesamekept.

15. DUTIES OF THE DIFFERENT POLLING OFFICERS AT PS
➢First Polling Officer
He will be identifying the electors and will be in-charge of marked copy of the
electoral roll.
➢Second Polling Officer
He will be in-charge of the indelible ink and voters register.
➢Third Polling Officer
He will be in-charge of the voter's slip ( White colourslip for LokSabha& Pink
colourslip for VidhanSabha.
➢Fourth Polling Officer
He will be in-charge of the Control Unit for LokSabhaelection.
➢Fifth Polling Officer
He will be in-charge of the Control Unit for
State assembly election.

16. IMPORTANCE OF 4TH AND 5TH POLLING OFFICERS
➢Itmayappearthatthe4thand5thPollingOfficershavebeengivenavery
easyjob.Onthecontrary,thesuccessofsimultaneouselectiondependson
theiralertness.Theirjobisnotonlytosimplypressthe'Ballot'buttonto
activatethevotingmachine,buttheyhavealsotoensurethateachelector
votesinhis/herturnexactlyinthesameserialorderashasbeengivenin
thevoters'slip.
➢Theyhavealsotokeepaconstantwatchtoensurethatwhentheydirectany
electortogoandvote,theelectorgoesintothecorrectVotingCompartment
andvotesaccordingly.Duetoignoranceorotherwise,ifanyelectorseemsto
benotsureastowheretogoandwhattodoafterhehasbeenallowedto
vote,itisthedutyofthesetwoPollingOfficerstoensurethattheelector
followsthecorrectprocedure.Specially,duringthefirsthourofpoll,when
thereisusuallyalotofrush,theymustkeepthemselvescoolandseethatthe
votingproceedssmoothly.
➢Wheneverthereisarespiteandinanycaseaftereveryonehourofpoll,they
shouldalsotallythetotalvotespolledwiththetotalnumberofvotersas
showninthevotersregisterandasdisplayedinthetwoControlUnits.

17. PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION OF INDELIBLE INK
➢Afterthevoterhasbeencorrectlyidentifiedandverifiedbythe1
st
pollingofficer,the2
nd
pollingofficerexaminesthelefthand
forefingerofthevoterandmarksitwiththeindelibleink.
➢Theinkmarkshouldbemadefromthetopofthenail,reachingup
tothefirstjointoftheforefingerovertheskin.Theinkmarkshould
beputearlierthansignatureofthevoterinform17A,becausethe
inkwoulddryupwithinthetime,hegoestovote.
➢Ifthevoterisfoundtoapplyanyoilyorgreasysubstanceinthefore
fingertoneutralizetheindelibleink,the2
nd
PollingOfficerduring
inspectionoftheforefingershouldwipeitoffwithapieceofcloth
orrugsuppliedtothepollingpartyintheirlist.
➢Incasethevoterdoesn’tallowtomarkhisforefingerwiththeink,he
shouldnotbeallowedtovote.

18. PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION OF INDELIBLE INK
➢When/ifthevoterhasnoleftforefingerthenindelibleinkhas
tobeappliedinanyofhisfingerinthelefthand.
➢Incasehehasnofingersinlefthand,thenrighthand
forefingeroranyotherfingeronrighthandshouldbemarked.
Intheworstcaseifhehasnofingersonbothhandsthenthe
indelibleInkshouldbemarkedonthestumpofthelimb.
➢Incaseofre-poll,indeliblemarkshouldbemadeonlefthand
middlefinger,clearlyignoringtheearliermarkonthefore
finger.
➢IncaseofthecompanionaccompanyingblindorInfirmvoter,
therighthandindexfingerofthecompanion&lefthandfore
fingeroftheelectorshouldbemarkedwithIndelibleInk.
➢IncaseProxyvoterforCSV,thelefthandmiddlefingershould
bemarkedwithindelibleink.

19. PERSONS ENTITLED TO ENTER THE POLLING STATIONS
Inadditiontotheelectorsassignedtothepollingstation,onlythe
followingpersonscanbeadmittedintothePollingStation:
➢PollingOfficers;
➢Eachcandidate,hiselectionagentandonedulyappointedpollingagentofeach
candidateatatime;
➢MediapersonsauthorizedbytheCommission;
➢Publicservantsondutyinconnectionwithelection;
➢ObserversappointedbytheCommission;
➢Microobservers,Videographers/photographers/staffforwebcastinginthecaseofa
critical/sensitivePollingStation;
➢Achildinarmsaccompanyinganelector;
➢Apersonaccompanyingablindoraninfirmvoterwhocannotmovewithouthelp;
NB:-TheContestingCandidateswillbeissuedIdentitycardsbyRObearingtheir
photographs.Incaseanecessityarises,youmayaskforitsproductionwhentheyvisit
thepollingstation.Similarly,theelectionagentsofthecandidatescanbeaskedto
producetheduplicatecopyoftheirappointmentletterinFormNo-10,whichmustbe
attestedbytheReturningOfficerandalsobearsthephotographoftheelectionagent.

20. PERSONS ENTITLED TO ENTER THE POLLING STATIONS
•Theterm"Publicservantondutyinconnectionwithelection"doesnotnormally
includepoliceofficers.Suchofficers(whetherinuniformorinplainclothes)should
not(asageneralrule)beallowedtoenterinsidethepollingbooth.Youmay,
however,calltheminoccasionallyforthemaintenanceoflawandorderorsome
similarpurpose,wheneverthenecessityarises.
•Similarly,securitypersonnel,ifany,accompanyinganelectororcandidateorhis
electionagentorpollingagentshouldalsonotbeallowedtoenterthepolling
stationexceptthesecuritypersonnelfortheZ+protected,thattooonlyasingle
plainclothedsecuritypersonnelwithconcealedarms.
•Entryofpersonsshouldbestrictlyregulatedasdetailedabove;otherwise,the
smoothandorderlyconductofpollmaybevitiated.Onlythreeorfourelectorsare
tobeallowedtoenterthepollingstationatatime.
•Ifanydoubtarisesaboutthecredentialsofanyperson,withareasonable
suspicion,inthepollingbooth,heshallbesearched,ifnecessary,eventhoughthe
personconcernedmaybeinpossessionofavalidauthoritylettertoenterthe
pollingbooth

21. ENTRY OF MEDIA INSIDE POLLING STATION
•NoMedia/PublicityOfficialshallbeallowedentryinsidethepollingboothwithoutthe
letterofauthorityfromthecommission.
•Nomediashallbeallowedtotakeaphotographanelectorrecordinghis/hervoteinside
thepollingstation.Howevertheycantakephotographsofacrowdofvotersliningup
outsidethepollingstation.
•Propercareshouldbetakentoensuresecrecyofvotewhiletakingvideographyofany
vulnerablepollingstationsbymediamenorvideographers.Innocase,thesecrecyof
votingshouldbeviolated.AdeclarationfromsuchPhotographer/Videographerhasto
beobtainedbythePrO.
•AsperrecentinstructionoftheECI,CCCamerawillbeinstalledin10%ofthePolling
Station.

22. POLLING AGENT APPOINTMENT
➢PollingAgentsareappointedbycontestingcandidates/theirelectionagentsin
Form–10.
➢OnePollingAgent&Tworeliefagentscanbeappointedforeverypollingstation.
Butatanypointoftimeonlyonepollingagentofeachcandidateshallbepresent
insidethepollingstationduringpolls.
➢Thepollingagentshallordinarilyberesident&Electorinthesamepollingstation
orfromtheneighboringpollingstationofthesameconstituency.
➢TheyshouldhaveEPICoranyotheridentificationissuedbyGovt.orAgencyof
Govt.TheEPIC/Identitycardshallbedisplayedontheirpersonsconspicuously.
➢TheR.O.shallfacilitateissueofEPICtothepollingAgentsifthey
don’thaveoneupontherequestofthecontestingcandidateorhis
electionagent.
➢ThePresidingOfficerissupposedtochecktheappointmentform
ofthepollingagentandensureitisforthesamepollingstation.

23. ➢Oncehis/heridentityforthePollingStationisconfirmedbythePresiding
Officer,thepollingagentissupposedtosignthedeclarationanddeliverthe
sametoPresidingOfficerbeforesittinginsidethePollingBooth.ThePresiding
OfficerisrequiredtosubmitallsuchappointmentlettersofpollingAgentsto
theR.O.alongwithotherdocumentsaftertheendofpoll.
➢IncaseofdoubtregardingtheappointmentletterofthePollingAgent,the
specimensignatureofthecandidateorhisAgentontheletter,maybe
comparedwiththatprovidedbytheR.O.
➢Pollingagents’attendancetobeensuredonehourbeforerealpolli.e.during
Mockpoll.HoweverifanyPollingAgentcomeslate,hemaybeallowedinside
thepollingstationafterproperidentification.
➢PollingAgentsofsamecandidateshallbeallowedtorelieveeachotherwhen
necessary,afterdueentryofsignatureandtimingsonaPollingAgent
movementsheet(giveninAnnexure17)beforePresidingOfficer,which
shouldbesubmittedatEVMreceivingcentreafterendofpoll.

24. ➢PollingAgentshallnotbeallowedtocarrycellphones,cordlessphones,
etc.tothepollingboothnorshallhebeallowedtosendslipsoutside
indicatingSlNosofvoterswhovotedandnotyetvoted.
➢PollingAgentsmaybeallowedtositbehindthe1
st
PollingOfficerinside
thebooth,preferably,sothattheycanbeabletoidentifyvotersasthey
enter&alltheprocedurestheyundergotillcastingtheirvotesinVoting
Compartmentandexitfromthebooth.
➢SeatingorderofP.A.insidetheboothwillbeintheorderasspecifiedby
ECI-
a)CandidatesoftheNationalPoliticalParty
b)Recognizedstatepoliticalparties
c)RecognizedPoliticalpartiesofotherstate.
d)Registeredun-recognizedparty
e)Independentparty

25. MARKED COPY OF E-ROLL
➢MarkedcopyofE-RollisthecopyoftheE-Rollwhichistobeusedformarkingthenames
ofelectorswhoareallowedtovote.
➢ItdoesnotcontainanyremarksotherthanthoseusedforissuingPostalballotpapers,such
as‘PB(PostalBallot)’,‘EDC(ElectionDutyCertificate)’.
➢ThewordDELETEDissuperimposedontheconcernedelectordetailboxofthereprinted
motherrollinthemarkedcopy.
➢ThemarkedcopyofE-RollcontainsanInksignedcertificateofRO/AROonthetopofit.
➢Beforecommencementofpollthecontestingcandidatesortheirpollingagentsshouldbe
demonstratedthedetailsofthemarkedcopyofE-rollasstatedabove.

26. CHALLENGED VOTES
➢AnyPollingAgentmaychallengetheidentityofavoterbydepositinga
sumofRs.2withPresidingOfficer.
➢PresidingOfficertoholdasummaryenquiryuntothechallengeinthat
caseafterreceiptofthemoney.
➢ThepresidingOfficershouldwarnthechallengedvoteraswellasthe
challengerabouttheconsequencesofimpersonation.Theonuslieson
bothpartiestoprovetheirpoints/Identity.
➢Ifaftersummaryinquirythechallengeisnotestablished,theelector
shouldbeallowedtovote.
➢Ifchallengeisestablishedtheelectorshallbedebarredfromvotingand
shallbehandedovertopolicewithawrittenrequestbythePresiding
Officer(inAnnexure-6)atthepolicestationnearby.
➢Thenameandaddress/Sl.No.ofthechallengedvoteristobeentered
inthechallengedvotelistinForm-14&thesignature/thumb
impressionofthevoterbetakenbeforeheisallowedtovote.Thefees
isforfeitedincaseoffalseallegationbythechallengerandisreturned
tohimincasetheallegationisestablished.

27. TENDERED VOTES
➢ItmayhappenthatapersonpresentshimselfattheP.S.andseekstovoterepresenting
himselftobeaparticularelectoranditisfoundthatanotherpersonhasalreadyvoted
assuchelector.
➢ThePresidingOfficerhastothensatisfyhimselfabouttheidentityoftheelector
concernedbythehelpofpollingagentsandotherIdentitycards.
➢Ifsatisfied,hemayallowsuchpersontovotebymeansofatenderedballotpaperand
notbyEVM.
➢TheR.O.shallprovideadditional20Ballotpapers,tothePresidingOfficerduring
disbursement.ThesameballotwhichisattachedintheBUofEVMsistobeusedas
tenderedBallots.IncaseanyPollingStationneedsmoretheR.O.mayfacilitateto
providethesamethroughsectorofficers.
➢TheseBallotsarestampedorwrittenatbacksidebyPresidingOfficerasTendered
Ballots.
➢Arubbersealwithinkedarroworcrossmarkisalsogiventothevoteralongwiththe
BallotpapertostamphisvoteasdoneearlierbeforeEVMuse.Hethenhandsoverthe
sametoPresidingOfficer,afterstampinginsidetheVotingCompartment.
➢Recordofsuchelectorsandtheirsignatureiskeptinform17Btokeepanaccountof
tenderedBallotpaper.

28. RELEVANT CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS AND ELECTION LAWS OF
INDIA
•Thesuperintendence,directionandcontrolofpreparationofElectoralRollsforallelectionsto
ParliamentandLegislatureofeverystateisvestedinEC–[Article324(1)].
•ProvisionofElectoralRollforeveryterritorialconstituencyandnopersonshallbeineligible
forinclusionongroundsofreligion,race,casteorsex.-[Article325].
•Registrationofvoter.[Article326]
RelevantElectionLaws,RulesandECIinstructionsforpreparation/
revisionofElectoralRollsandconductofElectionsinIndia:
❑The Representation of People Act, 1950
❑The Representation of People Act, 1951
❑The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
❑Delimitation of Parliamentary & Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008
❑Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 [Ballot Paper system introduced]
❑The Representation of People (Amendment) Act, 1989
❑Conduct of Election (Amendment) Rule, 1992 [Introduction of EVM]
❑The Registration of Electors Amendment Rules, 2011
❑Conduct of Election (Amendment) Rule, 2013 [ Introduction of VVPAT]
NB:-EVM & VVPAT Manual and Status Paper of EVM pl be referred to.
For more detail, pl visit www.eci.nic.in

29. EXTRACT OF RULES FOR CONDUCT OF ELECTION
•Rule 49C : Arrangements at Polling station
•Rule 49D : Admission to Polling Station
•Rule 49E : Preparation of Voting machine for Poll.
•Rule 49F : Marked Copy of Electoral Roll
•Rule 49G : Facilities for women Electors
•Rule 49H : Identification of Elector
•Rule 49I : Facilities for public servant on election duty.(EDC in form 12-
B)
•Rule 49J : Challenging of identity (Form-14)
•Rule 49K : Safeguard against personation(application of indelible ink)
•Rule 49L : Procedure for voting by voting machine (Form-17A)
•Rule 49M : Maintenance of Secrecy of Voting by elector (Sec-128)
•Rule 49 MA : Complaint about wrong printing of paper slip

30. EXTRACT OF RULES FOR CONDUCT OF ELECTION
•Rule 49N : Recording of votes of blind or infirm electors (14-A).
•Rule 49O : Elector deciding not to vote.
•Rule 49P : Tendered Vote (Form 17-B).
•Rule 49Q : PrOentry into voting compartment during Poll.
•Rule 49R : Closing of Poll at the hr fixed(Sec 56 of RP Act 1950).
•Rule 49S : Accounts of vote (Form-17C).
•Rule 49T: Sealing of voting machine after poll.
•Rule 49U : Sealing of Statutory & Non-statutory packets.
•Rule 49V : Transmission of voting machine.
•Rule 49W : Procedure on adjournment of poll.
•Rule 49X : Closing of Voting machine in case of Booth capturing (offence
u/s 135A of RP Act 1950).
•Sec 61A of RP Act-Voting machine at election.
•Sec 58-Fresh poll on un-lawful taken of machine/destruction.

31. OVERSEA ELECTOR & CLASSIFIED SERVICE VOTER
•UnderSection-20AoftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1950,insertedvideRepresentationofthePeople
(Amendment)Act,2010,whichhascomeintoforcew.e.f.10thFebruary,2011,everyoverseaselector,i.e.,an
IndiancitizenwhoisabsentingfromhisplaceofordinaryresidenceinIndiaowingtoemployment,educationor
otherwise,andhasnotacquiredcitizenshipofanyothercountryandwhoisnotincludedintheelectoralroll,is
entitledtohavehis/hernameregisteredintheelectoralrolloftheconstituencyinwhichhis/herplaceof
residenceinIndiaasmentionedinhis/herpassportislocated.
ENROLMENTOFSERVICEVOTERS
1.Servicevoterisavoterhavingservicequalification.Accordingtotheprovisionsofsub-section(8)ofSection20
ofRepresentationofthePeopleAct1950,servicequalificationmeans—
(a)BeingamemberofthearmedForcesoftheUnion;or
(b)BeingamemberofaforcetowhichprovisionsoftheArmyAct,1950(46of1950),havebeenmade
applicablewhetherwithorwithoutmodification;
(c)BeingamemberofanArmedPoliceForceofaState,andservingoutsidethatstate;or
(d)BeingapersonwhoisemployedundertheGovernmentofIndia,inapostoutsideIndia.
2.Personshavingaservicequalificationcangetenrolledas‘servicevoters’attheirnativeplaceseventhoughthey
actuallymayberesidingatadifferentplace(ofposting).Theyhave,however,anoptiontogetthemselves
enrolledasgeneralelectorattheplaceoftheirpostingwheretheyfactually,atthepointoftime,areresiding
ordinarilywiththeirfamilywithasufficientspanoftime.
•3Thewifeofaservicevotershall,ifsheisordinarilyresidingwithhim,bealsodeemedtobeaservicevoterin
theconstituencyspecifiedbythatpersonprovidedincaseofArmedForcevoter,adeclarationinForm2
(ANNEXURE5.1)or2A(ANNEXURE5.2)thathiswifeordinarilyresideswithhimhastobemade.Thisfacilityis
availableonlytothewifeofamaleservicevoterandisnotavailabletothehusbandofafemaleservicevoter.

32. SEALING OF PACKETS
A.Statutory cover-(5 items) (Green Cover).
i) MCER, ii) 17-A, iii) Voter Slip, iv) unused Tender Ballot, v) used Tender ballot & 17-B form.
B. Non-Statutory-[11 items] (Yellow cover).
i)Other copies of ER, ii) From no-10, iii) Form 12-B (EDC), iv) Form No 14, v) Form No 14A,
vi) Elector minor age declaration, vii) Receipt Book,
viii) unused & damaged paper seal, ix) unused voter slip, x) un-used & damaged special
tag, xi) un-used/ damaged stripe seal.
C. Packet-III-(7 items) (Brown Cover).
Handbook of PrO, EVM Manual, Indelible ink, Stamp pad, Brass Seal, Cross mark Seal, Cup
for setting of indelible ink.
D. Packet-IV-(Blue Cover).
(i)Un-usedcanvasbag/cloth,(ii)Covercontaininganyotherpaperlike16-pointformfor
observer,sealedPlasticboxcontainingmockpollslips[iii]Anyotheritems.
NB:-If any such cover is not applicable in a PS, than the cover must be sealed with Nil report in
cover, so that there will be no confusion at receiving centre.

33. ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE ON SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
& ITS RESPONSES AT POLLING STATION
•IncaseofdefectofBU,CU,VVPATbeforeMockPoll,theonlydefectiveunitshouldbe
replaced.
•IncaseofdefectofBU/CUduringPoll,wholesetofEVMincludingVVPATwillbereplaced.
SubsequentMockPollhavetodowith1votetoeachofthecandidatesincludingNOTA.
•IncasedefectofVVPATforerrorcode-2onVSDUduringPollorfornotcuttingofPaperby
VSDU,onlyVVPATwillbeReplacedandNosubsequentMockPoll.IncaseofVSDUerror
code-1,onlyBatteryofVVPATwillbereplaced.
•Remember:-TheReplacementofBatteryofVVPATorReplacementofVVPATor
ReplacementofEVMshouldbemadeonSwitchoffconditionofCUonly.
•IncaseofcomplaintreceivedregardingwrongprintonVVPAT(u/r49MA),PrOhastoaware
him/heraboutitsconsequencesiffoundtobefalse.Thenafterhe/sheagrees,he/shehasto
signdeclarationu/r49MA.ThenshewillbeallowedagaintoTestVotewhichwillberecorded
inpresenceofPrOandPAs&observethepaperslip.Incaseofallegationfoundfalse,made
Secondentryin17AremarkasTestVoteandtowhomfavourvotehasbeencastedand
obtainsignatureofthecomplainantandhandoverhim/hertoPolice.Ifitisfoundtrue,stop
pollingandinformRO.

34. ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE ON SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES & ITS
RESPONSES AT POLLING STATION
•IncaseofVoterfromASDList,PrOtoverifypersonallyandaskhimtoproduceEPICor
permittedPhotoIdentitydocument.Iffoundgenuine,allowhimafterobtaining
signatureandLTIin17Aandmaintainarecord&giveacertificateattheendofthepoll
aboutelectorsallowedfromASDList.
•IncaseofChallengedVote,PrOhastoholdaSummaryEnquiry.IfChallengeestablished,
theelectorwillbedebarredandhandedovertopolice&ChallengefeesofRs2/-willbe
refunded.Incaseofnotestablished,theelectorwillbeallowedtovoteasperdue
processandfeeswillbeforfeited.

35. ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE ON SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES & ITS
RESPONSES AT POLLING STATION
•IncasethePrOconsideranelectormuchbelowthequalifyingage,informhim/herabout
thepanelprovision,obtainadeclarationandallowedtovote.ThenPrOwillpreparealistin
Part-I.Iftheelectorrefusedtosubmitthedeclaration,Part-IIwillbeprepared.
•Aftersignatureoftheelectorin17A,ifhewantsnottovote,heshouldnotbeforced.
Mention“refusedtovote”inremarksof17Aandthenextelectorshouldbeallowedindue
procedure.(U/r49-O)
•Aftersatisfactionofidentity,hewillbeallowedthroughTenderballotpaperbutnotthrough
theEVM.TenderpaperaccountsshouldbekeptandRecordsuchelectorin17-Bwhichwill
besealedunderstatutorycover.
•IncaseofProxyVoterforServiceVoter,IndelibleinkwillbegivenintheLefthandMiddle
finger.
•IncaseofCompanionforblind/infirmvoter,adeclarationwillbeobtainedashewillnotbe
companionformorethanoneelector.Insuchcaseindelibleinkwillbegiventotheelectorin
hisLefthandforefingerandalsotothecompaniontotheRighthandIndexFinger.(U/r-49N)

36. CRITICAL ERRORS OF M2 EVM SHOWN IN THE DISPLAY OF
CU
•Candidate 16-Indicates that EVM set for 16 candidates
•Invalid – No proper sequence (C-R-C)
•“……..” – Battery is week
•Battery Low- Indicates Low battery
•SlNo E00001-Sl. No of the CU
•PST & PET – Poll start Time & Poll End Time
•PRT- Poll result and Date
•Clock Error- Malfunctioning of Real time Clock (CU must be replaced)
•Error- CU cannot be used further
•Pressed Error-Any candidate button jammed
•Link Error- Connection of cable is not in proper sequence
•CU Error- CU should be changed
•BU Error-1- BU-I should be changed
•Full- Maximum no votes for machine is designed
•End-Indicates end of display sequence after clear or result button
•Computing Result- The result is getting computed.

37. LET’S KNOW THE EVM & VVPAT
•EVMcomprisingoftwounitsi.e.BallotUnit(BU)andControlUnit(CU).
•WearegoingtoconductthepollinM2EVMwhichcater4BUsi.efor64candidatesincludingNOTA(16
candidatesperBU).
•TheMaximumpollrecordcapacityofM2CUis2000.
•Forpaperverificationofcastingofvotesbytheelector,aprinternamedVVPAT(VoterVerifiablePaper
AuditTrail)isusedintheEVM.
•Theprinterwillprintthevoteslipanddisplaythesamefor7Secondsandwillbedroppedondropbox.
Votercanseetheslipbutcannottaketohishome.ThevoterslipcontainsSlNo,nameoftheVoterand
SymboloftheParty.
•VVPATPaperRollcanprintmaxof1500slips.
•M2VVPAThastwocomponentsie-PrinterandVSDU
•VSDUdisplayserrorstatusofVVPAT
•IncaseofError-1ofVSDU,BatterypackofVVPATwillbereplaced.
•IncaseofError-2ofVSDU,VVPATwillbereplaced.
•VVPAThasknobinhisbackwhichshouldbeinhorizontalpositionwhileontransportationandmadeto
verticalbeforeconnectionwithCU.
NB:-ThePollingpartiesshallstrictlybeinstructednottotestVVPATatthetimeofdispersalandbefore
mockpollatpollingstationunderanycircumstances,asVVPATsissuedarealreadychecked&Tested.

38. LET’S KNOW THE EVM
•TheerrorofEVMshowsinthedisplayofCU.
•InM3EVM,theerrorofVVPATalsodisplaysinCU.ThereisnoVSDUinM3.M3EVM
caters384candidatesi.e.24BUs.
•AlwaysconnecttheEVM&VVPATinswitchofmodeofCU.
•ConnectthecablewithColourCode.Insertthecableholdingbaseofthecable.Atthe
timeofremovingcable,pressthesideclipswithfingerandgentlypulltoremove.
•ConnectVSDUandBUintheconnectorcompartmentofVVPATinColourcode(i.e.Black
&RedlatcheswithBUandBlue&GreenwithVSDU)andtheVVPATcablewithCU.
UnlocktheVVPATbeforeSwitchontheCU.
•AlwaysapplyC-R-CFormulatomaketheCUreadyforPoll.(Close-Result-Clear)
•TheSlNoofBU,CUwithnameofthePSshouldbecheckedbeforeproceedtopolling
station.
•Itshouldbeensuredthatnosealshouldbedamaged.
•IncaseofbatterylowinCU/CUclockerror/CUError/BUError,itshouldbereplacedat
thedispersalcentre.
•Aftercheckingandalsocloseofpollbeforepacking,don’tforgettoswitchofftheCU.

39. Control Unit
Interconnecting Cable
Ballot Unit
SUB-UNITS OF EVM

40. BALLOT UNIT -DETAILS
Ready Lamp
Slide Switch Window
Candidate’s Button
Candidate’s Lamp
Ballot Paper Screen

41. BALLOT UNIT -INTERNAL PARTS
Slide Switch
Candidate’s Button
Masking Tab
Ready Lamp

42. CONTROL UNIT
ON Lamp
Busy Lamp
Display Section
Candidate Set Section
Result Section
Ballot Section
Ballot Button
Total Button

43. CONTROL UNIT -VIEW OF BOTTOM
COMPARTMENT
Power Switch
Bottom Compartment
Cover
Connector for
Interconnecting Cable
Connector for
Auxiliary Unit

44. CONTROL UNIT -DISPLAY SECTION
4-Digit
Display Panel
ON Lamp
2-Digit
Display Panel
Busy Lamp

45. CONTROL UNIT -CANDIDATE SET SECTION
Provision for
thread seal
Latch
Plug for
power pack
Candidate set
button
Candidate set section
inner door
Candidate set section
outer door
Provision for
Thread seal
Power pack
compartment

46. CONTROL UNIT -RESULT SECTION
Result I
button
Inner
latches
Frames for
Paper seal
Clear button
Result II
button
Close
button

47. CONTROL UNIT -BALLOT SECTION
Total button
Ballot button

48. VVPAT
VVPAT-allows the voters to verify that
their votes are cast as intended.

49. MOCK POLL-“NO MOCK POLL, NO POLL”
•Start Mock poll 1 Hour before commencement of Actual Poll time in Presence of PAs.
Wait for 15 Minsand Conduct Mock Poll in presence of Polling Officer, if PAs not present
at PS at right time.
•Press clear on CU, It will show 0 for all candidates
•Show VVPAT drop Box that it is empty
•One Polling Officer with Polling agent to be present in voting compartment
•At least 50 numbers of votes must be casted with one vote for every unmasked button
•Press Close Button, then Result Button.
•Empty VVPAT paper slip Compartment.
•Compare CU result and VVPAT paper slips.
•Press Clear Button on CU and show Total Zero.
•Seal VVPAT Drop box , CU Result Section with special Tag, Green Paper Slip and Stripe
Seal
•Sign Mock Poll Certificate & obtain Signature of PAs
•Declare about the Secrecy of Voting & obtain signature
•Declare about the Start of Poll, Record PST and obtain Sign of PAs in the declaration
Form.
•SO will collect the information about Mock Poll certificate on 1 hr of the Poll.

51. CONDUCTING MOCK POLL
Open “Result
Section”outer
door and then
the inner door
1 2
34

52. Conducting Mock Poll
Press CLEAR
Button to show
to the Polling
agents present
that there are
no votes polled.

53. Conducting Mock Poll
Press BALLOT button on
Control Unit. On pressing
Busy lamp in display section
it will glow red,
simultaneously the Ready
lamp on the ballot unit will
also glow green candidate in
Balloting Unit
Ask Polling Agents to cast
one/ equal no. of votes for
any of the candidates and
request to remember whom
they voted

54. CONDUCTING MOCK POLL
Ensure that result shows according to the number
of votes cast in favor of the concerned candidates

55. CONDUCTING MOCK POLL
Close the Mock Poll by
pressing Close button in
Control Unit
Press Ballotbutton in
Control Unit to show NO
vote can be recorded
further after the Close
button is pressed.
Invalidmessage is
displayed

56. Conducting Mock Poll
Press
Result
and show the
Mock Poll
result

57. Conducting Mock Poll
Press
Ballot
Button
Candida
te’s Blue
Button
Press
Total
Button
Close
Butto
n
Busy
Lamp
Ready
Lamp
Red Green
Polling Agent
Press
Ready
Button
Candidate
Lamp
REDOFF
Beep
Sound
Verify
total
Votes
recorded
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

58. Conducting Mock Poll
Ballot
Ensure that equal
number of votes
are polled for all
candidates
Close
Result
Clear
Switch off
Seal
2
3
4
5
6
7

59. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
After the Close of
POLL, remove the cap
on Close button in
the Control Unit.

60. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
and place
Press the
button as shown.
Poll is closed
The Control unit
displays total no. of
votes recorded.
Fix the cap back in it

61. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Open the bottom
compartment of the Control
Unit and Switch OFF Power
and disconnect the
interconnecting cable
Pack the Control unit (with
the Strip seal) and Balloting
Unit in their carrying cases

62. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Seal the carrying
cases and fix
address tags.

63. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
“Election to the ………… from
……….constituency Control Unit
No. ……….
Current ID No.
SI. No. and Name of Polling
Station …………………..
Date of Poll ………………………….
Address tag with
sealing thread
Green Paper
seal for sealing
Result and Print
windows
Front
Rear

64. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Front Rear
Special tag for
sealing Result section
inner compartment
Outer Paper
Strip Seal
(23.5”X 1”)
AB D
Upper
Side
C
Lower
Side
Pre-gummed portion with wax paper

65. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Insert the Green
Paper seal in the
frames provided for
both Result

66. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Close the Result Section
inner compartment
door with the Green
paper seal protruding
outside

67. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Close the Result
Section door
such that the
Green paper seal
protrudes
outside and Seal
the door along
with the Address
tags

68. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Keep the Strip Seal
with pre-gummed
portion ‘A’near
the base of the
Green Paper Seal
protruding from
the lower end of
the door.
Remove the wax
paper covering ‘A’
and paste the
lower layer of
Green Paper Seal.
AB D

69. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Remove wax
paper covering
‘B’and paste it
above the upper
layer of the Green
Paper Seal.

70. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
After pasting ‘B’,
the pre-gummed
portion ‘C’will be
on top. Remove wax
paper over ‘C’

71. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Press both the layers
of Green Paper Seal
protruding from the
top and paste the
upper layer by
pressing it on ‘C’

72. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Wrap the Strip Seal
round the Control Unit
from left side just
(anti-clockwise) below
the CLOSE button
window

73. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Now the Strip
Seal is finally
fixed.
Note that the
Strip seal does
not cover CLOSE
button Flap.

74. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
After CLOSING the Poll,
place the Control Unit
and Balloting Unit in
their carrying cases,
close and seal with the
Address tag

75. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Method of sealing control unit with strip seal
•Before the commencement of the actual poll, conduct a mock poll.
•After conducting mock poll and showing the result, clear the control unit of the
data by operating “Clear” button.
•After clearing the data switch off the control unit and then
insert the green paper seal
•After inserting the green paper seals, the inner door above the result buttons shall
be closed.
•Then the inner door of the result section shall be sealed off with the special tag.
•After fixing the special tag, close the outer door of the result section
•Then seal the outer door with thread and address tag.
•Fix the strip seal around the control unit to seal the result section from outside
completely
•Before the strip seal is fixed affix your signature in full immediately below the serial
number and get signature of Polling agent/ contesting candidates
•The strip seal shall, then, be positioned just below rubber cap covering the “CLOSE”
button. NB:-PrOhas right to Seal the EVM and VVPAT but does not
have right to de-seal the EVM & VVPAT.

76. Method of sealing control unit with strip seal
Conduct
Mock
Poll
Switch
OFF
Control
Unit
Green
Paper
Seal
Inner
Door
Inner
Door of
Result
Section
Sign on
strip
seal
control
Unit
Position
strip
seal
below
Rubber
Cap
Clear
Results
Fix Special
Tag
Insert Close
Seal
Fix strip seal
around
Seal outer
door with
Thread and
Address Tag

77. CLOSING AND SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
Important precautions while sealing with strip seal:
•Whilefixingstripseal,ensuretherubbercapcoveringthe“CLOSE”
buttonisleftclearandthereisnodifficultyinremovingtherubbercap
andoperatingthat‘CLOSE’button.
•Thestripsealshallbefixedtightandnotloose.
•DAMAGEDSTRIPSHAVENOTTOBEUSEDINANYCIRCUMSTANCES.
•Eachpollingstationwillbesuppliedwithfour(4)stripseals.
•Accountforeachstripsealsuppliedtothepollingstationfortheconduct
ofpollinthePresidingOfficers’Diary.
•Returneverystripsealthathasnotbeenused(includingthe
strips(orpiecesthereof)damagedaccidentally)
•Stripsealsarealwayskeptinsafecustody

78. FAQS ON EVM & VVPAT
Q1.WhatisanElectronicVotingmachine?Inwhatwayitsfunctioningisdifferentfromthe
conventionalsystemofvoting?
Ans.AnElectronicVotingMachineconsistsoftwoUnits–aControlUnitandaBallotingUnit–joinedbyacable.
TheControlUnitiswiththePresidingOfficeroraPollingOfficerandtheBallotingUnitisplacedinsidethe
votingcompartment.Insteadofissuingaballotpaper,thePollingOfficerin-chargeoftheControlUnitwillpress
theBallotButton.ThiswillenablethevotertocasthisvotebypressingthebluebuttonontheBallotingUnit
againstthecandidateandsymbolofhischoice.
Q2.CanEVMsbeusedinareaswherethereisnoelectricity?
Ans.EVMsrunonanordinary6voltalkalinebatterytherefore,eveninareaswithnopowerconnections,EVMs
canbeused.
Q3.WhatisthemaximumnumberofvoteswhichcanbecastinEVMs?
Ans.M2EVMscanrecordamaximumof2000votes.Asnormally,thetotalnumberofelectorsinapolling
stationwillnotexceed1400,thecapacityofEVMsismorethansufficient.
Q4.WhatisthemaximumnumberofcandidateswhichEVMscancaterto?
Ans.EVMscancatertoamaximumnumberof64candidates.Thereisprovisionfor16candidatesinaBalloting
Unit.Ifthetotalnumberofcandidatesexceeds16,uptothreeadditionalBallotingUnitscanbeattachedto
catertoamaximumnumberof64candidates.
Q5.WhohasdevisedtheEVMs?
Ans.TheEVMshavebeendevisedanddesignedbyElectionCommissionincollaborationwithtwoPublicSector
undertakingsviz.,BharatElectronicsLtd.,BangaloreandElectronicCorporationofIndiaLtd.,Hyderabadaftera
seriesofmeetings,test-checkingoftheprototypesandextensivefieldtrials.TheEVMsarenowmanufactured
bytheabovetwoundertakings.

79. Q6. In our country a sizeable section of the population being illiterate, will EVM not cause
problems for the illiterate voters?
Ans.Infact,votingbyEVMsissimplercomparedtotheconventionalsystem,whereonehas
toputthevotingmarkonornearthesymbolofthecandidateofhischoice,folditfirst
verticallyandthenhorizontallyandthereafterputitintotheballotbox.InEVMs,thevoter
hastosimplypressthebluebuttonagainstthecandidateandsymbolofhischoiceandthe
voteisrecorded.Evenilliteratepeoplehavehadnodifficultyinrecordingtheirvotesand,in
facttheyhavewelcomedtheuseofEVMs.
Q7. Can booth-capturing be prevented by the use of EVMs?
Ans.Bybooth-capturing,ifonemeans,takingawayordamagingofballotboxesorballot
papers,thisevilcannotbepreventedbytheuseofEVMsasEVMscanalsobeforciblytaken
awayordamagedbymiscreants.Butifonelooksatboothcapturingasacaseofmiscreants
intimidatingthepollingpersonnelandstampingtheballotpapersonthesymboland
escapinginamatterofminutes,thiscanbepreventedbytheuseofEVMs.TheEVMsare
programmedinsuchawaythatthemachineswillrecordonlyfivevotesinaminute.As
recordingofvoteshasnecessarilytobethroughControlUnitandBallotingUnit,whateverbe
thenumberofmiscreantstheycanrecordvoteonlyattherateof5perminute.Inthecase
ofballotpapers,themiscreantscandistributeallthe1000oddballotpapersassignedtoa
pollingstation,amongthemselves,stampthem,stuffthemintotheballotboxesandrun
awaybeforethepolicereinforcementsreach.Inhalf-an–hour,themiscreantscanrecord
onlyamaximumof150votesbywhichtime,chancesarethepolicereinforcementwould
havearrived.Further,thepresidingOfficeroroneofthePollingOfficerscanalwayspressthe
"close"buttonassoonastheyseesomeintrudersinsidethepollingstation.Itwillnotbe
possibletorecordanyvotewhenoncethe‘close’buttonispressedandthiswillfrustratethe
effortsofthebooth-capturers.

80. Q8.WhataretheadvantagesinusingEVMs?
Ans.Themostimportantadvantageisthattheprintingofmillionsofballotpaperscanbedispensed
with,asonlyoneballotpaperisrequiredforfixingontheBallotingUnitateachpollingstationinsteadof
oneballotpaperforeachindividualelector.Thisresultsinhugesavingsbywayofcostofpaper,printing,
transportation,storageanddistribution.Secondly,countingisveryquickandtheresultcanbedeclared
within2to3hoursascomparedto30-40hours,onanaverage,undertheconventionalsystem.Thirdly,
therearenoinvalidvotesunderthesystemofvotingunderEVMs.Theimportanceofthiswillbebetter
appreciated,ifitisrememberedthatineveryGeneralElection,thenumberofinvalidvotesismorethan
thewinningmarginbetweenthewinningcandidateandthesecondcandidate,inanumberof
constituencies.Tothisextent,thechoiceoftheelectoratewillbemorecorrectlyreflectedwhenEVMs
areused.
Q9.DoestheuseofEVMsslowdownthepaceofpoll?
Ans.No.InfactthepaceofpollisquickenedbytheuseofEVMsasitisnotnecessaryforthevoterto
firstunfoldtheballotpaper,markhispreference,folditagain,gototheplacewheretheballotboxis
keptanddropitinthebox.WhathehastodounderthesystemofEVMsissimplytopressthebutton
nearthecandidateandsymbolofhischoice.
Q10.Isitpossibletovotemorethanoncebypressingthebuttonagainandagain?
Ans.No.AssoonasaparticularbuttonontheBallotingUnitispressed,thevoteisrecordedforthat
particularcandidateandthemachinegetslocked.Evenifonepressesthatbuttonfurtheroranyother
button,nofurthervotewillberecorded.ThiswaytheEVMsensuretheprincipleof"oneman,onevote".
Q11.Isittruethatsometimesbecauseofshort-circuitryorotherreason,avoterislikelytoget
anelectricshockwhilepressingthebluebutton?
Ans.No.EVMsworkona6-voltbatteryandthereisabsolutelynochanceofanyvotergettinganelectric
shockatthetimeofpressingthe`bluebutton’oratanytimeofhandlingtheballotingunit.

81. DO’S & DON’TS ON USE OF VVPATDO’S DON’TS
Ensure paper roll knob is locked (horizontal
position) before transportation.

In Polling Station, unlock the paper roll knob
(vertical position).
Don’t switch ON CU before VVPAT paper roll
knob is in unlocked condition (vertical
position).
Position BU and VVPAT in Voting
Compartment.
Position CU and VSDU on PO’s Table

Establish right connection by following the
color scheme.
Don’t allow direct light or high power
illumination over VVPAT.
Ensure the connectors are inserted
properly.
Don’t insert/remove cables without
pressing the clips on the connectors.
Switch ‘ON’ CU, the Power-On Green LED
on VVPAT glows and VVPAT prints all 7
slips.
Don’t switch OFF CU unless all 7 slips are
printed and cut.
Check for any “PRINTER ERROR” message
on VSDU. Inform Sectoral Officer (SO) in
such case.
Don’t start polling in case of “PRINTER
ERROR” message on VSDU.
Always switch OFF CU before making any
connection or disconnection including
change of battery.
Don’t operate the paper roll knob till the
end of the poll.

NOTE: In M3 VVPAT there is no VSDU. VVPAT related messages are displayed on the
CU’s Display.

82. DOs
DISPERSAL DAY – DISPERSAL CENTRE

Check & match the serial number Ballot Unit
& Control Unit upon receiving the same.

Switch on the BU and CU and check if the
battery is OK and the display is working.
Verify the number of candidates shown in
CU display is same as the ballot paper in BU

Ensure that all machines have a Pink Paper
Seal as a mark of having undergone the First
Level Check. If the machine does not have
Pink Paper Seal, return it immediately and
get replacement.
Check the Ballot unit has the correct Ballot
Paper fixed and the slide switch has been set
at the correct serial number depending on
the number of Ballot Units to be used for the
poll.

Ensure that the Date, Time and other details
in the CU are correct
Switch off the CU after checking the
machines and keep it safely in carrying case.

Verify all Statutory and Non-Statutory
covers and forms are available.
Always ensure that while connecting the
Control Unit, Ballot Unit and VVPAT, all the
machines should be in switch off mode and
should be switched on only after
connections have been made.

EVMS –DO’S –DISPERSAL DAY

83. EVMS –DO’S –UPON ARRIVAL AT POLLING BOOTH
DISPERSAL DAY – ARRIVAL AT POLLING STATION

Check availability of basic furniture
necessary to conduct poll. If unavailable,
contact Sector Officer immediately and
ensure its provision.

Plan the layout of Polling Station as per the
diagram given in Hand-book of Presiding
Officer
Ensure proper positioning of the Voting
Compartment, Control Unit and layout of
connecting cables, so that the voter does
not step on the cables in any manner.

Ensure placement of Voting Compartment
such that there is no Light Point overhead
the voting compartment. VVPAT machines
should not be placed directly under any light
source of sunlight.
Close any windows which are near voting
compartment which can compromise the
secrecy of voting. This is also needed to
ensure no direct sunlight falls on VVPAT.

84. EVMS –DO’S –POLL DAY ….. (1)
POLL DAY
Start your day early. Ensure you are ready in
all respects by 6 AM. Verify appointment
letters of Polling Agents and prepare for
Mock Poll

Connect the EVMs at least one hour before
poll and conduct Mock Poll as per
instructions well in advance.
Count votes of Mock Poll in CU and also the
slips in the VVPAT machine. Votes must be
counted in both and matched.

Press Clear Button in the Control Unit after
the mock poll and before preparing the
machine for actual poll.
Remove the printed slips of Mock Poll votes
in the VVPAT and thereafter seal the slip
compartment for taking actual poll.

Always ensure that while connecting the
Control Unit, Ballot Unit and VVPAT, all the
machines should be in switch off mode and
should be switched on only after
connections have been made.
In case the EVM (BU/CU) is to be
disconnected with the VVPAT, it must be
ensured that the CU is in switched off mode
before any disconnection.

Check the total votes polled in the CU at
regular intervals, definitely every one hour
and match it with 17A (Register of Voters)

85. EVMS –DO’S –POLL DAY ….. (2)
POLL DAY
In case the VVPAT shows any type of
ERROR, refer to the handbook and see if
this can be sorted out. In case of any
problem, ensure you enter the voting
compartment with all the Polling agents
and NOT ALONE !!Do not try to open the
VVPAT or make any changes in it. If it does
not work and shows error mode, contact
Sector Officer immediately and get the
machine replaced.

In case the VVPAT does not work and
shows any error, only the VVPAT must be
changed and not the BU and CU.
If the CU or BU shows any error, all the
three machines viz. the CU, BU and the
VVPAT must be changed.

At the close of Poll, ENSURE TO PRESS THE
CLOSE BUTTON !!
FAILURE TO PRESS CLOSE BUTTON CAN
HAVE SERIOUS RAMIFICATIONS !!
SWITCH OFF THE CONTROL UNIT AND
VVPAT AFTER CLOSE OF POLL.IF NOT,
BATTERY WILL DRAIN OUT AND MAKE IT
DIFFICULT DURING COUNTING OF VOTES.

86. EVMS –DON’TS – ….. (1)DONTs
DISPERSAL DAY – DISPERSAL CENTRE

DO NOT … REPEAT … DO NOTOPEN THE
CARRYING CASE OF VVPAT AND DO NOT
SWITCH ON THE VVPAT



Do not expose the VVPAT machine to any
form of high intensity light or Direct sun-
light. Any direct high intensity light is likely
to make the sensor go into error mode.
Do not damage the Pink Paper Sealof any
of the machines. If damaged, the machines
are no more fit for Poll !!

After checking the machines, DO NOT
LEAVE THE POWER SWITCH IN ON MODE
… THIS WILL DRAIN THE BATTERY !!!

87. EVMS –DON’TS –….. (1)DONTs
DISPERSAL DAY – DISPERSAL CENTRE


Do not locate the Voting Compartment with
any overhead light pointor near any open
window.

In case of any error in the VVPAT do not try
to open the machine.
If there is any problem in the BU or CU, do
not confine replacement only to that
machine. Remember!!! If Bu or CU has a
problem, all three viz. BU, CU and VVPAT
must be replaced.

If there is any problem in VVPAT, CHANGE
ONLY THE VVPAT AND NOT ALL MACHINES
!!
DO NOT CONDUCT ANY MOCK POLL in case
only the VVPAT is replaced.

DO NOT ENTER THE VOTING
COMPARTMENT TO CHECK THE BU OR
VVPAT WITHOUT BEING ACCOMPANIED
WITH ALL THE POLLING AGENTS.
Do not leave the Receipt Centre without
handing over the EVMs and VVPATs along-
with all Statutory and Non-Statutory Covers.

Do not leave the EVM open after the closure
of Poll. DO NOT allow any voter to vote after
the close of poll and ensure to Press the
close button after close of poll and before
sealing of the EVMs.

88. VOTER SLIP
White Colour slip for Parliamentary constituency
Pink Colour slip for Assembly constituency
Sample copy of voter slip
Voter’ slip
SerialNumberofElectorasper
Column1oftheRegisterofVoters
……………………SerialNumberofElector
SerialNumberofElectorasentered
…………intheelectoralroll.
Initials of Polling Officer
Voter’ slip
SerialNumberofElectorasperColumn
1oftheRegisterofVoters……………………
SerialNumberofElector
SerialNumberofElectorasentered
…………intheelectoralroll.
Initials of Polling Officer

89. HELP DESK FOR VOTERS
•ThisyearofElectionisAccessibleElection-2019.
•AsperInstructionoftheECI,thereshallbehelpdeskoutsideofthepolling
stationinwhichBLOshallbetheofficerin-chargeoftheDesktoprovide
necessaryassistancetothevotersespeciallyPWDvoters.
•HisprimeresponsibilitywillbeprovideassistancetoidentifythePartNo,SlNo
oftheElectoralrollofthevoter,sothatthevoterwillenableadopthis
franchisewithoutanydifficulties.
•HewillalsomakenecessaryarrangementatPStoprovideAssuredMinimum
facilities(AMF).
•TheextendedMinimumfacilities(EMF)beprovidedatPSasfaraspracticable.
•Hewillalsoprovidesupporttothepollingpersonnelattheirarrivalaswellas
duringthecourseofpollingifdesiresbythePrO.
•HewillbeintimatethePWDvotersidentifiedatthePSandmakearrangement
tobringthesaidvotertotheBoothtocasthisvotewithoutanybarrier.
•BarrierfreeenvironmentshoulddevelopedattheBooth.
•EtiquettestowardsPWDvotersshouldbemaintained.

90. VOTER ASSISTANCE BOOTH

91. MOCK POLL CERTIFICATE
CEO Odisha

92. MOCK POLL CERTIFICATE …… CONTD…

93. SAMPLE COPIES OF ESSENTIAL FORMS USED AT PS

94. SAMPLE COPIES OF ESSENTIAL FORMS USED AT
PS
Sample copies of Essential Forms used at PS

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114. THANk yOU…