POLLING PARTY

 For Simultaneous General Elections there shall be One

Presiding Officer and Five Polling Officers in a Polling Party
apart from a police personnel.
 The Presiding Officer and all Polling Officers must take two
rounds of training.
 You shall be aware of your Assembly constituency allotted
after the 2nd Randomization.
 The date time and place of dispersal shall be mentioned in
the appointment letter.
 The Polling Station shall be assigned to the Polling Parties
after the 3rd Randomization on the day prior to dispersal.
 Please carry your EPIC along with your appointment letter
 On arrival at the Dispersal Centre as per the date and
location specified in the Appointment letter, find out the
Polling Station assigned to your party and report at the
designated counter.
 Contact your Sector Officer, the Polling Party members and
collect the EVM and Polling materials.
 WHAT’S NEW IN SGE 2024….
 Text Book Election. NO REPOLL.
 All polling personnel to undergo 2 rounds of training.
 Polling personnel to certify that they have been trained properly
 Provision of packet lunch during training and dispersal.
 Sector wise dispersal and receiving.
 3 Cordon security at dispersal center. Once entered, can’t go out.
 M3 EVM is used which has no VSDU. CU displays VVPAT status.
 The CU can be connected to 24 BUs with 384 Candidates
 CU has separate compartment for battery which can be changed
during the poll
 Only the Green Paper seal is to be used. NO ABCD strip seal.
 Common Address tag is used for all EVMs
 BU has a thumb wheel instead of a slide switch
 Polling agent can be a voter in the Assembly Constituency
 Polling agent can go out after 3.00pm
 WHAT’S NEW IN SGE 2024….
 Marking for third gender is introduced in the Marked Copy of Eroll.
 PB marking of Absentee voters ABES ABSC ABPD in Marked Copy
 Introduction of Presiding Officer’s Report Part I II III IV & V
 Presiding Officer and Sector Officer both to sign in Report Part IV,
Part V and Sector Officer’s Report.
 EVM replacement Report in Part IV and Part V to be collected by the
Sector Officer.
 Revised Presiding Office’s diary.
 Presiding Officer & Micro Observer can keep mobile in silent mode
 All forms in booklet / album format
 Packaging includes unsealed items to be returned with EVM.
 For Scrutiny of 17A Register after the poll Separate packet
 Webcasting to cover more than 60% of polling stations.
 All polling personnel to vote through postal ballot at the facilitation
centres.
 Sizeable segment of polling personnel are going to be women.
 DISPERSAL CENTER
 Large Lay Out Map - displaying Counters, facilities & Flow
 Three cordon Security - to prevent unauthorized entry of
outsiders
 Distribution counters EVM, Materials, TA/DA, Joining etc
 Facilitation for fooding (Packed lunch to be provided)
 Under No Circumstance, Polling Officers should go out of
the Dispersal Centre with Election Materials on the
pretext to fetch Food / Water / Wash room etc.
 Postal Ballot Facilitation Centre
 EVM Facilitation Centre
 Poll materials must include – Marked copy of E. Roll,
Working copies of E. Roll, Two sets of EVMs & VVPATs
( for S.G.E.), List of contesting Candidates, ASD list,
Tendered Ballot Papers, photo copy of Specimen
signatures of Candidates/Election Agents, Indelible Ink
etc.
 ON THE DAY OF DISPERSAL
 Check address tags if they pertain to the polling station
assigned to you and the nos on the carry boxes and that on
the metal plates of the BUs, CUs and VVPATs are same.
 Check if the Thumb Wheel in the BU is correctly set.
 DO NOT OPEN THE VVPAT AT THE DISPERSAL CENTRE.
BRIGHT LIGHT DAMAGES THE SENSORS IN THE VVPAT AND
RENDERS IT DISFUNCTIONAL.
 Check if you have all the polling materials as per the list
given in Annex 3 Page 96 of PO HB.
 Polling party members will be required to cast their vote
through postal ballot at the dispersal centre.
 Ascertain if any Micro-observer, CPF, videographer, web
casting has been planned in respect of your polling station
in case it is a vulnerable booth.
 Collect the mobile no of your concerned Returning Officer,
Zonal Magistrate and Police station etc.
 Find the allotted vehicle for your route and move along with
the police person tagged to you.
12
 ON ARRIVAL AT THE POLLING
STATION
 Ascertain the polling area.

 See that AMF of Pollng Booth is in order.

 Identification of area within 100 metre radius (Prohibited area) .
 Sanitise the Polling Areas. If any party symbol or photographs of
candidates found the same shall be removed. Take help of Sector
Officer for any difficulty.
 Contact the BLO, Anganwadi worker, School teacher etc.
 If Muslim dominated then help of AWW can be taken for
identification of pardashin ladies.
 Check the materials received. If any shortfall to contact Sector
Officer for supply.
 Prepare all the reports with AC and polling station details so that
can be easily filled up on poll day.
 Fix the furniture in the Polling Booth and put the required SIGNAGE.
 If CCTV/WEBCASTING is there, shall keep the VOTING
COMPARTMENT in such a manner that voting secrecy is not
violated.
 14

AMF at Polling Station

ON ARRIVAL AT THE POLLING
STATION
Check the lay out of the room, furniture available, doors etc for
setting up the Polling Compartment.
Area within 100m radius of the Polling Station is prohibited area
and no campaigning is allowed.
Campaigning ceases 48 hours prior to the hour fixed for closure of
the poll.
Outside each polling station there shall be displayed prominently—
(a) a notice specifying the polling area the electors of which are
entitled to vote at the polling station and, when the polling area
has more than one polling station, the particulars of the electors so
entitled; and
(b) a copy of the list of contesting candidates
Candidates booth if any with the prior permission of RO shall have
only one table and two chairs and a banner of approved size.
No photos of leaders or symbols of any political party or slogans
having a bearing on elections should be exhibited in the polling
station. If they are already there, you should take steps to remove
them immediately.
 ON ARRIVAL AT THE POLLING STATION
Ensure that all the members of the Polling Party are in position
well before the commencement of the poll and all the material,
forms, envelopes and records are kept handy and ready to
commence poll at the appointed hour
Be in touch with SO & PSO for any assistance. Be impartial and
fair to all. No special treatment to any VIP or celebrity coming
to cast vote.
If the room has only one door, then entry and exit points may be
seperated with help of rope or barricade. If the room with two
doors the entry and exit may be arranged from different doors.
If more than one Polling Station is in the same building, you
should satisfy yourself that necessary arrangements are made
for segregating the voters and making them wait in different
parts of the space in front of each Polling Station without
causing confusion
VOTER ASSISTANCE BOOTH: In each polling station premise a
VAB shall be there to facilitate the electors to locate his/her
serial no in the electoral roll. They shall have the part-wise
electors name in English in alphabetical order.
Role of CAPF at Polling Station
CAPF stationed at the entrance of the booth to keep a
watch over the activities onside booth & ensures that :
No unauthorized person is present inside the polling
station at any time during the poll
The polling party or polling agents do not attempt to cast
any vote when no voter is present inside the polling
booth.
Nopolling officer accompanies any voter to the voting
compartment.
Nopolling agent or polling officer threatens any voter or
makes any gesture to threaten a voter.
No arms are carried inside the polling station.
No rigging of any kind takes place in the polling station.
the CAPF personnel posted at the entrance of the Polling
Station shall not verify the identity of electors coming
into the Polling Stations
 SAFEGUARDS, LAW & ORDER, FACILITIES
There shall be separate queues for men, women and PWD
electors. Three or four voters to be allowed at a time.
Use of mobile phone within the polling station and also in the
100m perimeter of PS is prohibited.
The police personnel tagged to the polling party shall be
stationed outside the polling booth.
No person can use a badge or emblem bearing the name of
party or candidate within 100m radius.
Only the Presiding Officer and the Micro Observer can keep
mobile phone in silent mode for sending reports through SMS /
whatsapp msgs outside the PS.
Sector Officers (SO) act as an interface between Presiding
Officer (PrO) and the Returning Officer (RO). Presiding Officer
may get any extra election material, EVM, VVPAT, power
packs etc., if needed, from the Sector Officer.
Smoking inside the polling station is prohibited.
CANDIDATE’S ELECTION BOOTH
On Poll Day : Candidates put up Election Booth ( Temporary
Office) near Polling Stations – PROVISIONS
1.Candidateare permitted to set up election booths beyond 200
meter which is the restricted area of the Polling Station /
Multiple Booth locations with permission from the Returning
Officer
2.Tent can be of 10 x 10 Ft with 01 Table and 2 chairs
3.Candidate to obtain permission from local authority before
applying to R.O.
4.Electionauthority /Police have the right to check such
permissions
5.Can not be allowed in Religious places / adjacent to
Educational Institutions or Encroached lands
6.Allowedto display a Party Flag and Banner of 4 x 8 Ft
showing Party Symbols / Photographs
7.Allowed to issue Unofficial Identity Slips to Voters, ( No
mention of party symbol / name / Candidate)
DISPLAY OF VOTER FACILITATION
POSTERS
 Notice giving Polling Station Details
 Copy of ELECTORAL ROLL
 List of Contesting Candidates
 Do’s and DO NOT’s
 Approved Identification Documents
 How to Cast Vote
 DUMMY Ballot Unit
 LABLES like Presiding and Polling Officers
 ENTRY / EXIT
 MALE / FEMALE
LAYOUT OF POLLING STATION

Voting Compartment for

Voting Compartment for
Lok Sabha
Assembly
5th Polling
Officer with
Control Unit
for Assembly
Election
 Setting up of Polling Station Page 14

There should not be direct electric light above the voting

compartment to prevent damage to the VVPAT.
Voting compartment should be away from windows or doors to
ensure secrecy of voting
The entire length of the VVPAT cable connecting to the
CONTROL UNIT should be visible. Under no circumstances be
concealed under the cloth or under the table.
The VVPAT cable should be so routed that it comes out through
an aperture cut out at the bottom of back portion of voting
compartment. Set up the voting compartment away from the
window or door so that secrecy of the ballot is maintained.
Notice specifying VOTING COMPARTMENT FOR LOK SABHA
and a notice VOTING COMPARTMENT FOR VIDHAN SABHA shall
be pasted on all three sides of the respective compartments
However, this aperture in the voting compartment should not be
so wide as to violate the secrecy of voting.
 FORMS TO BE USED ON POLL DAY
 PRESIDING OFFICER’S REPORT - I (MOCK POLL CERTIFICATE)
 REPORT - II (POWER PACK REPLACEMENT IN CU),
 REPORT - III (PRESSING OF CLOSE BUTTON AFTER POLL) ,
 REPORT - IV (EVM REPLACEMENT DURING MOCK POLL),
 REPORT - V (EVM REPLACEMENT DURING ACTUAL POLL)
 IN CASE OF REPLACEMENT OF EVM DURING POLL ANOTHER
MOCK POLL CERTIFICATE
 SECTOR OFFICER REPORT FOR EVM REPLACEMENT

 PART – I, DECLARATION BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER BEFORE

COMMENCEMENT OF POLL,
 PART - II, DECLARATION BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER AT THE
TIME OF USE OF SUBSEQUENT VOTING MACHINE
 PART - III, DECLARATION AT THE END OF POLL
 PART – IV, DECLARATION AFTER SEALING OF VOTING
MACHINE
 FORMS TO BE USED ON POLL DAY
 FORM 17-A : REGISTER OF VOTERS
 FORM 17 B: DETAILS OF TENDER BALLOT
 FORM 17 C: ACCOUNTS OF VOTE
 ACCOUNT OF ENTRY PASS FOR POLLING AGENTS
 POLLING AGENTS MOVEMENT SHEET
 FROM 14 IN CASE OF CHALLENGE OF IDENTITY OF VOTER
 FORM 14-A & DECLARATION BY COMPANION TO BLIND &
INFIRM ELECTOR
 TABLE FOR DETAILS OF VOTING BY BLIND ELECTOR
 DECLARATION BY ASD ELECTOR
 DECLARATION BY UNDER AGE ELECTOR AND RELATED TABLE
 DECLARATION WHEN DISPLAY IN VVPAT IS CHALLENGED
UNDER RULE 49 MA
 PRESIDING OFFICER’S DIARY
 16 POINT ADDITIONAL INPUT BY PRESIDING OFFICER
 POLLING OFFICERS Page 8

Duties of Polling Officers: Presiding Officer will be in over

all charge of the Polling Station and shall be responsible for
smooth conduct of the entire polling process.
 1st Polling Officer- Marked copy of Electoral Roll
& Identification of Elector
 2nd Polling Officer- Indelible Ink & 7A - Register
 3rd Polling Officer- Voter’s Slip
 4th Polling Officer- CU for LOK SABHA
 5th Polling Officer- CU for VIDHAN SABHA
IN THE REVISED PRESIDING OFFICER’S DIARY, THE 1ST AND
2ND POLLING OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO PUT THEIR
SIGNATURES IN RESPECT OF MARKED COPY OF
ELECTORAL ROLL AND REGISTER OF VOTERS IN FORM
17A.
 30

Distribution of Duty in Polling Party

Presiding 1st Polling 2nd Polling

Officer Officer Officer

 Overall Supervision.  Marked copy of the

In charge of
E. Roll.
Register of Voters -
 Maintain purity of
 Identification of Form 17 A (Enters
election- Discipline,
Flow of Voters, Voter Sl. No. of allowed
M.C.C., L & O, Voetrs in E.Roll,
 Marking line (red Type of ID etc.
 Deal with Spl. Cases- ink) for allowed
EVM Replacement, Voters Apply Indelible
49- MA / Tendered Ink
Vote/ Blind /Under  Marking Circle/ (for
age / Challenged / Female) Star against
Proxy / Under Age T.G Voters
Voters etc.
 31

Distribution of Duty in Polling Party

3rd Polling 5th Polling

4 Polling
th
Officer
Officer Officer

 Shall issue two  Obtain White Obtain Pink Voter

different colour Voter Slip from Slip from Voter
Voter
Voter Slips Press Ballot Button
 Press Ballot Button of CU of Vidhan Sabha
 (White - Lok on CU of Lok
Sabha, Pink Sabha Showing Voting
Compartment of
Bidhan Sabha)  Showing Voting Vidhan Sabha to Voter
Compartment of
Lok Sabha to
Voter
 POLLING AGENT PAGE 18
 A person who is an elector in the same polling station or in
the neighbouring polling station or in the same Assembly
Constituency can be appointed as Polling Agent.
 He must possess a valid EPIC to establish his identity
 PO must check the Appointment Letter in Form 10 issued by
the candidate and check their signature supplied by the RO.
 Compare the specimen signature of the candidate/his
Election Agent with their specimen signatures as provided
by the Returning Officer.
 The Polling agent must complete the declaration in Form-10
in front of the Presiding Officer.
 There is no restriction on appointing Gram Panchayat
Pradhan/Gram Panchayat Sarpanch/Panchayat members,
Councilors or Members of Municipal Corporation or
Municipality and local persons, as Polling Agents
 They have to be present to observe Mock poll.
 Give Report in Part – I Mock Poll certificate
 POLLING AGENT PAGE 18
 There can be maximum two relief agents for a polling agent
 A Polling agents/ relieving agents’ movement sheet should be
maintained at each polling station, in which each and every
polling agent shall be required to sign indicating time of
arrival and departure.
 Polling agents shall display their appointment order and the
entry pass on person.
 Polling Agents shall not be allowed to take cellular phones,
cordless phones, wireless set etc inside the Polling Stations
 Under no circumstances the polling agent can be allowed to
send slips outside indicating the Serial. no. of the voters that
have voted or not voted
 Polling agents can challenge bogus voters.
 Polling Agents may be allowed to go out of the Polling
Stations even after 3.00 pm to attend the nature’ call, etc.
 If no polling agent of only one polling agent was present
during mock poll inform your Sector officer / Zonal Magistrate
/ Returning Office immediately
 POLLING AGENT PAGE 18

 At any point of time only one polling agent or relief agent

can be present inside the Polling station – Entry Pass
System ensures this.
 Only one entry pass for polling agents of each candidate is
to be given.
 The accounts of Entry Passes issued shall be maintained in
a prescribed format.
 Polling agents of candidates shall sit in following order
 Agents of candidates of recognized National parties
 Of recognized State parties
 Recognized parties of other States who have been
allowed to use their symbols in the election
 Registered unrecognized parties
 Independent candidates
 But they should not, in any event, be seated in a place
where they have the chance of seeing voter recording his/
her vote which would compromise secrecy of voting
Entry pass for polling agents Page 125

Sl No………………………

ENTRY PASS OF POLLING AGENTS

Assembly Constituency No. & Name……………………

Polling Station No. & Name …………………………………
Name of Candidate……………………………………………
Name of Polling Agent………………………………………
Name of Relief Agent, if any………………………………

Date: Signature of Presiding

Officer
 Account of entry passes Page 126

1. Number and Name of Assembly Constituency.

2. Number and Name of Polling Station.
3. Total Number of contesting candidates.
4. Number of entry passes received with poll material
5. Details of entry passes issued to polling agents.
6. Unused entry passes of.

Name of Whether enrty pass Signature of the

Candidate issued polling agent/relief
agent.
1
2
3
4

Signature and seal

Presiding Officer
Control Unit

CONTROL
UNIT- Enables
the Ballot Unit
to accept vote
from the voter
and stores the
vote cast

39
 EVM – Control Unit (CU)

Power ON Lamp
(Green)

Candidate Set Section

Result Section

Total Votes Count Section

EVM – Control Unit – Display Section
Power ON Lamp (Green) Busy Lamp (Red)

Dual Line Digital Display Panel

EVM – Components – Control Unit – Candidate Set Section

Power Pack Compartment

Candidate Set
Section Door

Candidate Set
Latch Button

Plug for
Power Pack

Holes to pass thread for sealing

 EVM – Control Unit – Result Section
Result Clear
Close Button Button
Button

Outer
Door

Holes to pass Inner

thread for Compartment Inner
Print Latches
sealing Door
Button
Ballot Unit

BALLOT UNIT-
the voter can
franchise his /
her vote by
pressing a
button against
the candidate
of his/her
choice

44
 Ballot Unit
Ready Lamp (Green)

Thumb Wheel Window

Candidate’s Button

Candidate’s Lamp

Ballot Paper Screen

Interconnecting Cable
VVPAT-VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER
AUDIT TRAIL

Allows the voters to verify that their

votes are cast as intended.
46
VVPAT COMPARTMENT & CONNECTIONS

BU
Paper Slip
interface
Compartment
 CONNECTING THE CU - VVPAT - BU
 For Mock Poll - the EVM units can be placed at appropriate places,
and no need to further disturb the units before Actual Poll
 Remember- There is no direct connection between BU &CU any
more….. after introduction of VVPAT
 Earlier there were BU & CU. Now VVPAT has come in between.
 First pick up VVPAT Unit and observe its points of Connections
(1) At BU Interface of VVPAT - Connect fixed cable of BU
(2) The Fixed Cable of VVPAT – To Connect with CU
 In case of 02 or more BUs- Fixed Cable of 2nd Ballot Unit will be
connected to the 1st BU ( at appropriate point down side of the
body of BU)
 While connecting-Remember to hold the cable from the center of
the Plug
 While Disconnecting –Hold and press from both sides of the Plug
and pull from the Adaptor
 CONDUCT OF MOCK POLL Page 32-34
 Mock Poll shall be done at 5.30am one and a half hour before the
schedule time of commencement of Poll, if Polling agents of at
least two candidates are present at the time.
 The scheduled time for poll is 7.00am. to 6.00pm.
 Mock Poll to be conducted by pressing every unmasked button
including the button for NOTA, at least once.
 In case Polling agents of at least two candidate are not present
at the time fixed for starting the Mock Poll, i.e. by 5.30 A.M, the
Presiding Officer should wait for 15 more minutes before
conducting the Mock Poll. If the agents still don’t come then the
Presiding Officer should go ahead & start the Mock Poll.
 After waiting for 15 minutes, if there is a possibility that only one
Polling agent may be present, in that situation also the Presiding
Officer should go ahead & start the Mock Poll.
 At the time of Mock Poll if no Polling agent or only one polling
agent of one contesting candidates is present, endorsement to
that effect shall be given in the Mock Poll certificate in proper
place.
 CONDUCT OF MOCK POLL Page 32-34
 At least Fifty Votes should be Polled in the Mock Poll even if the
number of candidate is less. During Mock Poll the VVPAT & the
Ballot Unit should be placed in the voting compartment, the
Control Unit on the table of the Presiding or the concerned
Polling Officer.
 At least two Polling Officer with the polling agents should be
present in the voting compartment for mock poll
 During the Mock Poll, the buttons of the Ballot Unit should be
pressed by polling agents if they are present.
 The display on the transparent screen of the VVPAT shall be
observed as the buttons are being pressed. The number times
ballot is pressed to be recorded by polling officer.
 After Commencing the Mock Poll in the Lok Sabha EVM, the
Presiding Officer shall commence Mock Poll in the EVMs meant
for Vidhan Sabha.
 After recoding of 50 vote is over, the Presiding Officer shall
CLOSE the Mock Poll & ascertain the result of Mock Poll by
pressing the RESULT button of the Control Unit & count the
ballot slips in the VVPAT in the presence of polling agent.
 Getting the EVM Ready for Mock Poll
 VVPAT – See that no paper slips are there inside the drop box. BU to be
connected to VVPAT placed on the left side. VVPAT to be connected to the CU.
 Keep the Paper Roll Knob at Vertical position. Switch on the CU - Look at CU
displays and note down displays that appear.
 VVPAT - ( Simultaneously) Observe the Test Slips getting Printed and cutting
down through the Display section of VVPAT. If all connections are OK then
 7 paper slips will be generated from VVPAT
 Check those slips. These slips are not to be counted as vote
 One of the Slip will have check reports on different aspects of functionality
of the VVPAT. Pl. ensure that the same is printed with no abnormality
 Press TOTAL button to ensure that there is no votes stored in CU’s Memory.
 If pressing Total button shows Result other than zero
 It indicates some votes are present in CU memory.
 Press CLOSE button in Result section and wait till poll
closed
 Press RESULT button and wait till results are shown.
 Press CLEAR button and wait till all counts are zero
 Press Total Button again to see votes polled is zero.
 CONDUCT OF MOCK POLL Page 32-34

 Ensure that Wires not hanging loose & putting pressure over
the latches
 Ensure that wires connecting units are not concealed, fixed
to the legs of Table with Transparent Cello Tapes
 Press Ballot button in the Ballot section of CU
 Red light on the Top right side of CU will glow (Busy Lamp),
This indicates Vote can be cast in BU.
 Simultaneously Green light on top of the BU will glow
indicating it’s readiness to accept casting of vote by Voters.
 Press the ballot button of the choice candidate, on the BU.
Red Light beside the BU- Candidate Button will glow.
 On the VVPAT, the Paper Slip containing sl.no., name and
symbol of the particular Candidate will be shown for 7
seconds & then fall down
 A long............. beep sound will be heard from the CU.
 After few seconds, the busy lamp on CU will go off and one
cycle is thus complete
 Now CU is ready for allowing another vote.
 CONDUCT OF MOCK POLL Page 32-34

 After casting minimum 50 votes, press Close button. Wait

and observe activities on display section till CU completes
its closing process.
 Then press Result Button. Note down manually, the result
count of each candidate in the display of CU.
 Take out the VVPAT slips, separate the Test Slips First.
Then segregate the Voted slips candidate-wise.
 Cross check the VVPAT Slip counts manually with recorded
result of CU. If both CU and VVPAT slip count matches
then it indicates EVM and VVPAT are ready for use in
actual Poll.
 Show it to Polling Agents. Now press CLEAR button of CU.
Switch Off the CU for sealing.
 Complete the sealing of Result section of CU with Green
paper seal + Special Tag + Address Tag.
 Seal the VVPAT Empty chamber with the Common Address
Tag.
 CONDUCT OF MOCK POLL Page 32-34
After the mock poll, Presiding Officer to ascertain result in the CU,
count the VVPAT paper slips in the presence of polling agents &
confirm that the results tally for each candidate & mention in the
Presiding Officer Report Part I (Mock Poll Certificate).
The Presiding Officer, at the end of Mock Poll note the date and
time shown in the display of the CU and also the actual date and
time as well as any discrepancy between the two, if any, in the
Part-I of Presiding Officer’s Report.
The Presiding Officer shall ensure that, the data of Mock Poll is
erased by pressing the CLEAR button.
The paper slips in the VVPAT shall also be invariably cleared after
the mock poll and the empty box be displayed to the polling
agents.
After clearing the Mock Poll data, the Presiding Officer shall press
the TOTAL button & verify that the total is ‘0’ (Zero).
After total is shown zero the CUS SHALL BE SWITCHED OFF
BEFORE SEALING.
 CONDUCT OF MOCK POLL Page 32 - 34
 The mock poll VVPAT paper slips, should be stamped on their
back side with rubber stamp having inscription “MOCK POLL
SLIP”, thereafter these mock poll VVPAT paper slips shall be
kept in an envelope made of thick black paper and sealed
with the seal of the Presiding Officer.
 The Presiding Officer, polling officers and polling agents
must put their signatures on the envelope.
 The number and name of the polling station, number and
name of Parliamentary / Assembly Constituency, date of poll
and the words “VVPAT paper slips of Mock Poll” shall be
written on the envelope.
 Then the sealed Black Cover is to be sealed with Pink paper
seal.
 The Presiding Officers shall obtain the signatures of Polling
Agents on the completion of mock poll on the certificate &
the envelope containing mock poll slips.
 PLEASE SHOW THE EMPTY VVPAT DROP BOX BEFORE
SEALING OF THE VVPAT WITH ADDRESS TAG.
+ DO CRC ON THE PREVIOUS DAY IN BU & CU.
+ COMMENCE MOCK POLL WITH CLEAR.
+ END MOCK POLL WITH CLEAR. SWITCH OFF.
+ EMPTY VVPAT. KEEP VVPAT SLIPS IN BLACK
ENVELOPE
+ SEAL CU RESULT SECTION AND VVPAT DROP BOX.
+ PREPARE MOCK POLL CERTIFICATE.
+ UNLOCK VVPAT & SWITCH ON CU FOR POLLING.

Seal
Switch off 7

Clear 6

Result 5

Close 4

Ballot 3
2

1
 61

Mock Poll
REPLACEMENT OF EVM BEFORE POLL
 If CU/BU/VVPAT gets out of order before actual poll, then replace
the defective unit only, not the entire set.
 Inform the concerned Sector Officer for replacement who will be
carrying the reserve EVMs for the purpose
 The defective un-polled EVM to be handed over to the Sector
Officer
 The Presiding Officer Report Part IV meant for EVM replacement
during Mock Poll or before poll to be filled up by the Presiding
Officer and to be signed by the Sector Officer as well.
 Take the signature of the polling agents present.
 The Sector Officer to carry this Report in Part IV to be handed
over to the Returning Officer.
 Apart from this the Sector Officer has to fill up another
Certificate indicating how many EVMs have been replaced by
him from out the pool of Reserve EVMs received from the strong
room.
 Sector Officer to ensure that each replacement of EVM is
correctly entered in EMS for proper tracking.
CONDUCT OF POLL Page 50, 51
1. Setting up the EVM for actual poll
2. Declaration by Presiding Officer at Start
3. Persons to be admitted and documents as proof of
identity including media personnel from ECI
4. Marked Copy of the Electoral Roll and Role of 1st PO
5. Signature in the Register of Voters in Form 7A and
application of the indelible ink - Role of 2nd PO
6. Voter’s slip preparation by the 3rd PO
7. Voting by EVM – audio / visual signs
8. Replacement of battery or EVM during poll and PRO
Reports Part II & V
9. Meaning of some displays on control unit
10. Some common errors
11. Role of the 4th and the 5th Polling Officers
 PREPARING EVMs FOR POLL
 VVPAT – See that no paper slips are there inside the drop box. BU to be
connected to VVPAT placed on the left side of BU. Connect VVPAT to the CU.
 Keep the Paper Roll Knob at Vertical position. Switch on the CU - Look at CU
displays and note down displays in VVPAT simulataneously
 VVPAT - Observe the Test Slips getting Printed and cutting down through the
Display section of VVPAT. If all connections are OK then
 7 paper slips will be generated from VVPAT
 Check those slips. These slips are not to be counted as vote
 One of the Slip will have check reports on different aspects of
functionality of the VVPAT. Pl. ensure that the same is printed with no
abnormality
 Press TOTAL button to ensure that there is no votes stored in CU’s
Memory.
 If pressing Total button shows Result other than zero
 It indicates some votes are present in CU memory.
 Press CLOSE button in Result section and wait till poll closed
 Press RESULT button and wait till results are shown.
 Press CLEAR button and wait till all counts are zero
 Press Total Button again to see votes polled is zero.
DECLARATION BY PRESIDING OFFICER Page 43
 After completion of the mock poll, show that no votes
recorded in the CU and that the Drop box in the VVPAT is
empty. After that it is sealed as described above.
 Commence the Poll at the hour fixed by the Commission at
7.00am.
 You should match your watch for the exact time.
 Read out the provisions of section 128 of R.P. Act, 1951
regarding maintenance of secrecy of vote and bring to the
Polling Agents’ notice.
 Show the ‘Marked Copy of Electoral Roll’ and ‘Voter’s
Register’ to Polling Agents.
 Read aloud the declaration before commencement of the poll.
Sign the prescribed ‘Declaration’ in PART I and get it signed
by the polling agents and the Candidate if present at that
time.
 In case of EVM being replaced, in addition to Presiding Officer
Reports I, Presiding Officer Report IV shall be filled up.
 PERSONS TO BE ADMITTED PAGE 17
1. The Electors with photo identity proof
2. Polling Officers, Sector Officers
3. Contesting candidate, his election agent and one polling agent
of each candidate at a time.
4. Persons authorized by the commission having entry passes by
ECI to enter the polling station; such as media persons issued
with authority letter.
5. Public servants on duty (Public servant does not include
ministers)
6. A child in arms accompanying an elector
7. A person accompanying a blind or on infirm elector who cannot
move or vote without help.
8. BLO or such other persons as the Presiding Officer may from
time to time admit for the purpose of identifying voters or for
otherwise assisting.
9. One male elector should be allowed to vote per two female
voters.
 Alternative Photo Documents
for Establishing Identity
The Election Commission of India, for the SGE 2019, vide
their order, dt.28.02.2019 have notified that,
* All Electors who have been issued EPIC shall produce
the EPIC for their Identification at the Polling Station before
casting their votes. Those Electors who are not able to
produce the EPIC shall produce one of the following
alternative Photo Identify documents establishing their
identity.
 Passports.
 Driving License.
Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to
employees by Central/State Govt. PSUs/Public Limited
Companies.
 Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office.
 PAN Card.
 Alternative Documents for
Establishing Identity
 Aadhar Card.
 Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR.
 MNREGA Job Card.
 Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme
of Ministry of Labour.
 Pension document with photograph
 Official identity cards issued to MPs/ MLAs/ MLCs
 The overseas Electors shall have to produce their
original passport for identification.
 PHOTO VOTER SLIPS CANNOT SERVE AS STAND
ALONE DOCUMENT FOR IDENTIFICATION OF
ELECTORS ON THE DAY OF POLL.
Media Facilitation –Authority letter from the ECI

Authority
Letter for
Entry/re-
entry into
Polling
Stations -
sample

73
 MARKED COPY OF E-ROLL Page 44

 Each Polling station shall be supplied with one marked copy

of the E-Roll and four working copies of the E-Roll.
 Prior to the commencement of actual poll, you must exhibit
to the contesting candidates/ Polling Agents, present inside
the Polling Station, that the marked voter list (i.e., the one to
be used for ‘marking’ names of the electors for voting
purpose), does not contain remarks other than those used for
issuing the postal ballots including absentee voters category.
 In Photo E-Roll each page of E-Roll contains three or four
column of boxes with details of individual electors.
 The additions made to the electoral roll, during the summary
revision, must reflect in the chronological order, by allotting
the newly added electors serial numbers in continuation of
the preceding last serial number (i.e, the last entry of an
elector in the final roll).
 The 1st Polling Officer who is in charge of the Marked copy of
the electoral roll, will diagonally strike across the box in the
Electoral roll pertaining to the electors who have voted to
indicate them therein.
ROLE OF 1ST POLLING OFFICER Page 6
 On arrival of the elector in the polling station he will 1 st
go to the 1st Polling Officer with Marked copy of the
electoral roll.
 1st Polling Officer will look up the elector in the Photo
Electoral roll & verify the Elector’s Identity.
 Examine the identity document, EPIC or alternative
documents like passport, driving license, and pan card
etc as prescribed by the Commission.
 Read aloud the name and Serial No. of the elector PER.
 When an elector is allowed to cast vote at the polling
station, a line will be drawn in red ink diagonally across
the box containing the particulars pertaining to that
elector in the marked copy of PER.
 Further, for easy counting, the serial number will be
rounded off in case of a female voter and a star mark
shall be made in the case of a third gender. Page 6
 1ST POLLING OFFICER

Marking
in the
Photo
Electoral
Roll

PB
2ND PO TO APPLY INDELIBLE INK PAGE 47, 48

 After an Electors has been identified by the 1st polling

officer, his/her left fore finger should be marked with the
indelible ink by the 2nd polling officer.
 It should be ensured that only after the mark of indelible ink
is applied, signature / Thumb impression of the elector is
obtained in the column-4 of the register of voters.
 The Ink shall be so applied as a line from the top of the nail
to the buttom of the 1st joint on the left for finger.
 In case of the companion to the blind and infirm electors,
indelible ink should be applied on the right hand fore finger
in the manner described above.
 In case of a proxy voter the indelible ink is applied on the
left middle finger.
 In case of repoll, the indelible ink shall be marked on the
left middle finger instead of the index finger; if ink has
already applied on the left index and middle finger, on the
left ring finger and so on.. Page 48
MEANING OF THUMB IMPRESSION Page 49,50
 In conformity with the Rule 37 (4) of the Conduct of Election
Rules, 1961, then the impression of the left hand thumb
should be taken in the 17 A Register of voters.
 If both the thumbs are missing, then one of the fingers on
the left hand starting from the forefinger shall be taken.
 If there are no fingers on the left hand, then impression of
one of the fingers of the right hand starting from the right
forefinger should be taken.
 If no fingers are available, the voter being unable to record
his vote will necessarily have to seek assistance of a
companion. In that case the signature and the thumb
impression of the companion should be taken on the
Register of Voters and in form 14A.
 Tendency to obtain thumb impression of the literate voters
with a view to enhance voting pace, must be discouraged.
 VOTERS REGISTER FORM-17A PAGE 48

Before the first voter signs in Form 17A (Register of

Voters), the Polling Officer-II shall check with the Presiding
Officer and record in INK in Form 17A that “Total in the
Control Unit checked and found to be Zero”. Page 9, 48
The 2nd Polling officer will be In-charge of the Voter’s
Register in Form-17A shall mention in column-3 of Form 17A
the following :
EP in case the electors comes with EPIC as Identity proof.
In case of any other alternative documents brought by
Electors the type of the document produced should be
mentioned along with the LAST FOUR DIGITS shall be
mentioned.
Signature means signature in full with name(s) and
surname in full.
If an elector is unable to sign his name, the impression of
his left hand thumb shall be obtained.
 REGISTER IN FORM 17-A
Election to the House of People/Legislative Assembly of the State/
Union Territory……………. from ………………………Constituency No.
and Name of Polling Station..…………. Part No. of Electoral
Roll………………

Sl no Sl No. of Details of the documents Signature/Thumb Remarks

Elector in the produced by the Elector in impression of
Electoral Roll proof of his/her Elector
identification
1 2 3 4 5
1 EPIC

2 AADHAR ****

3 PAN CARD ****

4 DRIVING LICENCE ****

5 BANK PASSBOOK ****

6

Signature of the Presiding Officer

 REGISTER OF VOTERS FORM-17A

 At the end of poll all Presiding officers shall draw a line

after the last entry in Form-17A & shall record the signed
statement thereafter “The Serial No. of last entry in form-17A
is _____” & obtain the signature of all polling agents as may be
present below the statement. PAGE 64 PARA 7.2.7.
The Presiding Officer shall also give a certificate there after
that how many electors from the ASD list supplied have been
allowed to vote after due verification of Identity proof & taking
declaration from the concerned elector.
The Presiding Officer shall also give a certificate as to how
many voters voted through EPIC and how many through the
alternative documents prescribed by the ECI.
The maintenance of the Register of Voters must be done
scrupulously as the Observer will make a scrutiny of the 17A
Register along with other documents on the next day of poll
for examination of any critical events & decision on repoll.
3RD PO TO ISSUE VOTER’S SLIP Page 50 4.4.8.
After an elector’s left-hand index finger has been marked with
indelible ink, the entry relating to him made in the Register of
Voters and his signature/thumb impression obtained on that
register, the Third Polling Officer shall prepare a voter’s slip for
that elector with details like serial no in E-roll & serial no in
register of voters in form 17A and put his signature under it :

Serial No. elector as

Per Col.(1) of the
Register of Voter. …………………

Serial No. of elector as

Entered in the Electoral Roll. …………………

Initial of Polling Officer ……………………

Voter’s slip collected from the voters by the 4th and 5th polling
officers should be tagged serially and kept in a separate
statutory envelope provided for the purpose.
 EVM:
ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE

BALLOT UNIT
CONTROL UNIT
VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER TRAIL
 CONDUCT OF POLL Page 50, 51
 Then 3rd Polling Officer will fill up and issue two voter slips White for
‘LOK SABHA’ and Pink for ‘VIDHAN SABHA’ Election.
 Voter will be informed that after LOK SABHA he should go to 5 th
Polling Officer to vote for Assembly Election.
 The Voter will proceed to 4th Polling Officer. He will collect the white
voter slip for LOK SABHA and press the ‘Ballot’ button in the CU for
‘LOK SABHA’. Busy lamp in CU will glow red. Ready lamp in BU will
glow green.
 Then voter will be allowed to enter into Voting Compartment for LOK
SABHA to cast his vote by pressing the blue button of the BU against
the desired candidate.
 When he presses that button, the lamp provided on the Ballot Unit
against the name, photograph & symbol of the candidate will start
glowing red and green light on the Ballot Unit will go off.
 The VVPAT will print a slip of paper having the symbol, name and
serial number of the candidate that will be visible for seven seconds
in the VVPAT window. Thereafter, the printed paper slip will
automatically get cut and fall in sealed drop box of the VVPAT
 CONDUCT OF POLL Page 50, 51
 Then Voter will go to 5th PO in charge of CU for VIDHAN SABHA and
pink voter slip will be collected from him.
 He will press ‘Ballot’ button of CU for assembly poll & the voter is
to go to the voting compartment of VIDHAN SABHA to cast his vote.
 A beep sound will be heard from the Control Unit. After a few
seconds, the beep sound from CU and the red light in the candidate
lamp on the Ballot Unit and the red light in the ‘Busy’ lamp on the
Control Unit will also go off.
 These visual and audio signs are indicative of the fact that the voter
inside the Voting Compartment has recorded his vote
 ‘Ballot’ button on the Control Unit is to be pressed for the next voter
only when the earlier voter has come out of the Voting
Compartment.
 Voters to vote in the same sequence as they have been entered in
sequence in the register 17A.
 The 4th & 5th PO to Press TOTAL button to tally with number of
voters in 17-A Register and note down the votes recorded in the
control unit
COMMON ERRORS DISPLAYED IN CU
MEANING OF VARIOUS DISPLAYS mentioned at Page- 27 & 28 of
Presiding Officer Hand Book

BU/CU/VVPAT Errors- Msg. displayed in CU only.

“PRESSED ERROR BU” after pressing Ballot Button in CU– It
means any Button in the BU is Jammed. It requires
cleaning/removal of the same
“BU NOT CONNECTED” - Improper Connection with BU
“BU NOT RESPONDING”- Improper connection between or
mistake in Thumb wheel Position of BU.
“VVPAT NOT RESPONDING”- Paper Roll Knob of VVPAT not kept
in Vertical position / VVPAT Battery is low.
“INVALID” - CU Button is pressed out of sequence (C-R-C)
“CLOCK ERROR” - Malfunctioning of Real Time Clock
“ELECTION EXCEEDED”- Voting beyond 12 mid night
VVPAT ERRORS DISPLAYED IN CU
Any error from 2.1 to 2.14 VVPAT to be replaced.

 Error 2.1- Abnormal Head Temperature

 Error 2.3 - Printer Time out
 Error 2.4 - Printer Low Voltage
 Error 2.5 - Printer Incorrect Command
 Error 2.6 - Cutter
 Error 2.7 - Slip Fall
 Error 2.8 - Printer Memory
 Error 2.9 - Contrast
 Error 2.10 - Slip Length
 Error 2.12 - Platen Open
 Error 2.13 - No Paper
 Error 2.14 - Ink Deplete
REPLACEMENT OF EVM DURING POLL Page 40-41
 Low Battery in CU or VVPAT, only battery to be replaced. In case of
battery change in CU Presiding Officer Report Part II to be filled up.
 If any defect arises in the Ballot Unit and/or Control Unit of the
EVMs during the poll process, the entire set up of EVMs (BU, CU and
VVPAT) should be replaced by a new set of EVMs (BU, CU and
VVPAT).
 A fresh Mock Poll should be conducted in each new set of BU CU &
VVPAT before it is put in use. In this case, one vote each for each
of the candidates and NOTA is to be cast.
 A new Mock Poll Certificate should be recorded in such a case
exact time of replacement should be noted as well.
 In case defect arising in VVPAT, only the defective VVPAT needs to
be replaced. No mock poll need be conducted only in case of
replacement of VVPAT.
 Presiding Officer to fill up the Presiding Officer Report Part V and
get it signed by Polling agents. Sector Officer to sign and collect the
report in Part V and submit to the RO.
 Additionally Declaration in Part II to be filled up as well.
 Sector Officer to fill up EVM report and update EMS.
 CRUCIAL ROLE OF 4TH AND 5TH PO
The role of the 4th Polling Officer in charge of the CU Lok Sabha and 5th
Polling Officer in charge of the CU Vidhan Sabha is very crucial to
maintain the sequence of voting as per serial in the Register of Voters.
The voters should be allowed in the sequence as mentioned in the
voter slip only. No voter to be allowed to go in out of sequence.
After the ballot button is pressed, the busy Red Lamp on the top right
corner of the CU will glow. Only after the voter records the vote, there
will be a beep sound and finally the Red Lamp will go out.
The Audio – Video signals to be followed scrupulously and it is to be
ensured that the ballot button for the next elector is pressed only after
the Busy Red Lamp on the CU goes out.
Ballot button shall not be pressed when busy Red Lamp is on.
If the Red Lamp is still on after Ballot button is pressed, then no vote
has been recorded. If the elector leaves the voting compartment,
he/she should be told that his/her vote has not been recorded.
The 4th and the 5th Polling Officer to immediately inform the 2nd Polling
Officer in charge of Register of Voters in case any voter refuses to vote
for Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha so that it can be mentioned in the
remark section of the Register of Voters.
 SPECIAL CASES Ch 5 Page 55
1. Uncut Paper slip in VVPAT
2. Voting by ASD - Absentee/ shifted / Dead electors
3. Voting by Blind & Physically Infirm Voters Rule 49N
4. Electors Deciding Not to Vote Rule 49O
5. Violation of Secrecy of Voting Rule 49M
6. Voting by Proxy Rule 27Q
7. Tendered Vote Rule 49P
8. Challenged Votes Rule 49J
9. A person whom you consider to be much below the
qualifying age
10. Complain on EVM by a voter Rule 49 MA
11. Presiding Officer’s right to enter voting compartment
Rule 49Q
 UNCUT VVPAT PAPER SLIP
If VVPAT has not printed the paper slip, or the printed paper slip
remains uncut, then the vote has not been recorded. The VVPAT shall
be replaced and the same voter is to be allowed to cast his vote
again. The steps are:
Do not try to remove/cut hanging slip from the paper roll, no effort
should be made to make it fall into the drop box.
Itshould be allowed to remain hanging as it means that the vote has
not been recorded in Control Unit and as it is not to be counted at the
time of counting of the printed-paper slips.
The details of such an occurrence should be clearly recorded in the
Presiding Officer’s dairy in the following format: -
a. The date and time of the occurrence.
b. The name of the voter and his serial number in the part in the
electoral roll, who was allowed to cast his vote after the
replacement of VVPAT.
c. Whether the voter cast his vote after replacement of VVPAT or
went away without casting his vote.
d. The Total number of votes cast before the occurrence.
Absentee Shifted Dead Electors Page 45
 Every booth shall be supplied with a separate list of
ASD-Absentee, Shifted & Dead/Duplicate Electors
prepared by the BLOs. The format of Polling station wise
ASD list is given below:

Sl Elector’s Sl Elector’s Father/ Age Absent/

No no in the E - Name mother/ shifted/
Roll husband’s Dead ASD
name as
applicable

 On the day of poll every electors whose name appears in

such a list, shall have to produce EPIC for his/ her
identification or any one of the alternative photo Identity
document.
 The 1st polling officer shall inform the polling agents
about the ASD Electors who has come to vote by reading
out his/her name loudly.
Absentee Shifted Dead Electors Page 45
 Thumb impression of such electors shall also be obtained in
addition to signature against in column-4 of register of voters
in form -17A even if in the case a elector who is a literate &
can sign as well.
 There shall be a separate line of the electors who are in the
ASD list supplied to you.
 If videography/photography is being done in the Polling
Station, such electors shall be photographed/ videographed
and their record kept
 The Presiding Officer shall verify the identification document
personally and the details properly registered by the Polling
Officer concerned in the Register of Voters in Form 17A.
 Declaration shall also be obtained from the ASD Electors in
the format enclosed
 The Presiding Officer shall maintain a record & give a
certificate at the end of the poll (To be kept with the register
of electors in Form -17A) that so many electors from the ASD
list were allowed to vote after proper scrutiny.
VOTING BY BLIND & INFIRM ELECTORS
PAGE 55
 When the Presiding Officer is satisfied that an elector is not able to
recognize the symbols in the ballot paper on the BU or is unable to
record his vote by pressing the appropriate button thereon, without
any assistance owing to his blindness or physical infirmity, under
rule 49N he shall be allowed take a companion.
 Person below 18 years of age cannot be a Companion and No
person can be companion for more than one elector at any Polling
Station on the same day.
 Marking of the indelible ink shall be done on the right index finger
of the companion and on left index finger of such elector.
 Obtain Declaration from the Companion in the prescribed form
 Maintain a list of electors and the companions in Form 14 A and
give the details at the receiving center for scrutiny by Observer.
 Polling Agents cannot act as Companion.
 Infirm voters who are capable of voting themselves by pressing
button on BU, shall be permitted authorized companion only up to
the voting compartment but not inside.
 FORM – 14 A
LIST OF BLIND AND INFIRM ELECTORS
SEE RULE 40 (2) AND RULE 40 A (2)
ELECTION TO THE ……………………………….. ** FROM THE ………………………..
CONSTITUENCY * BY THE ELECTED MEMBERS /** MEMBERS OF THE
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ……………(STATE).
NUMBER AND NAME OF THE POLLING STATION……………. IN ……………
ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY / NAME OF PLACE OF POLL…………………

PART FULL NAME OF FULL NAME OF ADDRESS OF SIGNATURE

NO & THE ELECTOR THE THE OF
SERIAL COMPANION COMPANION COMPANION
NO OF
ELECTO
R

DATE…………………. SIGNATURE OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER

 FACILITY FOR BLIND ELECTORS
 The Dist. administration is taking proactive steps to ensure
that the blind electors cast their ballot without depending
upon companion and exercise their free choice
independently.
 M3 EVMs have Braille Signage in the Ballot Unit which can
be deciphered by the Blind electors knowing Braille.
 Some of the Polling stations may be supplied with Dummy
Ballot papers for both Parliament & Assembly Elections,
printed in Braille giving the details of candidates and there
party affiliation in the same sequence as in the ballot paper
in the respective ballot unit.
 Some of the Polling station shall be provided with wheel
chair to assist person with disabilities , Old and infirm
electors . The Presiding Officer shall take care to ensure
that infirm electors do not have to wait for long to exercise
their voting right.
 There shall be a special queue for the persons with
disability so that they can exercise their franchise quickly
without waiting for long.
 REPORT ON THE VOTING BY THE
VISUALLY IMPAIRED VOTERS
NO AND NAME OF PARLIAMENTARY/ASSEMBLY
CONSTITUENCY………………………..
NO AND NAME OF ASSEMBLY SEGMENT…………………………
( IN CASE OF PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY )…………………
NO & NAME OF THE POLLING STATION……………
MANE OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER……………………

SL NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF SUCH VOTERS NUMBER OF

NO VISUALLY SUCH VOTERS WHO DID NOT USE DUMMY VOTERS WHO
IMPAIRED WHO USED BALLOT AND PREFERRED USED BOTH
VOTERS DUMMY BALLOT TO VOTE USING THE THE
TURNED UP SHEET IN PROVISION OF RULE 49 N FACILITIES
FOR VOTING BRAILLE

SIGNATURE OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER

ELECTOR DECIDING NOT TO VOTE PAGE 56
 If a voter after signing Voter’s Register decides not to vote,
he shall not be compelled to so.
 The 4th or 5th Polling Officer shall immediately inform the
Presiding Officer and 2nd Polling Officer when the voter leaves
without casting his / her vote.
 Mention ‘Refused to Vote’ in the Remark Column of the
Voter’s Register and put your signature below it.
 Also obtain the signature of the elector against such remark.
 The numbers of such cases shall be written at Sl-No 3 of
Accounts of votes in Form-17C as cases under Rule-49O.
 If a person refuses to vote, after the Ballot button is pressed
in the CU; then immediately allow the next voter to vote.
 If the last voter refuses to vote in such a situation, switch off
the power of the CU and disconnect the VVPAT cable from
the Control Unit.
 After disconnecting the VVPAT, switch ON the power and
now you can operate ‘CLOSE’ button.
 VIOLATION OF SECRECY OF VOTING Page 55

 Every electors who is permitted to vote shall maintain

absolute secrecy of voting within Polling station and he
should strictly observe the procedure of voting in secrecy.
 If he refuses even after warning given by the Presiding
Officer to observe the voting procedure, such an elector
shall not be allowed to vote by the presiding Officer under
rule -49 M of Conduct of Election rules.
 Where an elector is not allowed to vote for violation of voting
procedure, a remark “not allowed to vote” to that effect shall
be made by the Presiding Officer in the remark column
(column 5) in the register of voters. The Presiding Officer to
put your full Signature below it.
 The No. of voters who have been disallowed to vote under
rule-49 M shall be entered at Serial No.4 of the part-1 of
accounts of vote recoded.
 Voter’s Slip if issued, to be withdrawn and cancelled.
 CHALLENGE VOTE PAGE 59
 Every person whose name is entered in the electoral roll
and produces a proof of his identity as per ECI’s order is
entitled to vote at the election unless there is a challenge
by a candidate or his election agent or his polling agent.
 A Polling Agent can challenge the identity of a voter only
after depositing challenge fee of Rs. 2/-
 Issue him the receipt and make an enquiry as to the
identity of the Voter.
 Challenger has to show evidence to justify the challenge.
Check the absentee voter list.
 If he fails to produce, ask the voter to sign & give his
address in the list of Challenged votes in Form -14 and
forfeit the deposit.
 Allow the voter to vote only after he signs/puts his thumb
impression in Form 14. If he refuses, to do so, do not allow
him to vote.
 If challenge is established, return the amount and hand over
the person to Police for impersonation.
 TENDERED VOTES PAGE NO 58
 This happens when a voter on arrival in the polling station
finds that another person has already voted in his place.
 NO ENTRY TO BE MADE IN REGISTER OF VOTERS. HE WILL
NOT VOTE THROUGH EVM.
 Be satisfied about the identity elector now present. Allow
him to vote ‘TENDERED BALLOT PAPERS’ supplied.
 Write “Tendered Ballot Paper” on the back of such paper
and write the A/C no and Booth no and put dated signature
as no distinguishing mark rubber stamp shall be provided.
 Ensure that the ballot button is not pressed if he is allowed
to record vote in voting compartment.
 Prepare a list in Form 17 B and obtain the signature of such
voter in Column (5) of the Form.
 Issue an inked ‘Arrow Cross Mark’ seal and collect the
same folded after marking by the elector in the voting
compartment.
 Keep the ballot paper and form 17 B in the Cover provided
and seal the envelope after the close of the poll.
 COMPLAIN ON EVM BY VOTER PAGE 60

 If an elector having recorded his vote under Rule 49 MA

alleges that the paper slip generated by the VVPAT has
shown the name or symbol of a candidate other than the
one he has voted for, the Presiding Officer shall obtain a
written declaration in Annex 17 from the elector as to the
allegation.
 If the elector gives the written declaration, the Presiding
Officer shall make a second entry in the 17-A Register and
permit the elector for a test vote.
 The test vote shall be cast by the said elector in the
presence of the Presiding Officer, candidates or polling
agents who may be present.
 The case of test vote if any shall be informed to the Sector
Officer / Returning Officer immediately
 COMPLAIN ON EVM BY VOTER PAGE 60

 If the allegation is found to be true, the Presiding Officer shall

report the fact immediately to the Returning Officer and stop
further recording of votes in that voting machine and shall act
as per the further instructions of the Returning Officer.
 If however, the allegation is found to be false and the paper
slip matches with the test vote, then the Presiding Officer
shall make a remark to that effect against the second entry in
the 17-A Register relation to the said complainant elector.
 In the second entry in case of the test vote, the serial no and
the name of the candidate for whom such vote has been
recorded shall be mentioned in the remark column and the
signature or the thumb impression of the complainant elector
shall be obtained against such remark.
 Further necessary entries shall also be made in the Form-17 C
or the Accounts of Votes at the Item No 5 so that the test
votes can be deducted during counting.
 DECLARATION UNDER RULE 49 MA PAGE 130
General/Bye Election to……………
SL No and Name of Parliamentary/Assembly Constituency…………
No and Name of the Polling Station…………..
FORM OF DECLARATION BY ELECTOR UNDER RULE 49MA OF
CONDUCT OF ELECTION RULES,1961
(1). I hereby solemnly declare and affirm under sub-rule (1) of rule 49 MA
that the paper slip generated by the printer attached to the BU has shown
the name and/or symbol of a candidate other than the candidate for whom
I voted by pressing the concerned blue button against the name and the
symbol of the candidate of my choice on the BU. I am ready to cast a test
vote again to show that the allegation made by me is true and bonafide.
(2) I am aware of the penal provisions of the Section 177 of the IPC that I
shall be liable to be punished for a term which may extend to six months
or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both, if the
declaration given by me is found to be incorrect.

Signature/Thumb impression of the elector

Dated………… Name of the elector, Part no, Sl No in ERoll
Certified that the above declaration was made & subscribed before me.

Dated………….. Signature of the Presiding Officer

 AGE OF ELECTOR PAGE 59
 If a voter appears to be below the qualifying age, satisfy
yourselves about the correct identity.
 So long as the identity of a voter has been established to
satisfaction, he has the right to vote. The Presiding Officer
is not entitled to hold an enquiry in the polling station
whether he is over 18 years or ordinarily resides in the
constituency or not.
 Inform him about the penal provision under section 31 of
RP Act, 1951.
 Obtain declaration from him in the specified form.
 Prepare a list of such voters who gave such declarations
and who didn’t.
 Allow such electors to vote after informing him of the
penal provisions in the RP ACT 1950 for false declaration.
 Put the declaration and the list in a separate cover
specified.
 PRESIDING OFFICER’S RIGHT TO ENTER
VOTING COMPARTMENT PAGE 52 PARA 4.5.5

 Presiding Officer under rule 49Q has the right to enter

the voting compartment for inspection of the balloting
unit (BU) in the presence of polling agents only.
 He may have to take steps as may be considered
necessary to ensure that the Balloting Unit is not
tampered with or interfered with in any way and that the
poll is conducted smoothly and orderly.
 Presiding Officer has to be careful that whenever he
enters the Voting Compartment, he does so in the
immediate presence of the Polling Agents.
 The Presiding Officer must not enter the Voting
Compartment at the time of polling to explain to the
illiterate voters about how to use EVM.
 Dummy balloting unit can be used outside the Voting
Compartment to explain the voting mechanism.
 RESTRICTIONS ON PRESS AND MEDIA
 Only those photographers/ videographers authorized by
the Election Commission of India shall be allowed to take
photographs.
 No person, not even the publicity officials of the State
Govt can enter inside a polling station without the written
letter of ECI.
 However Commission has already issued directions for
deployment of micro observers or videography of critical
events at critical polling stations. You shall be informed if
your booth is such one at the dispersal centre.
 It has to be ensured that a voter recording his vote should
not be video graphed.
 There is no objection to photograph being taken of the
crowd of electors lining up for voting out side the Booth.
 Secrecy of ballot is most important.
 MICRO OBSERVER Page 21 22
 Observe ID document particulars being filled in Form 17-A by the
Polling Officer
 Remain present at Polling Booth during entire day and observe the
proceedings as per ECI guidelines
 Observe whether PrO and Polling Officer (PO) perform duties as per
ECI instructions
 Check whether A/S/D voters scrutiny was done properly by PrO
 Report to Observer about activities of Poll Day in each PS.
 Check whether sealing of EVM is done as per ECI instructions
 To keep track of complaints by polling agent/party etc.
 Observe whether sufficient polling material is provided at booth
 To bring notice to General Observer whenever there is deviation in
polling process.
 If the video camera/digital camera is not deployed the Presiding
Officer or Micro Observer can make use of the mobile phone to click
photograph of the security arrangement and forward the image to
the control room or hand over the image at the time
122
of handing over
of EVM at the respective centres
 PHOTO / VIDEOGRAPHERS Page 20
 Mock poll and sealing of EVM and VVPAT before start of poll
 Positioning of Voting Compartment. This should be taken before
commencement of poll.
 Photo showing presence of Polling Agents.
 Photos of electors in case of Challenged / Tendered
Votes/Missing voters as per ASD list;
 Voters waiting outside at the close of scheduled hours of poll
and last voter in the queue.
 Visits of Sector Officers, Observers, and other electoral
functionaries or any important person including the Candidates.
 Apart from recording the events like mock poll and
commencement of poll, the presence of CAPF/Police personnel
should also be recorded by clicking a photograph of the security
personnel standing in front of the board of the Polling Station.
 Attempts, if any, of intimidation of voters, of inducement/bribing
of voters, Canvassing within 100 meters of Polling Station
123
PHOTO/ VIDEOGRAPHY/WEBCASTING Page 20 21

 Assured Minimum Facilities at the Polling Station

 Any dispute of any nature at the Polling Station
 Any other processes or events specifies by DEO/RO
 There shall be no compromise on secrecy of voting in this
process. It is to be done only at Polling Stations where
Commission has specifically directed
 At the end of the poll, the photographer/videographer will
sign a declaration as follows: “I have captured photographs
/video of all electors who voted at Polling Station number
------- --------on date-------------and total number of photographs
in the camera are-------------”.

 In order to bring transparency and efficiency in the conduct

of elections, the Commission has directed that webcasting
be effectively used for poll day monitoring to effectively
monitor the polling process and deter the trouble mongers
and mischief makers, imbibe confidence in the mind of
electorates, bring in transparency and impartiality
124 in the
polling process
 CLOSE OF POLL PAGE 63

 Poll will be closed at the hour fixed by the ECI.

 Few minutes before the close if you find still some voters are
waiting to vote, then distribute slips to these voters starting from
the end of the queue giving slip no 1 to the last elector so that no
person can join the queue later.
 After the last voter has recorded his vote, formally declare the poll
as closed.
 Open the Rubber Cap and press the ‘Close’ button in the CU in the
presence of the polling agents as may be present.
 Close button will function only when busy lamp on the CU is not ON.
 If the ‘Busy’lamp is ON after the last voter has left, the switch off
the ‘Power’ switch in the rear compartment of the Control Unit and
disconnect the VVPAT from the Control Unit. ‘Power’ to be switched
‘ON’ again. Now the ‘Busy’ lamp will go off and the ‘Close’ button will
become functional.
 Now, Display panel of CU will show the total votes polled. Note it
down in at Serial no 6 of Accounts of Vote recorded in Form 17 C.
 CLOSE OF POLL PAGE 63, 64
 TOTAL NO OF VOTES RECORDED IN THE EVM =
TOTAL NO OF ELECTORS REGISTERED IN 17A
-- MINUS THE NO VOTERS WHO DID NOT VOTE
-- MINUS THE VOTERS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE
 Test votes recorded are required to be mentioned in Part-I in
the Serial No 5 of Form 17 C.
 The Presiding Officer shall also note the Poll End date and
time displayed on the CU for mentioning in the Presiding
Officer’s Diary.
 At the end of poll all Presiding officers shall draw a line
after the last entry in Form-17A & shall record the signed
statement thereafter “The Serial No. of last entry in form-
17A is _____” & obtain the signature of all polling agents as
may be present below the statement. PAGE 64, PARA 7.2.7
 In Simultaneous General Elections, the Account of Votes
recorded in Form 17C must be prepared separately for Lok
Sabha and Vidhan Sabha.
 CLOSE OF POLL PAGE 64, 65
 The original Form 17C in unsealed envelope must be
deposited with the EVM for storage in strong room. Copy
of the 17C must be deposited separately with the RO in
the receiving centre.
 Give attested copy of the Form 17C of Lok Sabha and
Vidhan Sabha to the respective polling agents.
 After handing over of the copies of the Form 17C to the
Polling agents fill up sign the Presiding Officer Report in
Part III and the Presiding Officer Declaration in Part III.
 Switch off the EVM and keep them in their respective
carrying cases. Seal the boxes with the correct address
tag and take signature of the polling agents.
 The Presiding Officer shall remove the power pack
(battery) from VVPAT in the presence of Polling Agents.
 After thus sealing the EVM fill up and sign the Presiding
Officer’s Declaration in Part IV and ask polling agents to
sign there.
 DON’T DO
MOCK POLL

• Don’t start mock poll, if one or no election agent is present. WAIT FOR 15 MINUTES.
• Don’t stop mock poll without casting at least 50 votes.
• Don’t start actual poll without clearing mock poll data from CU and without removing mock VVPAT slips from the drop
box of VVPAT.
• Don’t keep VVPAT mock slips unstamped.
• Don’t Switch OFF and Switch ON CU while mock poll is going on. Don’t disconnect and connect cables while mock poll
is going on.

ACTUAL POLL

• Don’t Switch OFF and Switch ON CU while actual poll is going on.
• Don’t disconnect and connect cables while actual poll is going on.
• Don’t conduct mock poll when only VVPAT or Power Pack of CU/VVPAT/BU is
replaced.

CLOSE OF POLL

• Don’t press CLOSE button of CU before notified poll close time or completion of poll.
• Don’t disconnect cables without Switching OFF the CU.
• Don’t leave Power Pack of VVPAT in VVPAT after completion of poll.
• Don’t leave carrying cases without sealing and obtaining signature of Polling Agents after poll.
• Don’t use any other vehicle other than assigned vehicle for depositing polling materials at collection
IMPORTANT EVM DISPLAY
SEQUENCES
When Clear button is pressed and it shows INVALID
It signifies that the data relating to some previous operation is in
the EVM.

Press the Close button and wait till POLL CLOSED is

displayed

Thereafter, press Result button and wait till END is

displayed

Thereafter, press Clear button and wait till END is

displayed
ADDITIONAL INPUTS TO BE GIVEN BY PRESIDING
OFFICER
 Visit Sheet
Day of Poll:________________
Name and Number of Assembly:________________________
Name and Number of Polling Station:____________________
Number of Electors:____________
Sl No Name & Time Brief Number of % polled Remarks, Signature
Designation of visit descripti votes till the if any of Officer
of the officer on of polled till time of
Visiting polling the time visit
(Observer/DE process( of visit
O/RO/ERO/Se peaceful
ctor /
Magistrate/ incidents
Zonal , if any)
Magistrate/
Patrolling
Magistrate)
 STOPPAGE OF POLL PAGE 60, 61

Under Section 58 & 58A of the RP Act 1951, the ECI has been
given the power to declare the poll at a Polling Station to be void
and direct a fresh poll, if…
Any voting machine has been unlawfully taken away by any
unauthorized person, or
Any voting machine has been accidentally and intentionally
destroyed or lost or damaged or tampered and the result of the poll
at that polling station cannot be ascertained for that reason, or
Any voting machine develops a mechanical failure during the
course of the recording of votes, or
Any error or irregularity in procedure, which may vitiate the poll,
has been committed, or
There has been booth capturing ( as defined in Sec 135A of the
said Act).
If any such things happens at your polling station, you should
report full facts forthwith to the Returning Officer, who will in turn,
report
CEO Odishathe matter to the ECI for its direction.
 CLOSING OF EVM IN CASE OF BOOTH
CAPTURING PAGE 60, 61

 Rule 49X of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 provides that

where the Presiding Officer of the Polling Station is of the Opinion
that booth capturing is taking place, he shall immediately close
the control unit of the voting machine to ensure that no further
votes can be recorded and shall detach the Balloting Unit(s) from
the Control Unit.
 You should resort to closing the voting machine as mentioned
above only when there is booth capturing so that voting machine
will not record any further votes.
 As soon as possible after you have closed the voting machine,
you should report the matter with full facts to the Returning
Officer for intimation of the same to the ECI.
 The ECI on the receipt of the report from the Returning Officer
and after taking into account material evidence, may- have the
adjourned poll completed, Declare the poll as void, direct to seal
the EVM and all election papers and secure in the same manner
as on the close of poll OR conduct a fresh poll, as the case may
be.
 TO BE RETURNED AT EVM COUNTER
 BU, CU & VVPAT FOR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION
 UNSEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING ACCOUNTS OF VOTE IN 17-
C FOR LOK SABHA
 SEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING PC MOCK POLL SLIPS
 BATTERY OF VVPAT TAKEN OUT BEFORE SEALING

 BU, CU & VVPAT FOR ASSEMBLY ELECTION

 UNSEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING ACCOUNTS OF VOTE IN 17-
C FOR VIDHAN SABHA
 ENVELOPE CONTAINING AC MOCK POLL SLIPS
 BATTERY OF VVPAT TAKEN OUT BEFORE SEALING

 PRESIDING OFFICER’ REPORT I (MOCK POLL CERTFICATE), PART II

& PART III FOR PARLIAMENT AND LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

 PART-IV AND PART-V OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER’S REPORT

SHALL BE COLLECTED BY THE SECTOR OFFICER WHO SHALL
SUBMIT THE SAID REPORTS TO THE RETURNING OFFICER
 DOCUMENTS FOR 17A SCRUTINY

 UNSEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING THE PRESIDING

OFFICER’S DIARY

 SEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING THE REGISTER OF

VOTERS (17A)

 UNSEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING THE LIST OF BLIND

AND INFIRM ELECTORS IN FORM 14-A AND THE
DECLARATIONS OF THE COMPANIONS

 UNSEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING VISIT SHEET

 UNSEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING ADDITIONAL INPUT

BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER
 3RD PACKET STATUTORY COVER
1) SEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING THE MARKED COPY OF
THE ELECTORAL ROLL;

2) SEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING USED VOTER’S SLIPS;

3) SEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING UNUSED TENDERED

BALLOT PAPERS;

4) SEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING THE USED TENDERED

BALLOT PAPERS AND THE LIST IN FORM 17-B

5) SEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING THE LIST OF

CHALLENGED VOTES IN FORM 14;
 4TH PACKET NON-STATUTORY
COVER
1) Unsealed envelope containing working copies of electoral roll

2) Unsealed envelope containing the appointment letters of

polling agents in Form 10 and accounts of appointment of
polling agent
3) Unsealed envelope containing declarations by presiding
officer
4) Unsealed envelope containing the receipt book and cash, if
any, in respect of challenged votes;
5) Unsealed envelope containing unused/damaged seals &
special tags;
6) Unsealed envelope of unused voter’s slip
7) Unsealed envelope for the declarations obtained from
electors as to their age and the list of electors who have
refused to make declarations as to their age
8) Form of declaration by elector under Rule 49MA (Test Vote);
9) Form of declaration by elector whose name is in ASD list;
10) Letter of complaint to the S.H.O. Police
 5TH AND 6TH PACKET
 Hand Book for Presiding Officer;
 Instructions of Electronic Voting Machine & VVPAT (a.)
Posters on How to cast vote on EVM and VVPAT, (b.)
Brochure for Presiding Officer on use of EVM and VVPAT
and (c.) Trouble shooting on use of EVM and VVPAT);
 Sealed envelope containing (a.) Indelible ink set with
stopper having been secured on each phial effectively
with molten candle or wax applied thereon to prevent
leakage or evaporation and (b.) used self-inking pads);
 Used list of contesting candidates Form 7A,
 Used photocopy of signature of candidates,
 Other unused forms,
 Arrow cross-mark rubber stamp for marking tendered
ballot papers,
 Cup for setting the indelible ink