General Elections to Lok Sabha, 2024

TRAINING
OF
POLLING PERSONNEL

Office of Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal

 Index
Sl Subject Slide
1. Activities at Distribution Centre 07 - 30
2. P-1 day at Polling station 31 - 39
3. Maintenance Law and order in and around 40 - 45
Polling station
4. Activities on Poll day 46 - 75
5. Voting process 76 - 99
6. Some exceptional situations 100 - 124
7. Activities at close of poll 125 - 149
8. Activities at Receiving centre 150 - 159
9. SMS Poll Reporting 160 - 160
10. Sample transport arrangement 161 - 164
11. Q&A 165 - 181
 Training Plan
Training Participants Activities

1st day Pr.O, 1st PO, 2nd PO, 3rd PPT presentation
training PO question answer session
category wise Collecting ID card
( if bye election is held Attendance
together – Additional 2nd Collecting Form 12/12A
PO and 3rd PO) Search engine for confirming electoral details

One day Pr.O and 1st PO Operation of EVM/VVPATs,

Hands on Filling up of all types of forms,
training Report returns
Discussion on Pr.O Checklist booklet
Session on Do’s and Don’ts booklet

3rd Training All party wise members, Video clip display,

party wise: reserve doubt clearance,
(minimum 3 evaluation with question paper - 50 questions
hrs)- 1hour.
PB voting at facilitation centre at training
 New instructions
Presiding Officer's Report Format on Poll Day.
Part-I : Mock Poll Certificate
Part-II : Replacement of Power Pack of the Control Unit
Part-Ill : Pressing of Close Button after completion of Poll
Part-IV : EVM/VVPAT replacement Report, if replaced during Mock Poll
Part-V : EVM/VVPAT replacement Report, if replaced during Actual Poll
Collection of Presiding Officer's Report
• (i) Part-I, Part-II and Part-III of the Presiding Officer's Report shall he kept in an envelope.
Details to be printed on envelope:
Name of election: (to be pre-printed)
No. and Name of AC/AS: (to be pre-printed)
No. and Name of PC: (to be pre-printed)
Polling Station No: …………..

• The Presiding Officer shall deposit the said envelope along with EVM, VVPAT and other
election material at Collection Centre.
• (ii) Part-IV and Part-V of the Presiding Officer's Report shall be collected by the Sector
Officer, whenever any replacement is done. Sector Officers shall submit the said Reports
to the Returning Officer.
Alternative document: Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID), Ministry of
Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India
• Use of Strip Seal is discontinued
• Design of Pink paper seal for BU is changed.
• Design of Green Paper seal is changed.
• Use of plastic box for mock poll slips is discontinued.
Only the blank envelops containing Mock poll slips have
to be sealed with newly designed Pink Paper seal, no
plastic box in this regard will be there.
• Pr.O’s diary modified
• Packeting system of election papers is changed.
• PB only at facilitation centre, will not be sent through
post office.
• EDC procedure remains same.
 New packet arrangement for RC
Packet Colour Name of packet Item no Content

1st White EVM Papers 3 17C, Pr.O report I,II,III and envelop with Mock poll
slip

2nd White SCRUTINY COVER 4 Pr.O diary, 17A, 14A, Visit sheet

3rd White STATUTORY 5 Marked copy, Voter’s slip, used tender ballot &17B,
unused tender ballot, Form 14
COVERS

4th Yellow NON-STATUTORY 11 Working copy, Form 10, EDC, Pr.O declaration,
receipt book & cash, unused and damaged paper
COVERS seals and special tags, unused voter’s slip, under
age declaration & list, 49MA, ASD declaration,
letter to SHO

5th Brown HANDBOOK/ 3+ Handbook, instructions- checklist, do’s & don’ts etc
Indelible ink, stamp pad
MANUAL etc.

6th Blue OTHER 5+ Candidate information booklet, unused forms,

Metal seal, Arrow cross mark, Cup of indelible ink
MATERIALS

All remaining stationery items should be placed back in the respective transparent
Cardboard/Carton containers and submitted at the Receipt Center.
Activities at Distribution
Centre
1.Arrangement at DC
2. Tagging of police, cameraman, MO, vehicle
3. Polling Materials
4. Receiving EVM/VVPAT
5. Electoral Roll Checking
 Tagging of Polling Party at Distribution Centre
 The Polling Personnel will come to know their respective
Polling Station to which they are assigned only at the
Dispersal Centre on P-1 day and not before it.
 Large display boards - Decoded list of polling personnel
assigning polling stations to be displayed very prominently
at multiple places
 Single window counters – Reporting, issuance of order
tagging polling station, distribution all materials including
EVMs should preferably be done from one single counter to
avoid inconvenience of polling personnel from shuttling
between counters.
 Reserved personnel - are to report at enquiry/PP counter and
go to Reserve Shed.
 Dispersal Centre to have following arrangements:
i) Enquiry counter
ii) EDC distribution centre
iii) Large display boards for decoded list of polling stations
iv) SMS registration- facilitation centres
v) Polling personnel Cell Counter
iii) Polling station wise Single window counters
iv) Counter for tagging for camera person/videographer for sensitive
polling stations
v) Reporting and waiting area for Micro-observers
vi) Waiting area for reserved polling personnel
vii) Counter for training on demand
viii) Counter for tagging vehicles
ix) Counter for supplying (short) materials
xi) Space for checking of EVMs & materials by polling parties.
xiii) Strong rooms for EVMs and storage of other material.
ix) Medical Aid.
xv) Fire brigade
 Activities at DC :
• Identification of polling station tagged- From decoding
list displayed
• SMS registration- The PRO & PO1 will have to register
their mobile number to the assigned phone number
• Collection of materials- Material to be collected and
checked
• Micro Observer/ Videographer- Contact with Micro
Observer/ videographer, if deployed
• Tagging of vehicle - Movement to the polling station to
be made in earmarked vehicle
• Tagging of force at police tagging counter
• Movement to the polling station with sector force
 Checking Polling Materials
1. EVM and VVPAT of your Polling Station
2. EDC/PB list
3. Indelible ink
4. One Marked copy and two Working Copy of E. Roll
5. Tendered Ballot Paper
6. Green Paper Seal, Special Tag, Strip Seal, Pink Paper Seal
7. Alphabetical Roll Locator
8. ASD and CSV list (if any)
9. Signature of candidate and Election Agent
10. Form 17A (Register of Voters), 17C, Pr.O diary, Declaration of
Pr.O, Pro’s Report I,II,III, IV, V
11. Arrow Cross Mark, Metal Seal of Pr.O, Distinguishing Mark
12. Plastic box for Mock slips
13. ‘MOCK POLL SLIP‘ rubber stamp
14. Other stationeries
 EVM/VVPAT checking
• Check address tag of EVM/VVPAT and make sure
whether it is assigned to your polling station
• Candidate Set section of Cu is sealed
• Ballot paper is properly fixed in BU
• Thumb Wheel of BU is at 1 (If no of candidate
including NOTA is less than equal to 16)
• Unmasked Number of button of BU = number of
candidate + NOTA. Other button of BU will be
masked.
• BU is sealed properly

• Check with list (EVM/VVPAT, indelible ink, Marked copy,

Tendered ballot, Green Paper Seal, Special Tag, Pink Paper
Seal.

• No need to check VVPAT at DC. No need to switch on before

MOCK POLL.

• Dont keep EVM/VVPAT in unassigned vehicle or unassigned

place

• Never keep EVM/VVPAT unattended without security

 Electoral Roll
• The Electoral Roll will be Integrated. Names included in
SSR-2023 will not be bundled with their family members.
New serialization in the Electoral Roll will not be made.
• All additions made during continuous updation from the
last date of final publication (22.01.2024) till the last date
of nomination will be kept in order by issuing serial from
the last serial of the roll onwards.
• The published list will be marked Deletion/Correction
• # means corrected in SSR-24
• (2)# means corrected in Continuous updation.
• DELETED across the board means that it has been
removed in the SSR.
• DELETED 2 across the board means that it has been
removed in the Continuous Updation.
• Beside each Deletion S / Q / R / M will be mentioned as the
reason (E = Expired, S = Shifted, R = Repeated, Q =
Disqualified, M = Missing).
• Check the list of CSV, AIS, ASD and ARL.
• Voters who have been given Election Duty Certificate and
Postal Ballot will have the word ED and PB written next to
their name respectively and the signature of the ARO next to
it.
MARKED COPY OF ELECTORAL ROLL PG.
MARKED COPY OF ELECTORAL ROLL
E-Roll for Poll
DELETED-
Deletion in SSR

DELETED-2 :
Deletion in
Continuous
updation

# - correction in
SSR

(2)# -correction
in Continuous
updation
• Voters who have the word PB next to their name cannot cast
their vote at their booth.
• EDC voters can vote at any booth of that PC (For Assembly
election- AC) except the booth where they have their name.
• Check the marked copy to see if all parts are correct
• In case of Auxiliary booth, match the top sheet, total elector
details and serial no
• Match the PB/ED List given to you with the number of PB/EDC
marked in the marked copy
• Check whether each entry in the marked copy is authenticated
 Polling Materials
A. EVM, E Roll, &
others

B. Forms and
other formats

C.Envelopes

D.Seals, tags &

marks

E.Handbooks and
instructions

F. Stationery items
29
30
 Activities done at Polling
Station on P-1 day

1. Activities
2. Voting Compartment Setup
3. Video Camera
4. Web Casting
 P-1 (Pre-Poll Day) Tasks to be done
• First, inform the sector officer about your arrival safely.
• Examine your booth properly and plan accordingly.
• Ensure that there is enough space for voters outside and separate
lines can be formed for women, men, and PWD voters.
• There are separate entrances and exits for voters.
• Make sure that the distance between the first voter in line and
the booth door is within 5 to 10 feet.
• There are no slogans or writings on the booth within a 100-meter
radius.
• Create and maintain all the necessary signage inside the booth.
• Prepare and fill out different forms and tally sheets in advance.
• Cooking or lighting fire inside the booth is strictly prohibited.
 Management of Polling Station
• Set up voting compartment at the farthest corner which is secure & secluded
for maintenance of secrecy of voting and ensure it is properly lighted.
• The Voting compartment shall be made of corrugated plastic sheet (flex-
board) measuring 24“ X24" X 30“ and should not be placed near any window
/ door;
• CU & BU of EVM & VVPAT to be so positioned that Cable of EVM is not
placed on the way of voters
• After making proper connections of the BU, CU and VVPAT, the connecting
wires may be taped to the leg of the table in such a manner that the wire
does not hang in the air so that the load of hanging wire does not impact
the connecting switch of the BU and VVPAT and the tape is also easy to
remove when replacement of units (BU/CU/VVPAT) are required.

• Accordingly, one transparent tape of half inch width has to be provided to the
Presiding Officers for the aforementioned purpose. Taping shall only be
done using "TRANSPARENT ADHESIVE TAPE" in such a way that taping does
not affect the visibility of the connecting wires and it shall be removed
easily when replacement of units (BU/CU/VVPAT) are required.
 Management of Polling Station

• Proper electricity arrangements should be made at the polling stations.

• High voltage incandescent bulbs/ tube-light should not be placed over

or front of the voting compartment.

• Voting Compartment should be placed in such a way that

(a) sufficient light is available inside the voting compartment.

(b) no direct lighting is placed over or in front of the voting
compartment.
(c) secrecy of voting is not violated.
(d) voting compartment is not placed near the window/door.
 Write PS name,
number and other
details in the signage
of Voting
compartment

Position of BU
and VVPAT in
voting
compartment
 VIDEO CAMERA
• • A videographer will be assigned to a specific booth (from P-1 day to DC) and
will accompany the polling personnel during the entire process.
• • The videographer will capture photos/videos of the voters according to the
sequence of Form 17A and create a log sheet that needs to be signed by the
Presiding Officer. They will also capture photos of the following incidents or
items.
• • Mock polling and presence of polling agents there. Additionally, they will
capture video preparation of EVM/VVPAT before the voting (at least three photos
on each side).
• Before the voting begins, the presence of polling agents, and then their presence
every hour.
• A picture of the indelible ink being applied to the voter's hand at the moment of
polling.
• Pictures of the voting compartment from three different angles (with three
pictures of the background).
• Any voter from the ASD list, challenged vote, tendered vote
• Outside the polling center, lines of voters - during voting
hours and at the end of voting.
• A picture of the last voter standing in line when voting
ends.
• Any changes to the EVM or any undesirable incidents.
• No violation of voting secrecy through videography.
• After voting ends, the Presiding Officer will complete
and submit the deposited video footage and signed log
sheet, keeping the same in NON STATUTORY
envelope with them. They will deposit it in the RC.
 WEBCASTING RELATED GUIDELINES
• The webcam should be installed at a sufficient height from the ground
(approximately 7 to 8 feet). It should be mounted on a platform rather than
attached to the wall with any strong stand, ensuring stability and a fixed position
without any wobbling. The position should be such that there is no disturbance,
meaning the location remains fixed.
• The placement of the camera should allow clear monitoring and possible
broadcasting of the following events:
• Verification of voters by the Polling Officer.
• Application of indelible ink on voters' fingers.
• Supervision by the Presiding Officer after voters' mandatory verification.
• Pressing the button on the EVM unit.
• Entry of voters into the voting compartment while maintaining privacy.
• The ballot unit should not be visible.
• Presence of polling agents.
• Collection of the queue slip from voters standing in line at the end of voting.
• Sealing of EVM/VVPAT after voting and handing over the 17C copies to the
agents.
• The Sector Officer (RO) will issue a certificate stating that
webcasting has been carried out in accordance with the above
conditions. The concerned District Election Officer will inform
the Chief Electoral Officer of the state accordingly. This report
will be submitted to the Commission.
• RO will prepare signage measuring 30 inches * 18 inches, with
a fluorescent yellow background and black text stating "YOU
ARE UNDER WEB CAMERA/CCTV SURVEILLANCE." This signage
will be prominently displayed inside and outside polling
centers at multiple locations.
• It must be ensured that no advertisements are displayed
during the webcasting arrangement.
Maintenance of Law and
Order around Polling
Stations
1. Establishment of candidate
booths.
2. No campaigning.
3. Movement of vehicles.
4. Entry of armed personnel.
5. Power of arrest.
 Setting up political booths of candidates
• Within 200 meters of the polling center, no booths of any political
party will be allowed.
• The contents of a political party's booth include: one table, two chairs,
and a banner measuring 4 feet × 8 feet. Due to summer, a tent
measuring 10 feet × 10 feet may be allowed.
• From this political party booth, only UNOFFICIAL IDENTITY SLIPS will be
distributed to voters. These slips will not contain the name of the
candidate, symbol, or name of the political party.
• The organizers of this booth must inform the RO in writing beforehand
about the establishment of their booth. Local authorities' permission is
required. If requested to show permission, those present at the booth
should display it.
• Any crowding or disturbance around the polling center is prohibited.
 PUBLICITY PROHIBITED

• Inside or within 100 meters of the polling booth, any government or

non-governmental premises are prohibited from advertising.
• Within 100 meters of the polling booth, the use of mobile phones or
cordless phones is prohibited, except for authorized officials
involved in election duties.
• During voting hours, the Presiding Officer and Micro Observers will
keep their phones in silent mode. They will make calls from outside
if necessary and may send SMS to approved numbers.
• Sending bulk SMS after the specified time for campaigning by the
candidate is prohibited.
• If any objectionable SMS activity occurs, the police will take action
according to specific procedures.
 PROHIBITIONS RELATING TO PUBLICITY AND CODE OF CONDUCT
• Within 100 meters of the polling center, the use of any kind of microphone is
prohibited. Shouting or creating disturbances within 100 meters of the polling
center is also prohibited. If these instructions are violated, the microphone or
the object causing disturbance will be confiscated, and legal action will be taken
against the specified individuals.
• No political personalities from outside the constituency are allowed to be
present at the polling center 48 hours before the election.
REGARDING TRAFFIC
• For the area covered by a legislative assembly constituency, one vehicle will be permitted
for the candidate and one vehicle will be permitted for the candidate's election agent and
one vehicle for the party workers. The permit for these vehicles will be issued by the
District Election Officer (DEO) or Returning Officer (RO). The original copy of the permit
must be kept visibly displayed in the vehicle.
• No vehicle will be allowed to bring voters to the polling center. However, government
employees, patients, elderly, and disabled individuals will be exempt from this restriction.
Additionally, vehicles for public transportation will not fall under this prohibition.
• Voters will be allowed to approach the polling booth within 200 meters using their own
vehicles.
.
 Approaching the booth while armed is prohibited

• Only individuals involved in election duties or those authorized by the

authorities will be allowed to keep weapons. Additionally, no one else will be
allowed to enter the polling center with weapons within 100 meters.
Displaying weapons is also prohibited.
• Except for the security personnel of Z+ category individuals, no other security
personnel with weapons will be allowed to enter the booth.
• For individuals under Z+ category security, their security personnel must be
dressed in civilian attire and keep their weapons concealed.
• Ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), or Members of the Legislative
Assembly (MLAs) who have security guards will not be permitted to serve as
election/polling or counting agents. Even if they wish to relinquish their own
security, they will not be approved to serve as agents.
 The presiding officer can order arrest if he thinks so

• If the Presiding Officer believes that any individual at

the polling booth is committing or has committed any
offense by violating the prescribed rules of conduct
or any lawful instructions provided by the Presiding
Officer, they may direct any police official present
there to arrest that person, and the said police official
shall arrest that individual.
Activities done on Poll Day

1. Polling Agents
2. Mock poll
3. Pr.O’s Report
4. Sealing after Mock poll
5. Reserve identification
6. CU powerpack change
ITEMS TO BE HUNG IN THE POLLING STATION
• Notice for Polling Station Area
Determination
• Copy of Form 7A
• Poster on how to cast votes on EVM/VVPAT
• Important telephone numbers
• Working Copy of Voter List
 Activities On the Day Of Poll: Preliminaries
• Start Preliminary Activities at least 90 minutes prior to the scheduled hours
of Commencement of Poll ;

• Display Photo Identity Cards.

• Place the phials of indelible Ink carefully in order to avoid spilling over;

• Also take note that other prerequisites namely EVM, copies of Photo
Electoral Rolls, Voters’ Register(17 A), pass for Polling Agents etc are firmly
in place, along with Micro Observers and Digital Photographers, if so
designated;

• Allow Polling Agents enter Polling Stations. Verify signatures of Candidates/

Election Agents in the Appointment letters (Form 10) of the Polling Agents in
reference to Specimen Signatures of Candidates/ Election Agents given at
the Distribution Centre.
Conditions for polling agent
• Must be a voter of that Assembly Constituency.
• Must be appointed by the candidate/election agent
through prescribed form ( Form no 10) only.
• Seating arrangement to follow the sequence of candidates
belonging to national recognised /state recognised
/registered/independent
• Two relievers may also be engaged in like manner, their
movement to be controlled through issuance of Gate
Passes and due signature on Movement Sheet.
• One polling agent to remain seated in the polling station at
a time.
• Substitution of reliever is not allowed after 3 pm .
• Ministers/ MPs/ MLAs/ persons to whom security cover is
given, cannot become election/polling/ counting agents: he is
not allowed to relinquish security cover to become agents;

• Copy of the electoral roll as marked by the polling agents can

not be taken outside the polling station.
• Under no circumstances, the agents can be allowed to send
slips outside indicating the Serial Numbers of the voters who
have voted or not voted.

• Can display a badge showing the name of the candidate only.

 Mock Poll
•Should start 90 minutes prior to the poll.

•If no polling agent arrives or only one agent is present wait for 15 min. If none else
appears even after that, mock poll to be started. In such cases the matter is to be
recorded in the mock poll certificate to be prepared after mock poll.

•Connect BU with VVPAT and VVPAT with CU.

•BU, VVPAT and CU to be placed in the same position as will be done during poll.
•Put paper roll knob of VVPAT in vertical (unlocked) position
•Switch ON the CU.
•Press TOTAL button and show that no vote is recorded in EVM
•Press BALLOT button and ask any polling agent to press his candidate’s button in
BU
•At least 50 votes in total and 1 vote shall be cast against all buttons including
NOTA and record maintained.
• Press CLOSE Button At the end of casting votes in Mock Poll,
• Press RESULT button and show the result of Mock Poll
• Press CLEAR button & clear the data of Mock Poll by and show
that the EVM has no data recorded in it.
Press “Total” button to ensure that there are no
votes recorded in CU before the actual poll.
Send Mock poll completion sms
Prepare Pr.O’s report Part I in format in duplicate and
sign. Obtain signatures of polling agents present, (if
absent record the same) and MO (if deployed). Sector
officers to collect one copy, other copy to be submitted
at RC.
Entire mock poll process should be videographed
where ever vidography arrangement has been made at
the polling station Greater Participation for a Stronger
Democracy
 Sealing of Mock poll slips and preparation of VVPAT
• After mock poll, all ‘printed paper slips’ will be taken out , marked with a
stamp on their back as ‘MOCK POLL SLIP” (dimension of the stamp 3cms x
1.5 cms) kept in a black envelope
• PrO and polling agents to sign on the envelope marked as ‘VVPAT paper
slips of mock poll’
• The envelope will then be put in a plastic box and sealed with Pink Paper
Seal.
• No. And name of PS, Name of AC and date of poll to be written on plastic
box
• The cover of Drop Box will also be sealed and attached with address tag.

• 51/8/7/2019-EMPS dtd 08.05.2019 - The Commission has further directed

that any deviation in compliance of the aforesaid mock poll instructions
shall be viewed seriously by the Commission and the District Election
Officer shall take suo-moto disciplinary action against defaulting Presiding
Officers. Sector Officers shall be responsible to ensure these instructions
are clearly understood by all Presiding Officers.
 Sealing of Envelope having mock poll printed ballot slips with Pink
Paper Seal

After the mock poll, Presiding Officer removes all the printed paper (ballot) slips from the drop box in the VVPAT
unit, stamps the printed paper slips of the mock poll on their back side with rubber stamp having inscription
“MOCK POLL SLIP’ before keeping and sealing these printed paper slips in the thick black envelope supplied for
the purpose. The envelope is sealed with the seal of the PO.

Seal the envelope with a Pink Paper Seal placed all around in such a manner that opening of the envelope shall
not be possible without breaking the seal.
 CLOSING AND SEALING C.U.
FIXING OF GREEN PAPER SEAL:
• Switch off CU and detach from the cable.

• Pr.O to sign in full on white side of paper seal just below the Sl.No.
of paper seal

• Get also signatures of agents present

• Insert paper seal through the frame of inner door of Result

Section so that green side is seen through the two apertures

• Door of inner compartment should be closed by pressing so that

two open ends of seal project outward

• Prepare A/C of paper seal in 17C Part-I and return unused &
damaged paper seals to RO and relevant part in P.Os Diary
 EVM – Seals/Tags used
Election To: (Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly)

From: (No. and Name of)

Constituency Address tag
Control Unit/ Balloting Unit No.: (ID number) with sealing
Serial No. & Name of
Polling Station Where Used ……..…….… … thread
Date of Poll:………………………………………

Green Paper seal for sealing

Result and Print windows

Front Rear

Special tag for sealing Result

section inner compartment
VARIOUS TYPES OF SEALS USED FOR SEALING EVMs & VVPATs

Green Paper Seal

Special tag
for sealing Result section
inner compartment Pink Paper Seal
Common Address Tag for BU/CU/VVPAT
 EVM – Sealing

Insert the Green Paper seal

in the frames provided for
both Result

Close the Result Section

inner compartment door
with the Green paper seal
protruding outside
 EVM – Sealing – Presiding Officer

Seal the Result Section

inner compartment

Fix the Special tag such

that the Close button is
visible and seal the tag
EVM – Sealing – Presiding Officer

Close the Result

Section door
such that the
Green paper
seal protrudes
outside and Seal
the door along
with the Address
tag
 Presiding Officer and polling agents
shall put their signatures on the
VVPAT Sealing address tag used for Sealing Drop
box of the VVPAT after completion of
mock poll.

Remove all Ballot Slips

from Ballot Slip
compartment and Keep in Now Actual Poll may be
Black Envelope and Plastic started.
Box.Seal with PPS.
 Identification of reserve EVMs and VVPATs

For visual identification of reserve EVMs and VVPATs the following shall be strictly,
followed:
1. Adhesive Stickers with inscription 'RESERVE' shall be pasted on the carrying cases
of reserve BUs, CUs and VVPATs during commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs.

2. Apart from the adhesive stickers" the carrying cases of reserve EVMs and VVPAT's shall
also be sealed with thread and address tags to avoid doubt on misuse of reserve EVMs and
VVPATs while in movement on poll day. The thread and address tag of reserve EVM and
VVPAT shall be removed in the presence of polling agents at polling station, if needed to
replace any rejected EVM & VVPAT at polling stations.

3, Sector Officers shall also be provided Adhesive Stickers with inscription' MOCK POLL
REPLACED' for affixing on the carrying case of rejected BU/CU/VVPAT replaced during
Mock poll.

4. Specification of the Adhesive Stickers: The color of' such Adhesive Stickers should be
'Pink' for Assembly Constituencies elections and 'White' for Parliamentary Constituencies
elections. Dimension of the stickers should be 15 cm x 10 cm. (Sample attached)
The above instructions shall be brought to notice of all the concerned for compliance.
 Change of Powerpack of CU
In case the Power Pack (Battery) of the control unit does not
function properly or showing Low Battery, Presiding Officers shall
take the following action:
i) Presiding officer shall immediately inform the same to the Sector
officer for replacement of Power Pack of the control Unit. For this
purpose, additional power Packs of the Control Units shall be
provided to the Sector officers.
ii) Presiding officer shall replace the Power Pack of the control Unit
in the presence of' the Polling Agents and Sector officer. PO shall
again seal the Battery Section of the Control unit with thread and
Address Tag and obtain the signature of the polling agent on the
tag.
(iii) Presiding officer shall submit a report in the Format attached
with the Commission’s letter No 51/8/7/2020-EMS dtd 25.08.2020
(i.e. part-III of the Presiding Officer's Report).
 COMMENCEMENT OF POLL
 Pr. O to read out provisions u/s 128 of R.P. Act, 1950 about maintenance of
secrecy of voting

 Pr. O to make a declaration in prescribed form about commencement of poll &

sign & obtain signatures of polling agents present

 If the preliminaries are not over, admit 3 to 4 voters at the hour fixed for
commencement of poll

 Send/sms a report on commencement of poll

 Please remember if commencement of poll gets delayed by more than two

hours, re-poll will be announced by the ECI

 Demonstrate to the polling agents that the marked copy of the electoral roll
does not contain any entries other than PB & EDC;

 Demonstrate also that the register of voters (Form-17A) does not contain any
entry;
 Tally time with the polling agents.

 Before the first voter signs in Form-17A (Register of Voters), the Polling Officer-
1 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".
 Poll
1. Regulation of entries at PS
2. Role of CPF at PS
3. Entry of Media
4. Duties of PP
5. ED vote
 POLL DAY
Layout of polling station
 Inside booth arrangement
Polling
Agents
Voting
Compartment

Pollin
g
Offic
ers BU &
VVPAT
Presiding
Officer with
CU
Vote
r
78
 SET UP OF EVMs AND VVPATs

A. CU – Polling Officer (PO3)

B. BU + VVPAT – Voting Compartment
 Poll Process: Regulation of Entry at Polling Stations
Persons entitled to enter, other than electors, are :
 Polling Officers;
 Candidates/Election Agents/one Polling Agent at a time;
 Observers, Micro-observers, Persons authorized by ECI;
 Child in arms accompanying elector;
 Companion of blind, infirm elector;
 Public Servant on duty;

Public Servant on duty does not normally include police

officers. Similarly armed body guards of Candidates/
Election Agents/ Polling Agents are not also allowed, except
they are covered under Z-plus security.

POLICE/CPF CANNOT ENTER POLLING STATION

UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO BY PRESIDING
OFFICER.
 Role Of CPF at Polling Station on Poll Day
• The CPF shall take positions in the assigned polling stations on P-
1 day ( poll-eve day).
• The CPF shall be primarily responsible for protecting the polling
stations and regulating the entry inside the polling stations. In
such cases one Jawan of the CPF shall position himself at the door
of the polling station (either in static or oscillating mode) in order
to observe the proceedings that are going on inside the polling
station, as per the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court.
• ‘Static guard duty in an oscillating mode’ is a situation when a
building has multiple polling stations and CPF deployed is not
sufficient to cover every polling station (door). In such a situation,
the CPF Jawan on duty at the entrance of the polling station may
be asked to oscillate from one polling station door to the other
and keep an eye on what is going on inside these polling stations
and report to the officer in-charge of the CPF or the Observer, if
anything unusual is observed by him.
 Presence of Media

• Only those bearing Identity Cards issued by the

CEO/ DEO.
• Should not disturb voting process
• Should not compromise secrecy of voting
• Should stay for very short period only

Greater Participation for a Stronger

Democracy
 Duties Of Polling Officers
Pr. O will be in overall charge of the Polling Station

1ST PO will be identifying the electors and will be in charge of

marked copy of electoral roll

2nd PO will be in charge of indelible ink, Voters Register and,

Voter’s Slip

3rd PO will be in charge of CU & preservation of voter’s slips.

 Duties of First Polling Officer

• 1ST PO will be identifying the electors and will be in charge

of marked copy of electoral roll

• Identification of Electors:

• All Electors who have been issued with EPICs, shall have to
produce the EPICs to exercise their franchise;

 Those who can not produce their EPICs can vote, provided their
identity is established by alternative documents as will be allowed
by the Election Commission.
 Alternative Documents
For identification of voters at Polling Station, the Voter shall present his
EPIC or any of the following identification documents as approved by the
Commission: -
i. Aadhaar Card,
ii. MGNREGA Job Card,
iii. Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office,
iv. Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of theMinistry of
Labour,
v. Driving License,
vi. PAN Card,
vii. Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR,
viii. Indian Passport,
ix. Pension document with photograph,
x. Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by
Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies,
xi. Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs and
xii. Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, issued by M/o Social Justice &
Empowerment, Government of India.

Voter Information Slip will NOT be used as alternative document

 Duties of First Polling Officer

 1st PO loudly reads out the Sl. No. & name of elector and verifies
the Photo ID of elector;

 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 the Electoral Roll.

 Further, for easy verification and calculation of number of male

and female voters, the serial number of the voter will be
rounded off in the case of female voters.

 Provide data on No. of votes polled to Pr.O from time to time.

For this, usual practice is to keep a sheet containing consecutive
numbers and crossing one by one as poll progresses
 IDENTIFICATION OF VOTER

• Minor discrepancies in EPIC relating to elector's name, father's /

mother's / husband's name, sex, age or address shall be ignored and
the elector allowed to cast vote.

• Any discrepancy in the serial number of EPIC as mentioned in the

electoral roll shall be ignored.

• If an elector produces an EPIC which has been issued by the ERO of

another Assembly constituency, such cards shall also be taken into
account provided the name of that elector is in the electoral roll
pertaining to the polling station where the elector has turned up for
voting.
 Duties of Second Polling Officer

• Ensure that the electors put their full signature or LTI in the
Register of Voters (Form 17 A).

• Note the kind of Identification Document produced along

with the No. of document produced, if given in the
document, on Column 3 of Form 17A.

• In case of EPIC holder, write EP and in case of other

documents last four digits mentioned in the Column 3 of
Form 17 A.

• Issue voter slip

 Duties of Second Polling Officer

Application of Indelible Ink

Inspect the elector's Left Forefinger and put a mark of Indelible Ink
from the upper tip of the nail to bottom of the first joint in the
form of a line as illustrated:
 APPLICATION OF INDELIBLE INK
• 2nd PO will mark left forefinger from the tip up to the first
joint with indelible ink;

• When elector has no left forefinger, put ink on any finger

on left hand starting from left forefinger, as applicable;

• If elector has no left hand, put ink on any finger on right

hand starting from right forefinger, as applicable;

• If elector has no hand, put ink on extreme (stump) of hand

as he possesses;
 ISSUE OF VOTER’S SLIPS
It will be supplied in stitched bundles of 50 or 100,

• After an elector’s left forefinger is marked with indelible ink

and his entries are made in voter register, 2nd PO will issue
Voter’s Slip;

• Elector will be allowed to vote by 3rd PO on the basis and

order of Voter’s Slips issued by 2nd PO;

• All Voter’s Slips should be collected by 3rd PO from electors &

preserved carefully and kept in separate cover;

• Check again left forefinger of the elector,

 RECORDING OF VOTES

3rd PO presses BALLOT button of the CU

 Voter goes inside voting compartment for recording his vote;

 If Voter is not familiar with voting procedure, he may be

explained by the Pr.O the use of dummy cardboard model of the
EVM in presence of the polling agents, but none should
accompany the voter inside voting compartment;

 If Pr.O needs to enter inside voting compartment during poll for

any checking or so, when no voter is inside, he should ask or allow
polling agents to accompany on all such occasions;

 Tally number of votes polled periodically with CU & Register of

Voters (Form- 17A)
 Duties of Micro-observers
The Micro-observers are appointed to observe whether election process is
being observed in a free and fair manner.

They will observe specially,

• Mock poll procedure

• Presence of polling agents & observance of ECI instructions with regard to
them
• Observance of entry pass system and access to Polling station
• Proper identification of electors as per ECI guidelines
• Identification and recording procedures for the Absentee, Shifted and
Duplicate voter’s list (ASD list)
• Application of indelible ink
• Noting down particulars of electors as in register 17A
• Secrecy of voting
• Conduct of polling agents, their complaints ,if any.
He will make report to the Observer as will be asked to do so.

PrO not to seek any instruction from MO. If required ask Sector
Officer or any Magistrates visiting the polling station
 Plz. Note
• Preparation of Pr.O’s report I in format.

• Use of Dummy Cardboard Model of EVM for explaining the

voting process by Pr.O to any voter who asks for help or
expresses his inability to vote using EVM
• PRO & other polling officers not to frequent voting
compartment that may give scope of complaints
• Time to time inspection of the BU in presence of all polling
agents( with no voter)

• Declaration form to be used by voters complaining on use of

VVPAT.

• Blind voters may vote by using braille system in the EVM

 Procedure for ED vote
• Obtain signature of person producing the EDC on the EDC (Form
12B). He must carry EPIC/Alternative Document for
Identification.
• Have the name and electoral roll details as mentioned in the
EDC entered at the end of the marked copy along with electoral
particular details
• Each such entry should be serially numbered consecutively after
the last sl number of entries in the relevant part of the roll
(supplement 3).
• EDC to be retained by PrO
Noting in 17A:
-Roll details <Sl No>/<Part No>/<Assembly Constituency No>;
eg.- 487/25/12- Alipurduar
– Remarks- “EDC Voter”
• All EDCs produced to be kept in a packet to be returned at RC
 Election Duty Certificate
Who are entitled- All persons enrolled in electoral roll of the Assembly
constituency
•Filling up of Form 12A: Name - Part and Sl No –
• Search engines available at training centre OR
WB<>EC<>EPIC Number and SMS to 51969
Also write the following on 12A carefully
– PIN No -EPIC No - Mobile No
• Submission of 12A- To be submitted in the drop box at the Postal Ballot
Counter
• 12A with wrong roll details is liable to be rejected
• Collect the ED certificate personally during second training producing
identity details
• EDC can also be collected from the DC on P-1 day
• Once issued EDC is non refundable i.e the concerned elector cannot cast
vote at the polling station where his name is enrolled.
 POSTAL Vote
1. On the first day of training, submit Forms 12 and 12A with correct electoral
information using the assistance of the search engine. You can use
www.voters.eci.gov.in, the Voter Helpline App,
www.electoralsearch.eci.gov.in, or the help desk.
2. After the second randomization, during the second training, you will be
informed along with your appointment letter (for party-wise training).,
whether you will be provided with Postal ballot OR receive an Election
Duty Certificate (EDC). With the Election Duty Certificate (EDC) in 12D,
you may cast your vote at your assigned polling station.
3. PB Facilitation Centre will only be operational on the days of party-wise
training at the training venue (as per Training hours). Additionally, the
Facilitation Centre will also be operational at the RO office from P-3 to P-1
days (normal office hours).
4. At the PB Facilitation Centre:
1st Polling Officer: Will identify by EPIC and take signature in the register.
2nd Polling Officer: Will apply indelible ink to the left hand's forefinger.
3rd Polling Officer: Will issue Postal Ballot, Forms 13A, 13B, 13C, and
13D.
5. When you show your voter card 13A will be attested at Facilitation
Centre

6. After receiving the Postal Ballot, the voter must go to the Voting
compartment and mark a 'cross' (X) or 'tick' (✓) against the candidate's
name of their choice with confidentiality.
7. Write the serial number of the Postal Ballot paper on - Form 13A at the
space provided for declaration and inside the envelope (Form 13B)
where the Postal Ballot is kept.
8. The sealed Form 13B and the 13A Declaration must be placed inside the
cover of Form 13C. After sealing Form 13C, it should be deposited into
the drop box at the Facilitation Centre.
9. Representatives of the recognized political parties and candidates'
agents will be present.
10.The entire process will be videographed.
 Replacement of EVM-VVPAT during Poll
• In case the CU or the BU does not work properly during
actual poll, replacement of the whole EVM including CU, BU
and VVPAT is required. However, in such case only one vote
to each contesting candidate including NOTA should be
polled in the mock poll.
• All mock poll data in CU and VVPAT paper slips from VVPAT
must be removed by the Presiding Officer and the empty
drop box verified by the Polling Agents.
• The mock poll VVPAT paper slips, should be stamped on
their back side with rubber stamp having inscription "MOCK
POLL SLIP", thereafter they shall be kept in an envelope of
thick black paper and must be kept in the special plastic box
for mock poll and sealed with a pink paper seal.
• In case of replacement of only VVPAT during actual poll, no
mock poll will be conducted.
 Replacement of EVM/VVPAT

During mock poll During poll

Only the defective BU/CU is VVPAT is

unit i.e CU or BU defective defective
or VVPAT will be
changed

The entire set i.e Only VVPAT will

CU, BU and VVPAT be changed
will be changed -No mock poll will
-Only one vote to
be conducted.
each contesting
candidate including
NOTA should be
polled in the mock
poll.
 VVPAT Complaint by voter – Rule 49MA

In case a voter complains of wrong printing by VVPAT:

• He will report to Presiding Officer.
• Presiding Officer will take a declaration explaining that if
found false he can be penalized.
• PO will then record in 17A and permit him to cast a ‘test
vote’ in presence of PO and Polling Agents.
• If found false PO will record in 17A ( against whom the Test
Vote has been cast)and 17C( in col 5.) so that test vote is not
counted.
• If found true then PO will stop poll and r eport to RO.
 VOTING BY BLIND AND INFIRM VOTERS
Blind voters may vote through Braille system available in EVM. The
procedure may be explained to him by Dummy cardboard EVM by
Pr.O if necessary,

 Or else a companion may be allowed of not less than 18 years of age;

 No polling personnel shall act as companion

 No person shall be permitted to act as companion of more than one

elector at any polling station on the same day;

 Get a declaration from the companion in this respect and also that he
would keep secret the vote recorded by him on behalf of blind/infirm
voter;

 Keep a record of all such cases in Form 14A;

 No polling personnel should act as a companion

• As per the first proviso to sub-rule (1) of Rule 49N, one
person cannot act as the companion of more than one
elector. In order to facilitate the polling staff to ensure
compliance of these provisions, application of indelible ink
shall also apply to the companion. Indelible ink shall be applied
on the right index finger of the companion. Marking of ink on
the left index finger of the elector in such cases shall continue
to apply as per the existing provisions.
• Before an elector is permitted to take with him a
companion inside the voting compartment, the right index
finger of the companion should be checked to ensure that it is
not already marked with indelible ink. If it is found to be already
marked, such person cannot be permitted to be companion for
the purpose of Rule 49N.
• Companion shall leave Polling Station Location
immediately after assisting an infirm/blind voter.
 Voting by Blind and infirm Voters-instructions

• Infirm voters who are capable of voting by herself/ himself by pressing the
button of the candidate of his choice on the balloting unit of EVM shall be
permitted authorized companion only up to Voting Compartment in the Polling
Station, but not inside the Voting Compartment. This will apply in cases where
the nature of physical infirmity is such that the elector needs assistance only
for his movement and not for voting. The Presiding Officer has to take decision
in such cases.
• Sub-rule (2) of Rule 49N provides that the Presiding Officer shall keep a record of
cases where electors record vote with the assistance of companion in Form 14A.
This should cover all cases where the companion is permitted to go into the voting
compartment with the elector to assist him in recording the vote. Cases where a
companion only comes to assist the elector in his movement and does not go
into the voting compartment shall not be included in Form 14A.
Voting by Blind and infirm Voters-instructions

• While Scrutinizing of various documents such as the Form

17A, Presiding Officers Diaries etc., by the Observer and
Returning Officer on the day following the day of poll, Form 14 A
shall also be scrutinized to see whether there are unusually
larger no. of cases of companions accompanying the electors
in recording votes in any Polling Station, which may create
suspicion about the fairness of poll.
 DECLARATION BY THE COMPANAION
OF BLIND OR INFIRM ELECTOR
...............………………………………………………....................................Assembly Constituency (comprised
within................................................ Parliamentary Constituency)

Sl. No. and Name of Polling Station ………………………………………….……....

I, ...........................................................son of..........………...aged…...................... resident of*.................................................

..................………. ….. hereby declare that

(a) I have not acted as companion of any other elector at any polling station today, the........................
.....................................................

(b) I will keep secret the vote recorded by me on behalf of……………….............

Signature of Companion

*Full address to be given

 CHALLENGED VOTES
Entertain a challenge from polling agent only after he deposits Rs. 2 in
cash

 Furnish a receipt to challenger;

 Warn the person challenged about penalty for impersonating,

enter his name and address in the list of challenged votes (form 14)
and ask him to sign. If he refuses to do so, do not allow him to
vote;

 Summary inquiry: ask the challenger to adduce prima facie

evidence. If challenger succeeds, ask the person challenged to
produce evidence to rebut the challenge;

 If challenge is established, hand over such person to police with a

written complaint and return challenge fee after taking receipt in
col. 10 of form 14 and counter foil of receipt;

 If challenge is not established, forfeit the fee and write “forfeited”

in col. 10 of form 14 and counter foil of receipt.
 DECLARATION OF ELECTOR ABOUT AGE

If an elector appears to be below aged but his identity is

otherwise established, take a declaration from him about his
age in prescribed form;

• Before taking declaration inform him about penal provisions of

law for giving false declaration;

• Prepare a list of such voters from whom the declaration is

obtained. Also maintain a list of persons who refused to give
declaration and have gone away without casting vote;

• Keep all such declarations in a separate cover.

 TENDERED VOTES
20 Ballot papers marked as tendered ballot paper on their back will be
supplied per polling station;

• Maintain complete record of electors issued with tendered ballot papers in

form 17B;

• Obtain signature or LTI of elector in col. 5 of 17B before issuing him a

tendered ballot;

• Elector will mark his vote through arrow cross mark inside voting
compartment and fold the ballot paper, come out and hand over the same
to the Pr.O;

• Keep all tendered ballot papers and list in form 17B in separate cover;

• Keep a correct account of tendered ballot papers (1) received in the

polling station (2) issued to electors, and (3) unused and returned in item 8
of 17C part-I
 Voting by voters from ASD list
• Every elector, whose name appears in ASD list, shall have to
produce EPIC for his/her identification or any one of the
alternative photo identity documents permitted by the
Commission.
• The PrO shall verify the identification document personally
and satisfy himself about identity..

• A declaration shall be obtained from the ASD electors

• ASD elector to be videographed(where videographer is
attached.

• the details should be properly registered in the register of

voters in Form 17A.
• The First Polling Officer shall inform the Polling Agents about the
ASD elector who has come to vote by reading out his/her name
loudly.
• Thumb impression of such electors shall also be obtained in
addition to signature against the column of "signature/thumb
impression” of Register of voters (Form 17A).

• The thumb impression shall be in addition to the signature even

in the case of an elector who is a literate and can sign.

• Presiding Officer shall maintain a record and give a certificate at

the end of poll about electors allowed from ASD list
 VOTING BY PROXY
There will be a list of CSVs (classified service voters) who have appointed proxies.
Such a list will be attached at the end of Marked Copy of Electoral Roll:

• Proxy will record vote on behalf of CSV in usual manner;

• Mark middle finger of left hand of proxy;

• Proxy is entitled to vote of his own in addition to vote as proxy, if he is

registered elector of that polling station;

• In case of proxy votes, Sl. No. of CSV as noted in sub-list should be recorded in
the voter register;

• For distinction, suffix PV in bracket in the voter register. For example write 1
(PV) in column 2 of the voter register.
 REFUSAL TO OBSERVE VOTING PROCEDURE

If an elector refuses, after necessary warning by Pr.O, to

observe voting procedure, do not allow him to vote;

• If the elector is already issued Voter’s Slip, that should be

withdrawn from him and cancelled;

• Put a remark “Not allowed to vote – Voting procedure

violated” in the remarks column of Voter Register and put
full signature of Pr.O below that remark
 ELECTORS DECIDING NOT TO VOTE

After recording in voter register, if an elector decides so, he

should not be compelled to vote;

• “Refused to vote” OR “Left without Voting” shall be noted in

17A Register and Pr.O should sign in full below that remark;

• Signature/LTI of elector shall be obtained against such

remark.
 REPORTS OF PRESIDING OFFICER

1) PRESIDING OFFICER’S DIARY

–The PO is required to record the relevant events/proceedings
as & when they occur in a diary as per annexure-VII.
2) VISIT SHEET
– Fill up the information in the visit sheet as & when any
officers visit the Polling Station .
3) ADDITIONAL REPORT by PO (16 points) is to be submitted to the
observer/RO.
4) FILLING UP OF REGISTER OF VOTERS-
The PO should make required entries in the relevant columns of the
above 4 documents at regular intervals.
5) Polling Agent Movement Sheet
Close of Poll
1.17C
2. Signatures of Polling
agents
3. Process
4. Sealing of papers
5. Sealing of machines
6. Statutory/ Non
statutory/Third packet/4th
packet etc. covers filling
 Close Of Poll
•Before five minutes for the scheduled hour of close
of poll, go outside the polling station and announce
that the intending persons to vote should come in a
queue;

•If poll continues beyond scheduled hour of close,

make only one queue and distribute slips serially
numbered and signed by Pr.O from the last person in
the queue;

•Continue poll till the person holding Sl. No. 1 slip.

Collect all slips and destroy to prevent reuse;
 Close Of Poll
•Press CLOSE button of CU in presence of polling
agents and replace the cap over it . Total no of votes
recorded in the machine should be noted in item 5 of
part-I of form 17C ;
•Switch off the power and disconnect the BU from
CU;
•51/8/7/2019 -EMS dtd 09.04.2019 - After
completion of poll, the Presiding officer shall remove
the power pack (battery) from VVPAT in the presence
of polling agents. Only after removal of power pack
(battery) form VVPAT. The carrying case of VVPAT
shall be sealed in the presence of Polling agents.

Draw a line after last entry in Form 17A and certify “The
serial number of last entry in Form 17A is ……….” &
sign. Obtain signature of polling agents present. Mention
time of poll closure.
• The precise time of close of poll should be indicated in PrO’s diary
(COL 20b) and 17A.

• The precise time of closure of poll should be included in PrO’s

declaration and it should be same as shown in CU.

• Account of pink paper seal- no specific col yet given. Pls write
separately under Col 7 (Paper Seal account) of PrO Diary eg.
7 i) Number of Green- 1 Pink- 1
Paper seal used
ii) Sl No. of paper AA009758 dsf98729
seal used

• Similarly in the address tag, also time of closure of poll shall be

mentioned there by PrO. Polling agents of candidates should be
allowed to sign on address tags, if willing
 ACCOUNT OF VOTE RECORDED
• Prepare form 17C Part-I;
•Total Elector assigned to PS= Total elector + Electors who have
casted vote on basis of EDC
• Total no. of votes recorded must be equal to the total no. of
votes registered as per col. 1 of the register 17A minus no. of
voters decided not to vote (as per remarks col. Of 17A) minus
no. of voters not allowed to vote for violation of secrecy (as per
remarks col. Of 17A); (2-3-4=6)
• Supply attested copies of form 17C to all polling agents
present irrespective of asking and take receipt. Better to supply
after all sealing works relating to polled EVM and polled
materials are over;
• 2 copies of 17C should be submitted in a separate cover at RC;
• Pr. O to make declaration at the close of poll and get
signatures of the agents present
Greater Participation for a Stronger
Democracy
Items to be signed by polling agents on Poll day
• Pr.O’s Report I, II, III and Mock Poll slips envelope. (before
commencement of poll and on subsequent replacement of EVM if
any)
• Green paper seal, Pink paper Seal, Spl. Tag- At the time of sealing
CU after mock poll
• Presiding Officer’s Declaration
– Part-I: before commencement of poll
– Part-II: on subsequent replacement of EVM if any
– Part-III: At end of poll
– Part-IV: After sealing of EVM
• 17A- In case of Test Vote is cast u/r 49MA
• 17A- after close of poll, below PrO’s signature
• 17C Part-I (after poll)
• Movement sheet as and when applicable
 DECLARATION BY PRESIDING OFFICER
PART-I

Declaration by the Presiding Officer before the commencement of the poll

Election from............................................ Parliamentary/Assembly Constituency
Serial No. and name of polling station.................................................
Date of Poll.......................................................
I hereby declare:
(1) that I have demonstrated to the polling agents and other persons p resent –
(a) by holding a mock poll that the voting machine is in perfect working order and that no
vote is already recorded therein;
b) that the marked copy of the electoral roll to be used during the poll does not contain any
marks other than those used for issuing postal ballot papers and election duty certifica tes;
(c) that the Register of Voters (Form 17A) to be used during the poll does not contain any
entry in respect of any elector;
(2) that I have affixed my own signature on the paper seal(s) used for securing the result section
of Control Unit of the voting machine and obtained thereon the signatures of such of the poll-
ing agents as a represent and desirous of affixing the same.
(3) that I have written the serial number of the Control Unit on the special tag, and I have affixed
my signature on the back side of the special tag and also obtained thereon the signatures of
such of the candidates/polling agents as are present and desirous of affixing their signature.
(4) that I have affixed my signature on the strip seal and also obtained thereon the signatures of
such of the candidates/polling agents as are present and desirous of affixing their signature.
(5) that I have read out the pre-printed serial number of the special tag and asked the candi-
dates/polling agents present, to note down the serial number.
Signature........................
Presiding Officer
Signature of polling agents:
1...............(of candidate............) 2...............(of candidate........…........)
3........…... (of candidate.............) 4. ............ (of candidate......…..........)
5...........…. (of candidate........…) 6. ............ (of candidate....................)
7.......….... (of candidate ….......) 8. ............ (of candidate....................)
9............…. (of candidate...........)

Date.........................

497
 PART II
DECLARATION BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER AT THE TIME OF USE OF SUBSEQUENT VOTING
MACHINE, IF ANY,
Election ....................................................Parliamentary/Assembly Constituency
Serial No. and Name of Polling Station...............................................
Date of poll.........................
I hereby declare:
(1) that I have demonstrated to the polling agents and other persons present –
(a) by holding a mock poll that the voting machine is in perfect working order and that no vote
is already recorded therein;
b) that the marked copy of the electoral roll to be used during the poll does not contain any
marks other than those used for issuing postal ballot papers and election duty certificates;
(c) that the Register of Voters (Form 17A) to be used during the poll does not contain any entry
in respect of any elector;
(2) that I have affixed my own signature on the paper seal(s) used for securing the result section
of Control Unit of the voting machine and obtained thereon the signatures of such of the polling
agents as a represent and desirous of affixing the same.
(3) that I have written the serial number of the Control Unit on the special tag, and I have affixed
my signature on the backside of the special tag and also obtained thereon the signatures of such of
the candidates/polling agents as are present and desirous of affixing their signature.
(4) that I have affixed my signature on the strip seal and also obtained thereon the signatures of
such of the candidates/polling agents as are present and desirous of affixing their signature.
(5) that I have read out the pre-printed serial number of the special tag and asked the candi-
dates/polling agents present, to note down the serial number.
Signature........................
Presiding Officer
Signature of polling agents:
1...............(of candidate.............) 2...............(of candidate........…........)
3........…...(of candidate.............) 4. ............ (of candidate......…..........)
5...........….(of candidate........…) 6. ............ (of candidate....................)
7.......….....(of candidate ….......) 8. ............ (of candidate....................)
9............….(of candidate...........)
 PART III
DECLARATION AT THE END OF POLL

I have furnished to the polling agents, who were present at the polling station at the close of the poll
and whose signatures are affixed below, an attested copy of each of the entries in ‘Part-I- Account of
Votes Recorded’ of Form17C as required under rule 49-S (2) of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
Signature....................
Presiding Officer
Date....................
Time....................
Received an attested copy of the entries in the accounts of votes recorded (Part I of Form 17C)
Signature of polling agents:
1. ........….... (of candidate...….......) 2...........(of candidate..........….)
3........…......(of candidate..…........) 4..….....(of candidate...............)
5........…......(of candidate....…......) 6..….... (of candidate ..............)
7. ........….... (of candidate....…......) 8...…....(of candidate...............)
9.........….... (of candidate.....…......)

The following polling agents who were present at the close of the poll declined to receive an attested
copy of Part I of Form 17C and to give a receipt therefor and so an attested copy of that Form was not
supplied to them.
1....................(of candidate..........….....) 2.........(of candidate ................)
3....................(of candidate .........….....) 4........ (of candidate................)
5....................(of candidate ....…..........) 6.........(of candidate.................)
7....................(of candidate ......……....) 8.........(of candidate ................)
9....................(of candidate......….........)

Signature…………
Presiding Officer
Date…..

499
 PART IV

DECLARATION AFTER THE SEALING OF THE VOTING MACHINE

I have affixed my seals, and I have allowed the polling agents who were present at the polling station
at the close of poll to affix their seals, on the carrying cases of the Control Unit and balloting units of
the voting machine.

Signature………………………..

of Presiding Officer

Date………………

Time………………

The following polling agents have affixed their seals. Signature of polling agents:

1.............. (of candidate............) 4.........(of candidate......…........)

2.............. (of candidate............) 5.........(of candidate.................)

3...............(of candidate............) 6.........(of candidate.................)

The following polling agents refused or did not want to affix their seals.

1.......…….(of candidate............) 3..........(of candidate..............)

2.............. (of candidate ...........) 4..........(of candidate..............)

Signature........................

Presiding Officer
Date...............................
 Affixing of Seal thereon by the Polling Agents:
The Polling Agents present at the polling station are also permitted to
affix their seals, in addition to the seal of the Presiding Officer, on the
envelopes and packets containing the following documents:
(a) The marked copy of the electoral roll;
(b) Register of Voters;
(c) Voters slips;
(d) The tendered ballot papers and the list of tendered voters in Form
17B;
(e) The unused tendered ballot papers;
(f) The list of challenged votes;
(g) The unused and damaged paper seals, if any;
(h) Appointment letters of Polling Agents; and
(i) Any other papers that the Returning Officer has directed to be kept in a
sealed packet.
 SEALING OF EVM and Polled Materials AFTER POLL

• Switch off the CU & put in Carrying case and seal it at both ends with
addressed tag with the help of seal of Presiding Officer;

• Agents present should be asked to affix their seals;

• Names of candidates/ polling agents who have affixed their seals on

carrying cases of CU should be noted in the declaration at the close of
poll;
 PREPARATION OF PRO’S DIARY

• Record relevant events as and when they occur at

regular intervals;

• Any lapse of writing diary at regular intervals is seriously

viewed by ECI;

• One of the important documents verified by the

OBSERVER on the day after poll at the time of scrutiny;
 Visit Sheet

• Patrolling Magistrate, Sector Officer, Zonal Magistrate, DEO, RO,

AROs and Election Observers, whenever they visit any polling
station, shall make an entry in the VISIT SHEET kept with the
Presiding Officers. Visit Sheet shall be deposited after end of
poll along with Presiding Officer's Diary.

• One of the important documents that will be verified by the

OBSERVER on the day after poll at the time of scrutiny
 SEALING OFELECTION PAPERS IN PACKETS

The large White cover superscribed as “EVM papers”

comprising
(i) the unsealed envelope containing Account of votes recorded
(Form 17C),
(ii) Unsealed envelope containing the Presiding Officer Report-I
(Mock poll certificate), II & III and
(iii)Sealed Black envelope containing printed VVPAT paper slips of
Mock poll shall be placed along with polled EVMs in the polled
EVM Strong Room.
 Special Counter at RC
•for receiving EVMs/VVPATs and other documents from the specific
polling-stations about which complaints had been received from
political parties / candidates during the course of polling;
•polling stations in which significant event such as violent-incidents,
heated arguments with the polling personnel, clash between polling -
agents, break-down of machines reported and where the EVM
replacement had taken place .

SECOND PACKET (WHITE) : SCRUTINY DOCUMENTS

(To be kept in Strong room other than EVM Strong room)
Envelope Set- 2/1 Master Envelope No. 2/2 for Presiding Officer’s 1
02: Scrutiny Envelope for Diary, Size (10”X4.5”)
Documents Scrutiny
(Second Packet) Documents Envelope No. 2/3 for register of voters 1
Size (17A), Size (14”X10”)
(16”X12”) Envelope No. 2/4 for the list of blind 1
and infirm electors in Form 14-A and
the declarations of the companions
(10”X4.5”)

Envelope No. 2/5 for Visit Sheet 1

(10”X4.5”) 143
 Six separate large packets:
Even if a statement or record to be mentioned in the statutory form or non-statutory
form is ‘Nil’, such ‘Nil ‘remark should be marked on the concerned statutory form or
non-statutory form and placed in the respective envelopes and packed in the large
packets.

First packet (WHITE) - “EVM PAPERS COVER”

a)Envelope containing the account of votes recorded (Form-17C),

b)Envelope containing the PrO Report I (Mock-Poll Certificate), II & III

c)Black color Sealed Envelope containing Printed VVPAT paper slips of Mock Poll

Note: All the above election papers should be kept in unsealed white coloured master
envelope (Envelope No: 1/1) and should be kept in the Polled EVM Strongroom.

In case of simultaneous election-

for assembly election,
 one additional Master envelope for EVM Papers in pink colour,
 one additional envelope for account of votes recorded (17C) in pink colour and
 one additional envelope for Presiding Officer’s Report-I (Mock Poll Certificate), II & III in pink color and
 one additional envelope for VVPAT paper slips of Mock poll in black colour for assembly poll EVM.
 Second packet (colored WHITE)
-unsealed/sealed envelopes ( “SCRUTINY COVER”)

a)Unsealed envelope containing the Presiding Officer’s Diary

b)Sealed envelope containing the register of voters (17A)

c)Unsealed envelope containing Visit Sheet

d)Unsealed envelope containing the list of blind and infirm

electors in Form 14-Aand the declarations of the companions.
Note: All the above election papers should be kept in unsealed white coloured
master envelope (Envelope No: 2/1) and Polling Station wise scrutiny cover required
for scrutiny should be stored separately in a strong room other than Polled EVM
strongroom having polled EVMs and VVPATs.
Third Packet ( White Color) – Statutory Cover

a) Sealed envelope containing the marked copy of the Electoral

Roll and list of CSVs

b) Sealed envelope containing voter’s slip

c) Sealed envelope containing unused tendered ballot papers

d) Sealed envelope containing the used tendered ballot papers

and the list in form 17 B

e) e) Sealed envelope including challenged vote in form 14

Fourth Packet (Non-Statutory Cover ) - Yellow

a)Envelope containing the copy or copies of electoral roll (other than the marked copy)

b)Envelope containing the appointment letters of Polling Agents in Form 10

c)Envelope containing the election duty certificates in Form 12- B

d)Envelope containing declarations by Presiding Officer

e)Envelope containing receipt book and cash if any, in respect of challenged votes

f)Envelope containing the declarations obtained from electors as to their age and the list of such
electors who have refused to make declaration as to their age

g)Envelope containing unused and damaged paper seals and special tags

h)Envelope containing unused voter’s slips

I)Envelope containing Form of Declaration by elector under 49MA (Test Vote)

j)Envelope containing Form of Declaration by elector whose name is in ASD list

k)Envelope containing letter of complaint to SHO

 Fifth Packet (Brown)

a.Handbook for Presiding Officer,

Manual of Electronic Voting Machine and VVPAT,
instructions etc.

b.Used and remaining Indelible ink set

c.Used Stamp pad (Brown colour)

 Sixth Packet (Blue colour)
a)Candidate Information Booklet
b)Other unused forms
c)Metal seal of the Presiding Officer
d)The arrow cross-mark rubber stamp for
marking tendered ballot papers;
e)Cup for setting the indelible ink.
f)All the other items, if any, should be
packed into the Fifth packet (colored Blue).
RECEIVING CENTRE
 Management of receipt of voting materials
• There will be provision for receiving voting materials by setting up
counters for specific number of polling stations.
• Various items will be received as per the checklist.
• The staff who is receiving the items will take the items only after
checking it carefully.
• Whether polling materials of that same polling station be deposited at
that counter or not?
• BU/CU/VVPAT is sealed.
• Match number of BU/CU/VVPAT as per EVM Receipt Register.
• EVM Receipt Register must bears the signature of the Presiding Officer.
• Votes mentioned in 17C matches with 17A.
• Presiding Officer's diary is duly filled and VISIT SHEET is attached.
• Polling agents are given 17C.
• Mock Poll Ballot Slip Plastic Box Envelope I
• Additional Format Report of the Presiding Officer has been
submitted
• Diary of the Presiding Officer - 1 copy, without seal.
• Form 17C- 2 copies, one sealed and the other without seal.
• Declaration or Annexure VII of the Presiding Officer - 1 copy,
without seal.
• VISIT SHEET- 1 copy, without seal
• PS-05A- 1 copy, without seal
• 17A
• 16 PT OBSERVER REPORT
• Pr.O’s Report Part 1 & 3 must. 2, 4, 5 (If applicable)
• LOG SHEET OF CAMERA
• POLLING AGENT MOVEMENT SHEET
• FORM 14A.
 SPECIAL COUNTER AT RC
On top of these counters, the number and name of the
specific Polling Station will be written.
• There will be some special counters where -
 Any complaints submitted
 Any significant incidents such as SNATCHING or
destruction of EVMs happened.
 Replacement of EVM/VVPAT
• For these booths, the RO will create a separate register and
after verifying the documents including EVM/VVPAT, the RO
will discuss it with the Observers. After that, the Presiding
Officer will be given instructions.
 PS – 05
Receiving
Arrangements
PrO’s diary, 17C, visit
slip, -- Kept at
separate trunk

POINTS TO
REMEMBER
Statutory covers :
1. Marked copy of E. Roll
2. Voter Register (17A)
3. Voters’ slip
4. Unused tendered ballot
papers
5. Used tendered ballot papers
 Receiving centre

•17 C and one copy of Mock poll

certificates and black envelope sealed
in strong room attached to C.U of EVM.

• Send BU, CU and VVPAT to strong

room with transit slip register

The complete set of polled CU-BU-

VVPATs of the polling station should be
kept in the same strong room.
 Management of submission of EVMs and VVPATs after polling
Type of machine
STORAGE Force Remarks

Category A and B will be

accommodated in the strong room
according to the polling station.
Allowed In One Sealed envelopes with mock
In the squares of the strong room, the the Platoon poll slips will accompany A &
BU, CU, and VVPATs must be kept
together. strongroom CAPF B machines

Not around the strong room

1. Category C - Unpolled Defective At the Defective and unused

(District Warehouse) District machines must be collected at
2. Category D - Reserved Unused Warehouse 1/2 section the same time.
Machines - Partitioned in the
warehouse
 Presiding Officers have to send following messages

1. Registration 9. 2 Hourly report : 5 PM

For RO - WB<>EL<>001<>R WB EL 900 (where 900 stands for total votes
For ARO - WB<>EL<>001<>AR polled at a given time, i.e., 5 PM)
For SO - WB<>EL<>001<>S<>01 10. Problem of EVM/ VVPAT Non-Functioning
For PO/PRO - WB<>EL<>001<>P<>001/001A WB<>EL<>EVM
Indicates EVM / VVPAT Problem
2. Safe Arrival at Polling Station
11. Problem of Law & Order
WB<>EL<>SAP
WB<>EL<>LW
3. Mock Poll
Indicates Law & Order Problem
WB<>EL<>MP<>04(No. of Polling Agents) 12. Other Problem
4. Poll Start WB<>EL<>OTH
WB<>EL<>PS OTH – Indicates Other Problem
5. 2 Hourly report : 9 AM 13. Problem of EVM/ VVPAT Resolved & Poll
WB EL 245 (where 245 stands for total votes resumed
polled at a given time, i.e., 9 AM) WB<>EL<>EVM <>PR
6. 2 Hourly report : 11 AM 14. Problem of Law & Order Resolved & Poll
resumed
WB EL 445 (where 445 stands for total votes
WB<>EL<>LW<>PR
polled at a given time, i.e., 11
15. Other Problem Resolved & Poll resumed
AM)
WB<>EL<>OTH<>PR
7. 2 Hourly report : 1 PM
16. Voters in Queue at 6.30 PM
WB EL 645 (where 645 stands for total votes
WB<>EL<>Q<>018
polled at a given time, i.e., 1 PM)
17. VTR (At close of poll)
8. 2 Hourly report : 3 PM WB<>EL<>VT<>1260
WB EL 845 (where 845 stands for total votes 18. Safe Arrival at Receiving Centre
polled at a given time, i.e., 3 PM) WB<>EL<>SARC
 Sample
PP TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT
South 24 Parganas
Pick-up points for carrying Polling Personnel
• List of pick-up points are based on previous elections
• Kindly choose your nearest pick-up point falling
inside South 24 Parganas District
• Please put one tick [ ] in appropriate box against the
pick-up point
• Kindly put one tick per Polling Personnel only
• If your designated pick-up is not in the list, kindly
contact Venue-in-Charge for a separate form.
• Based on the pick up points collected today, route of
buses for P-1 will be shared in 2nd Training.
 EXAMPLE:
6 nos. PP preferred Seladah Station , 1 no. PP Howrah Station and 2 no. PP Jharkhali
Bus Stand ( Diamond Harbour)
OPTION FOR PICKUP POINTS IN DIFFERENT SUB-DIVISIONS FOR POLLING PERSONNEL

NAME OF THE PICK-UP SUB-DIVISION : ALIPORE SADAR

DATE:
NAME OF THE TRAINING CENTRE : BARISHA HIGH SCHOOL ROOM NUMBER: 01
06.04.2024

SL NO. NEAREST PICK-UP POINTS PLEASE TICK [  ] ONLY ONE APPROPRIATE BOX

1 ALIPORE DM OFFICE (BHAWANI BHABAN BUS STAND)

2 HOWRAH STATION 
3 SEALDAH STATION      
4 SANTRAGACHI STATION BUS STAND
5 ESPLANADE PRESS CLUB
6 SCIENCE CITY P.S. BUS STAND

NAME OF THE PICK-UP SUB-DIVISION : DIAMOND HARBOUR

SL
NEAREST PICK-UP POINTS PLEASE TICK [  ] ONLY ONE APPROPRIATE BOX
NO.

GODKHALI JETTY GHAT BUS

1
STAND

2 JHARKHALI BUS STAND 

3 BASANTI BRIDGE MORE

 Remuneration of Polling Personnel, PGE 2024
PP on Poll duty (DC Reporting on P-1 Day)
1st Polling 2nd Polling
PRO Offficer Officer 3rd Polling Officer
1st day of Training 350 250 250 250
2nd Training (Hands on) 350 250 0 0
3rd Training (Party Training) 350 250 250 250
On the Day of taking materials 350 250 250 250
For attending Poll Duty 350 250 250 250
Lunch for attending 1st
Training 170 170 170 170
Lunch for Hands on Training 170 170 0 0
Lunch for Poll Day 170 170 170 170
Polling Party Contingency 300 0 0
Cell phone recharge to send
SMS 50 0 0 0
Total 2610 1760 1340 1340
Reserve PP (DC Reporting on P-1 Day)
2nd Polling
PRO 1st Polling Officer 3rd Polling Officer
1st day of Training 350 250 250 250
2nd Training (Hands on) 350 250 0 0
3rd Training (Party Training) 350 250 250 250
For night halt on P-1 Day 150 150 150 150
Lunch for attending 1st
Training 170 170 170 170
Lunch for Hands on Training 170 170 0 0
Lunch for Poll Day (if released
after 5 pm on poll day) 170 170 170 170
Total 1710 1410 990 990
Poll Duty and Reserve PP (DC Reporting on P-2 Day)
2nd Polling
In Marked Copy of Electoral Roll, PB marking was made
against the name of Mr. Somen and he is appearing in
the Polling Booth. What will you do?
(A) Allowed to cast his vote after receiving a declaration from
him.
(B) Presiding Officer to perform an enquiry and if there is no
objection from the Polling Agents he will allow Mr. Somen to cast his
vote.
(C) PB is marked against the name of Mr. Somen, so he will not be
allowed to cast vote.

(D) None of the Above

Mr. Bikash is an elector of Gopalpur PC and his polling
duty is assigned under Gopalpur PC. How Mr. Bikash
will cast his Vote?
(A) Mr. Bikash will cast his vote at Voter’s Facilitation Centre.

(B) Mr. Bikash will submit his Appointment Letter to the Presiding
Officer and Cast his vote at the Polling Station where his duty is
assigned.
(C) Mr. Bikash will cast his vote at the Polling Station where his
duty his assigned by showing Form-12B (EDC)

(D) None of the Above

Who will be allowed to use Mobile Phone inside the Polling
Booth?

(A) Any Person

(B) Polling party, Polling Agent along with any other person

(C) Only Observer and Polling Agent

(D) Returning Officer, Observer and Polling Officer

Placement of VVPAT inside the Voting Compartment

(A) VVPAT to the left side of CU

(B) VVVPAT to the left side of BU

(C) VVPAT to the right side of BU

(D) VVPAT to the right side of CU

Who are allowed inside the Polling Booth ?

(A) Security Personnel of persons having Z+ category with concealed

arm.

(B) CAPF assigned to the concerned Booth

(C) Security of Hon'ble Observer

(D) Security Personnel of persons having Z+ category in civil dress.

Which type of Identity document is to be produced by
Polling Agent to establish their Identity.

(A) Form-10 and Photograph of Candidate

(B) Form-10 and Symbol of Candidate.

(C) Form-10 and name of Candidate

(D) Only Form-10

 Connectivity of EVM Machine?

(A) BU Cable to CU and CU cable to VVPAT

(B) VVPAT CABLE to BU and CU CABLE to VVPAT

(C) BU CABLE to VVPAT and VVPAT CABLE to CU

(D) None of the above

 Where to use Green Paper Seal ?

(A) To seal the Black Envelope of Mock Poll.

(B) To seal the Battery Section of CU.

(C)To seal the Result Section of CU.

(D) To seal the VVPAT Slip and Result Section of CU.

How to seal the VVPAT Slips after mock poll?

(A) VVPAT slips are to be preserved in plastic box after the

completion of poll.

(B) VVPAT slips are to be preserved in plastic box before the start
of poll.
(C) No specific guideline.

(D) After completion of Mock Poll and preparation of Mock poll

certificate, VVPAT slips are to be preserved in a black envelope
and seal using pink paper seal.
If CU is Non Functional during Mock Poll, what is the
procedure of EVM Replacement?

(A) To change BU and CU.

(B)To change BU, CU and VVPAT.

(C) To change CU only.

(D) None of the above.

 Process for change of CU power pack…

(A) Only to be replaced during Mock Poll and to fill up PRO's Report
Part-II.

(B) Only to be replaced during Actual Poll and to fill up PRO's

Report Part-II.

(C) Not to be changed any time.

(D) Replaced any time and fillup PRO's Report Part II

If VVPAT becomes non Functional during Actual Poll,
then what to Replace?

(A) Replace Both BU, CU, VVPAT

(B) Replace CU and VVPAT

(C) Replace BU and VVPAT

(D) Replace only VVPAT

 Who will mark Indelible Ink to a voter?

(A) Presiding Officer

(B) First Polling Officer

(C) Second Polling Officer

(D) Third Polling Officer

How many covers are to used after completion of Poll
for keeping the materials?

(A) 4

(B) 3

(C) 5

(D) 6
How to submit Presiding Officer's Report Part IV and V
at RC?

(A) EVM Papers Envelope

(B) In separate Envelope

(C) Through Sector Officer in separate Envelope

(D) None of the above

Which Form are to be given at Receving Counter during
submission of material ?

(A) FORM 19

(B) FORM 21

(C) FORM 17 C

(D) ANNEXURE C
Thank You
182