Conduct of Poll-2.

Conduct of Poll-2

CONTENTS Commencement of Poll Closing of Poll
Deposit of EVMs and other Material Scrutiny, verification and storage of forms 17a and 17c

Learning Module for Presiding Officer
Commencement of Poll The poll should commence at the appointed time. If commencement not done at the appointed hour, explain reasons for the delay in your Presiding Officer’s Diary. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

COMMENCEMENT OF THE POLL – AT A GLANCE
Commencement of Poll at appointed time Declaration before commencement of poll to be signed by PrO & polling agents Warning about Secrecy of vote If delay in polling, entry in PrOs Diary Precaution for indelible ink Demonstrate marked copy of Electoral Roll to Polling Agents Showing Register of Voters in Form 17 A to Polling Agents Entry of Voters to Polling Station Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Dos and DONTs Treat all parties and candidates equally Decide fairly and justly every disputed point Your tact, firmness and impartiality are the most important safeguards against any breach of the peace. Neither you nor any other officer at polling station should do any act or activity, interpreted as furthering the prospects of any candidate at the election. You and other officers should maintain decorum and dignity. Should not shake hands or get self photographed with a celebrity or VIP visiting polling station for casting his/her vote. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Read out the Prescribed Declaration
Learning Module for Presiding Officer

WARNING ABOUT SECRECY OF VOTING: Before commencing poll, explain to all the contesting candidates or their polling agents, the provisions of Section 128 of the Act regarding their duty to maintain the secrecy of the vote Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Precautions for indelible ink
Polling Officer in-charge to take adequate precautions regarding indelible kept carefully Ink phial does not get tilted and the ink spilt during the poll. Take some sand or loose earth or an empty tin or some broad-bottomed vessel, and push the phial down three-quarters of its length into the centre Ensure the plastic rod attached to the cork is left/kept standing and not taken out except for marking the voter’s forefinger. The rod should always be held with its marking end pointing vertically downwards. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Marked copy of the electoral roll
Ensure to demonstrate to the contesting candidates/polling agents that the marked copy of the electoral roll does not contain any remarks other than issuing postal ballot papers, EDC and CSVs and that the deletions appearing in the supplement are appended to the draft roll and supplements prepared after disposal of claims/ objections before final publication reflected in the reprinted mother roll by strikethrough method in the electoral roll of eight columns without photograph Word ‘DELETED’ superimposed on elector detail box in case of photo electoral roll No other entry is deleted or altered or omitted Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Register of voters in Form 17 A
Show to the contesting candidates/polling agents the Register of Voters reflecting no other entries other than entries of each elector No. allowed to vote with his signature/thumb impression. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Entry of voters to Polling Station to be regulated
Infirm voters and women voters with babies in arms given precedence over others Ensure physically challenged electors given priority without waiting in the queue with facility to take wheel chair inside the polling station Special care to electors with speech and hearing impairment Entry to the electors Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Ensure implementation of instructions regarding
Demonstration of the voting machine, Marked copy of the electoral roll and Register of Voters Obtaining signatures of the contesting candidates/polling agents on the green paper seal Allowing them to note down their serial numbers Read out the declaration for all persons present in the polling station Sign the declaration and obtain signatures of the contesting candidates/polling agents Any polling agents decline to affix their signatures, their names should be recorded. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Enforcement of Election Law in and around polling station
Ban on canvassing: Canvassing within 100 meters of the polling station is an offence under the election law. Any person doing so will be arrested without warrant by the police and may be prosecuted under section 130 of the Representation of the people Act. 1951 Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Candidate’s election booth: Contesting candidates can set up election beyond 200 meters from the polling station, to help the electors locate their names in the electoral roll. The candidates are provided one table and two chairs for agents and workers for the distribution of unofficial identity slips to voters beyond a distance of 200 meters from the polling station with an umbrella or a piece of tarpaulin. If any violation of instructions, report to the Sector Magistrate or other officials responsible for maintenance of law and order around your polling station. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Disorderly conduct in or near the polling station Police can arrest and prosecute any person behaving disorderly only when persuasion and warning have proved ineffective. Steps should be taken to stop use of a megaphone or loudspeaker interferes with the work without any prescribed limit of distance under section. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Removal of trouble makers
Any person who misconducts may be removed from the polling station on your orders by any police officer or other persons authorized by you. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

With fine upto five hundred rupees or With both
Removal of voting machine from polling station to be an offence if any person, fraudulently or unauthorized takes or attempts willfully to take a voting machine out of a polling station: Commits a cognizable offence punishable with imprisonment upto one year or With fine upto five hundred rupees or With both Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Breach of official duty by election officers
Without reasonable cause, he commits a cognizable offence. Breach of official duty by election officers Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Who can Enter the Polling Station?
The polling officers Each contesting candidate, his election agent and one polling agent of each candidate Persons authorized by the Commission such as media persons issued with authority letters Public servants on duty A person accompanying or assisting a blind or an infirm voter who cannot move or vote without help Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Prohibition of going armed to or near a polling station
No person other than the Returning Officer, Presiding Officer, any police officer and any other person is appointed to maintain peace and order. If any person contravenes, the offence is cognizable and liable to imprisonment for a term, which may extend to two year or with fine, or both. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Prohibition of use of cellular phones, cordless phones, wireless sets etc in the polling station. As per the standing instructions of the Commission, no cellular phones, cordless phones, wireless sets etc., will be allowed inside the polling stations and not even around 100 meters radius of the polling stations. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

1st Polling Officer In-charge of the marked copy of the roll
Identification of voters Challenged voters, if any

What can be ignored in case of challenge of voter’s identity?
Discrepancies such as elector's name, father's/mother's/husband's name, sex, age (only within 2/3 years) or address in the electors photo identity card shall be ignored provided identity is established. Discrepancy in the serial number of the electors photo Identity card as mentioned in the electoral roll shall be ignored An elector with photo identity card issued by Election Registration Officer of another assembly constituency shall be allowed provided the name is there in electoral roll Learning Module for Presiding Officer

List of dead, absent and allegedly bogus voters If any name is mentioned in one of above categories and the person appear for voting, check the list provided by polling agent or contesting candidate and ensure the existence of person through formal identification procedure as other voters Learning Module for Presiding Officer

The polling agents can also challenge the identity of a person.
Challenged Voters The polling agents can also challenge the identity of a person. He need to deposit Rs.2 (Rupees two only) in cash with you for each such challenge You need to do inquiry of the same Furnish receipt of the same Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Procedure in case of challenge

Warn the person challenged about the penalty for personation Enter his name and address in the list of Challenged Votes (Form 14) Ask him to sign/ affix his thumb impression If he refuses to do so, do not allow him to vote Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Ask the challenger to produce evidence that he is not voter If he does not provide prima facie evidence – disallow challenge If prima facie evidence provided, ask the voter to produce evidence that he is voter (Rebut the challenge) If voter proves his point, allow him for voting If he fails, hold the challenge proved Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Verification of Elector’s Identity and procedure in case of challenge
Take support of villagers if you need to ascertain the fact Administer oath from challengers Enter the name in LIST OF CHALLANGED VOTES Immediately return the challenge fee of two rupees to the challenger after inquiry except if you find that the challenge was not done in good faith. In that case forfeit the challenge fee to Government and do not return it to the challenger and enter the word “forfeited” in Column 10 of Form 14 and the relevant counterfoil in the receipt book Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Declaration of age Minimum voting age Person having identity as voter can not be questioned in any case In case s/he does not appears below 18 years, as per your view: Inform him about penal provision in section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, for making false declaration. Obtain a declaration, as in form, that elector about his age on the 1st day of January of the year Prepare a list of such voters. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

2nd Polling Officer Indelible Ink Form 17A Voter slip

Application of Indelible ink
Inspection of voter’s left forefinger and application of indelible ink The second Polling Officer shall mark the elector’s left hand forefinger with indelible ink Remove oily or greasy substance on forefinger if any Application of indelible ink at fresh poll/ re-poll/ Countermanded poll At the time of fresh poll/ re-poll/countermanded poll, the marking with indelible ink made during original poll should be ignored and fresh marking with indelible ink is done In case of elector with no left forefinger Apply indelible ink on any finger on left hand If no finger on left hand apply indelible ink on right hand forefinger If no forefinger on right hand then apply ink on any finger on right hand If no finger on either hand apply indelible ink on extremity ( Stump) on left or right hand Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Record of electoral roll number of elector in Register of Voters (Form 17A) and obtain Signature or Thumb impression of voter In column (1) of the register of voters, the second Polling Officer will write down the serial numbers of electors in consecutive order, starting with serial number 1 In column (2) of the said register, the second Polling Officer will write down the electoral (serial ?)roll number A signature may be described as the writing of a person’s name on a document with the intention of authenticating that document. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Signature/ Thumb Impression of elector
S.No. Electoral roll No. i.e. S. No. of the elector in the marked copy of the roll* Signature/ Thumb Impression of elector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 *For example, if the name of the first elector who comes to vote at the polling station at the commencement of poll is entered at serial number 756 in the marked copy of the electoral roll, the Second Polling Officer will write down serial number 756 in the second column against serial No. 1 in the first column of the register of voters. Likewise, if the second voter's name is entered at serial number 138 in the electoral roll, the second Polling Officer will write serial number 138 in column 2 against serial number 2 in column 1 of the register, and so on.

When not allowed to vote
Literate Voter The preferable course in the case of a literate voter will be to request him to sign his name, i.e., both his name or names and his surname in full. Only mark can not be considered as signature in case of literate voter If literate person refuse to sign in full, his thumb impression should be taken If he refuse to put sign or thumb impression he should not be allowed to vote Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Record of electoral roll number of elector in Register of Voters (Form 17A)/ Signature or Thumb impression of voter Illiterate voter Clear thumb impression is essential. After thumb impression wipe off the ink from thumb *Companion will put sign/ thumb impression Unable to sign impression of left hand thumb No left hand thumb impression of right hand thumb Both hands thumbs missing impression of one of the finger on left hand starting from the fore finger No left hand finger impression of right hand finger starting from the forefinger No fingers voters seek assistance of companion (under rule 49 N)* Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Case of differently-abled voters
Thumb impression on the register of voters by blind or infirm or leper electors, who are illiterate but can use their hand Literate person should be allowed to put signature by writing name In case of infirm voters, who cannot use either of their hands, the companion should sign or put thumb impression A note may be made against each such entry Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Issue of voter’s slip to elector
Serial number of elector as per Col (1) of register of votes….. Serial no. of elector as entered in the electoral roll…… Initials of polling officers…………………. 50 or 100 slips bundle in required number is given to you as part of polling material Learning Module for Presiding Officer

3rd Polling Officer 1. Collect the voter slip
2. Check the finger for indelible ink 3. Authorize the elector to vote 4. Keep the voter slip safely

Permitting elector to vote
After elector comes with the voter's slip, the Third polling officer in-charge will take the voter's slip from him, check his finger for ink and allow him to vote. All voter’s slips will be preserved and kept after sealing in a separate cover After the voter slip is collected from the elector, his left forefinger shall be checked by you/third polling officer in-charge and the elector will be directed to record his vote. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Voting procedure using EVMs The elector will record his vote by pressing the 'Blue Button ’on the ballot unit against the name and symbol of the contesting candidate of his choice. The ballot unit(s) has to be activated by you/third polling officer in-charge by pressing that unit, the 'Busy' lamp will glow red and simultaneously the 'Ready' lamp will start glowing green Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Voting procedure using EVMs
Ensured that after an elector records his/her votes, the 'Ballot' button on the control unit is pressed for the next voter only when the earlier voter has come out of the voting compartment. After a few seconds, the beep sound and the red light in the candidate's lamp on the ballot unit and the red light in the 'Busy' lamp on the control unit will go off. A beep sound will be heard from the control unit. When he presses that button, the lamp on the ballot unit against the name and symbol of that contesting candidate will start glowing red and green light on the ballot unit will go off. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Tallying of number of votes polled periodically
Pressing 'Total' button on the control unit will show the total number of votes polled by that time. Periodically tally should be done with the number of electors allowed to vote reflecting in the register of voters. Tally the number of votes polled every two hours interval and record in the Presiding Officer's diary. The 'Total' button should be pressed only when the busy lamp is not on, i.e. only after the elector recorded his vote, and before the next elector is allowed to vote by pressing the Ballot button. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Presiding Officer's right to enter the voting compartment during poll
If the ballot unit kept in the screened voting compartment is not functioning properly If an elector entered the voting compartment is tampering with or otherwise interfering with the ballot unit If elector has committed any mischief by pasting any paper, tapes etc., on the symbol/names/ballot button If elector has remained inside the voting compartment for unduly long period. Presiding Officer to enter the voting compartment in presence of the polling agents. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Complex situations on the poll day
Challenge to a voter (Chapter XVIII of the Presiding Officer’s Handbook), Voting by minors (Chapter XVIII), Voting by blind or infirm voters (Chapter XXII), Voters deciding not to vote (Chapter XXIII), Tendered votes (Chapter XXVII), Breach of secrecy of voting (Chapter XXI), Disorderly conduct at the booth and removal of disorderly persons (Chapter XVII), Adjournment of poll because of riot or any other cause (Chapter XXVIII).

Refusal to observe Voting Procedure
If the elector refuses to observe voting procedure after warning by you/polling officer even after issue of voter's slip, slip should be withdrawn from him and cancelled. A remark that– “Not allowed to vote – Voting procedure violated”- in the remarks column in the Register of Voters (Form 17A) against the entry relating to that elector by you. You shall put your full signature below that entry. No change to be done in the serial number of that elector or of any succeeding elector in column (1) of the register of voters. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Voting by blind and infirm voters
If you are satisfied that an elector is unable to recognize the symbol on the ballot paper due to blindness or is unable to record his vote by pressing the appropriate button without assistance due to some physical infirmity, you shall permit that elector with him a companion of not less than 18 years of age to the voting compartment for recording the vote on his behalf and in accordance with his wishes Before helping such person to cast vote, the companion needs to make declaration as given in next slide- secrecy of vote and that he has not accompanied more than one person Learning Module for Presiding Officer

No person shall be permitted to act as a companion of more than one elector at any polling station on the same day You shall keep a record of all such cases in Form 14A. This record of blind and infirm voters in Form 14A will be kept in a packet super scribed as “NON-STATUTORY COVERS” None of your polling staff acts as a companion to the blind elector Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Voting by Public servants on duty
As a policy, no person will be assigned polling duties in his home constituency. Public servant on election duty have the option of casting their votes through postal ballot system They will have to apply to the Returning Officer in Form 12 The District Election Officer/Returning Officer will send you sufficient number of Forms 12 to enable you and the Polling Officers to apply for Postal Ballot Papers The Returning Officer will make arrangement to facilitate their voting and depositing the ballot paper and the connected papers at the training centre itself Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Some female polling officers who are voters may be posted in their home constituency They may have been granted EDC (Election Duty Certificate). In their cases they will vote personally at the polling station where they are/would be posted on election duty If for any reason, their duties is cancelled they should not be deprived of the right to exercise their vote. They can vote on any Polling Station other than the PS where his/her name is registered. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

An election official or any other public servant on election duty, to whom an EDC has been issued, should be allowed to cast his/her vote at any polling station other than the one in for which EDC is obtained including the polling station where he/she was originally posted for duty Applications from voters on election duty to vote by postal ballot are required by law to be made at least seven days in advance The Returning Officer may decide before the day of poll or the first day of the poll in the constituency Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Voting by proxy Some categories of service voters have been given the facility of voting through proxy appointed by them. Such voters are categorized as “Classified Service Voters” (CSVs). The Returning Officer will supply you a list of the CSVs This list of CSVs is to be treated as part of the marked copy of the electoral roll for your polling station Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Voting by proxy Proxy voter will follow the same procedure as other voters In the case of proxy, marking of indelible ink will be done on the middle finger of the left hand The proxy will be entitled to vote on behalf of the CSV in addition to the vote that he may cast in his own name if he is registered elector in the constituency The serial number of elector to be entered in the second column of the Register of Electors (Form 17A) as given in the sub-list of CSVs for your polling station. In the main marked copy of the electoral roll, the letters ‘PV’ (for ‘Proxy Voter’) should be suffixed in bracket. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Design of tendered ballot paper
Tender voters means some one whose identity has been established through verification of documents as per rules but some one has already voted in his name. The Returning Officer will provide to each polling station 20 additional ballot papers to be used as tendered ballot papers Before giving it to voters, write "Tendered Ballot Paper" on the back of these ballot papers in your own hand, if not already stamped as tendered ballot papers Learning Module for Presiding Officer

A/C of Tendered votes Account of tendered ballot paper & Record of tender voters keep a correct account of all ballot papers * received for use as tendered ballot papers A/C of ballot papers issued as such to electors, and not used and returned, in Item 8 of Part I of Form 17C Maintain complete record of the electors who have been issued with tendered ballot papers, in Form 17B. Obtain the signature or thumb impression of the elector in Column (5) of that Form before delivering a tendered ballot paper to him Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Recording of votes on tendered ballot paper
Supply an inked arrow cross mark rubber stamp The elector concerned will mark his vote on the ballot paper by putting the cross mark on or near the symbol of the contesting candidate of his choice by means of the arrow cross mark rubber stamp The elector will then fold the tendered ballot paper and hand it over to you Keep all the tendered ballot papers and the list of such tendered ballot papers prepared in Form 17B in a cover provided for the purpose and seal the cover at the close of the poll In case of blindness or physical infirmity companion shall be permitted Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Electors deciding not to vote
If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered and put his signature/thumb impression and decides not to record his vote He shall not be forced or compelled to record his vote Remark Refused to vote in register against his name and put your signature Obtain signature or thumb impression of the elector against such remark under rule 49O If voters decide after ballot button on control unit is pressed, direct the next voter to voting compartment Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Electors deciding not to vote
If the “Ballot” button on the control unit has been pressed to release voting on the ballot unit for the last elector but he refuses to vote then Whoever is in-charge of the control unit shall put the ‘Power’ switch in the rear compartment of the control unit to ‘OFF’ position Disconnect the ballot unit(s) from the control unit. After disconnecting the ballot unit(s) from the control unit the ‘Power’ switch should again be put ‘ON’. Now the ‘Busy’ lamp will go off and the ‘Close’ button will become functional to close the poll. Do it care fully and step wise as if this whole process is not followed in such a case, the ‘Close’’ button will not be functional and without closing the control unit, it will not give the result, because the ‘Result’ button will also become functional only after the ‘Close’ button is pressed. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Marked Refuse to Vote in Register
Electors deciding not to vote Signature/thumb impression Electoral Roll No. Not to Vote Elector decides Forced to vote Marked Refuse to Vote in Register Signature/thumb impression of elector (Rule 49Q) Signature of PrO If Ballot Button press! ‘Busy’ lamp off POWER Switch “OFF” Ballot Unit Power Switch “ON” Disconnect ‘Close’ button Functional Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Adjournment /Stoppage of Poll
The Presiding Officer is empowered to adjourn the poll Under section 57 (1) of the representation of The People Act 1951 A natural calamity like flood, heavy snowfall, a severe storm, or Non-receipt or loss or damage to essential polling materials like voting machine, authentic copy of electoral roll and the like Disturbance of peace at the polling station making it impossible to take the poll, or Learning Module for Presiding Officer

The Presiding Officer is empowered to adjourn the poll If there is a riot or any attempt of open violence, police force to be used to control and if cannot be controlled and impossible to continue the poll, you should adjourn the poll. A passing shower of rain or strong wind would not normally be a sufficient cause for adjournment of poll. The Commission has decided that an adjourned poll may be ordered at the polling stations where polling fails to start within two hours of the time scheduled for the commencement of poll. In case of adjournment of poll, you must report immediately the full facts to the Returning Officer Learning Module for Presiding Officer

The Presiding Officer is empowered to adjourn the poll Wherever a poll is adjourned, formal announcement to all present at the polling station, that the poll will be taken on a day to be notified subsequently by the Election Commission. Both the units of the voting machine and all election papers should be sealed and secured in the presence of the polling agents as if the poll has come to a close in the normal way. Non-arrival of the polling party at the polling station due to obstruction on the way or any other serious difficulty Any other sufficient cause. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Completion of adjourned poll. The adjourned poll will recommence on the date and time fixed by the Election Commission from the stage at which it was left immediately before the adjournment, The electors, who have not voted before the poll was adjourned, will alone be permitted to vote at the adjourned poll. The Returning Officer will provide the Presiding Officer with the sealed packets containing the same marked copy of the electoral roll and the register of voters in Form 17A, which were earlier used at that polling station, and a new voting machine. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Completion of adjourned poll. The sealed packet containing the marked copy of the electoral roll and the register of voters should be reopened by you in the presence of the contesting candidates or their agents, and this marked copy of the electoral roll and the register of voters should be used for completion of adjourned poll. The provisions of rules 28 and 49A to 49B will apply to the conduct of an adjourned poll also as they apply to the poll before it was so adjourned. Where the poll could not be commenced due to non-arrival of the polling party or other reasons, the provisions of abovementioned rules will apply to every such adjourned poll as they apply to the original poll. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

When Election is declared void?
The Election Commission has been given power to declare the poll to be void and direct a fresh poll, if at that polling station Any voting machine has been unlawfully taken away by any unauthorised person, or Any voting machine has been accidentally or intentionally destroyed or lost or damaged or tempered with 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 Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Fresh Poll The Election Commission has been given power to declare the poll to be void and direct a fresh poll, if at that polling station If any such thing happens at your polling station, you should report to the Returning Officer, who will, in turn, report the matter to the Election Commission for its directions. After considering all material circumstances, if the Commission directs fresh poll, such fresh poll shall be taken in the same manner as the original poll. All electors entitled to vote at the polling station will be entitled to vote again at the fresh poll. The marks of the indelible ink made at the original poll should be ignored at the fresh poll. The Commission has directed that the mark of the indelible ink, in case of a fresh poll, should be put on the voter’s left hand middle finger to distinguish the marks to be made at the fresh poll. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Booth Capturing Closing of voting machine in the case of booth capturing Where the Presiding Officer is of the opinion that booth capturing is taking place at the polling station, he shall immediately push the close button in the control unit of the voting machine under Rule 49X of the conduct of Elections Rules 1961. Closing the voting machine should only be done when you are certain that the booth capturing is taking place and not on a mere apprehension or suspicion Once the control unit is closed, the voting machine will not record any votes and the poll will have to be necessarily adjourned either for the day or temporarily till the new voting machine is provided. Immediately report the matter to the Returning Officer. The Returning Officer shall, in turn, report the full facts to the Election Commission through the fastest means of communication available. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Booth Capturing The Election Commission, on receipt of the report from the Returning Officer may Either decide to have the adjourned poll by providing a new voting machine, if it is satisfied that the poll upto that stage was not vitiated, or Declare the poll as void, if it is satisfied that the poll was vitiated, and direct a fresh poll at that polling station. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Ensure implementation of instructions regarding: Procedure to be followed at the time of use of new voting machine. Read declaration. At the end of the poll, record a further declaration Declaration to be put in separate packet and delivered to Returning Officer with the account of votes recorded and the paper seal account in Form 17C. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Complaints of Illegal hiring of vehicles for the conveyance of voters If any complaint received about illegal conveyance of electors from their homes and back, action can be taken to prosecute the offender Or the facts can be used as a ground for filing an election petition against him. Forward any complaint filed with remarks made from own observation and personal knowledge to Sub-divisional Zonal/Sector Magistrate Follow the instructions/directives issued by the Election Commission regulating the plying of vehicles on the day of poll. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

CLOSING OF POLL Distribute slips to all the electors in the Q at the closing hour of poll to enable them to get chance to vote. S.No. 1 to be given to the last person in the Q. Close the Control Unit and seal the machine Accounts of votes recorded Seal the election papers Prepare diary and deliver the EVMs and sealed election papers at the collection centre

Distribute Serial Numbered Slips
Voting by persons present at polling station at closing hour The poll should be closed at the hour fixed for the purpose, even if it had commenced later than the hour appointed. This will not mean that after the hour fixed for closing the poll, no elector will be allowed to cast his vote A few minutes before the hour appointed for closing the poll, announce to all those within the limits of the polling station and waiting to vote that they will be allowed to record their votes in turn You will be supplied about 200 Pre-Printed Serial Numbered Slips (as per sample in next slide) Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Sample Slips SLIP (For voters in Q at closing Hr of poll) S.No. 1
[Signature (in full) of P.O.] Constituency No P.S. No S.No. 2 S.No. 3 S.No. 4 Signature (in full) of P.O.] Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Voting by persons present at polling station at closing hour
Declare close of poll Voting by persons present at polling station at closing hour Distribute to all such electors, slips signed by you in full, and serially numbered from serial No. 1(start from the last elector in the queue) onwards according to the number of electors standing in the queue. Continue the poll until all these electors have cast their votes Depute police or other staff to watch that no one is allowed to join the queue after the appointed closing hour Formally declare the close of poll Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Close the Control Unit of EVM
Press the 'Close' button on the control unit When the 'Close' button is pressed the display panels on the control unit will show the total number of votes recorded in the voting machine till the end of the poll Immediately record it in Item 5 of Part I of Form 17C The rubber cap should be replaced after the 'Close' button has been pressed and the poll closed Put the power switch to ‘OFF’ position in the rear compartment of the control unit. Disconnect the ballot unit from the control unit Trouble shooting - Close' button will function only when the 'Busy‘ lamp on the control unit is not on If the 'Busy' lamp is on by mistake or otherwise, switch off the 'Power' switch in the rear compartment of the control unit and disconnecting the ballot unit(s) from the control unit After disconnecting the ballot unit(s) from the control unit, the 'Power' should again be put 'ON'. The 'Busy' lamp will go off and the 'Close' button will become functional Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Closing and Sealing of Control Unit
After the Close of POLL, remove the cap on Close button in the Control Unit. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Press the button as shown. and place Poll is closed Fix the cap back in its The Control unit displays total no. of votes recorded. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Closing the control unit of voting machine
POWER ‘OFF” BUSY lamp OFF POWER ‘ON’ Disconnect Ballot Unit CLOSE Button Functional If, BUSY Button ‘ON’ POWER ‘OFF” Item 5 - Part I (Form 17C) BUSY Button ‘OFF’ Disconnect Ballot Unit Record in CLOSE Button Total No. of Votes recorded Press CONTROL UNIT Replace ‘Rubber Cap’ Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Sealing of the EVM after close of poll
For sealing and securing the voting machine, the power switch in the control unit should first be switched 'OFF' Then the ballot unit(s) and the control unit should be disconnected. The ballot unit(s) and the control unit should now be put back in their respective carrying cases Each carrying case should then be sealed at both ends by passing a thread through the two holes provided for the purpose on both sides of the carrying case Putting thread, seal with an address tag showing the particulars of the election, the polling station and the unit contained therein Learning Module for Presiding Officer

….Continued Signature of Presiding officer and seal it Ask putting seal by the contesting candidates or their polling agents, who are present at the polling station Note the name of those who affix their seal on carrying cases of ballot units and control unit as above in declaration (Given in next slide) Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Open the bottom compartment of the Control Unit and Switch OFF Power and disconnect the interconnecting cable Pack the Control unit (with the Strip seal) and Balloting Unit in their carrying cases Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Seal the carrying cases and fix address tags. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Declaration of sealing EVM

Sealing of the voting machine after close of poll
Control Unit Disconnect Switch OFF Ballot Unit Control Unit Sealing both ends Putting in respective carrying cases Thread in both holes Ballot Unit PrO Address Tags Noting of Name sealing cases Signature of PrO Seal Candidate/ Polling Agent Election particulars Units Control Unit Polling station Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Account of votes recorded
Preparation of account of votes recorded Under rule 49S of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, an account of votes recorded in the voting machine shall be prepared by you in Part I of Form 17C in duplicate Total number of votes recorded in voting machine = total number of voters registered as per column (I) of the Register of Voters (Form 17A) – (the number of voters who decided not to vote+ the number of voters not allowed by you to vote) In the following slide Part I of Form 17C is given for your guidance at (Annexure XIII) as sample The account of votes recorded in Form 17C should be kept by you in a separate cover with the words 'Account of Votes Recorded' super scribed therein Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Account of votes recorded

…Continued Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Supply copies to the polling agents
Supply of attested copies of account of votes recorded to polling agents & Declaration at the close of poll As per Rule 49S, you are also required to furnish to every polling agent, who is present at the close of the poll, a true attested copy of the account of votes recorded as prepared by you in Form 17C, after obtaining a receipt from those polling agents. Copies of the accounts should be furnished to every polling agent present even without his asking for it. The original Form 17C has to be deposited at the Collection Centre (Strong Room) along with the voting machine. The duplicate copy of Form 17C will also be deposited at the Collection Centre Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Supply to the polling agents
Supply of attested copies of account of votes recorded to polling agents & Declaration at the close of poll If possible, you should prepare the required number of copies with the help of carbon paper, while filling in the entries in the original account so that all polling agents and the original account are identical in every respect For simultaneous election separate copies should be prepared and given respectively following above procedure To ensure following of rule 49S Commission has devised a declaration (Given in next slide) which should be made and completed by you at the close of poll Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Supply to the polling agents

Sealing of election papers
All the packets sealed, except the packets containing. These have to be kept in a separate cover The account of votes recorded and paper seal (in Form 17C), The declarations by the Presiding Officer before the commencement of poll, during the poll and after close of poll (Given in next to next slide) The Presiding Officer's Diary, Visit Sheet and the 16-Point Observer’s Report should be put in four large packets as explained in paragraph 3 below and sent to the Returning Officer. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Sealing of election papers
This Cover contains The account of votes recorded and paper seal account The declarations by the Presiding Officer The Presiding Officer's Diary Visit Sheet and the 16-Point Observer’s Report should be sent separately along with the voting machine to the receiving centre Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Declaration of Sealing of election papers

Packet 1 – Statutory Covers
The first packet should contain the sealed covers mentioned below and should be super scribed as "STATUTORY COVERS": The sealed cover containing the marked copy of the electoral roll; The sealed cover containing the register of voters; The sealed cover containing voter's slips; The sealed cover containing unused tendered ballot papers; The sealed cover containing the used tendered ballot papers and the list in Form 17B. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Please note!! Even if a statement or record to be put in any cover mentioned above is nil, a slip noting on it that the statement or record is "Nil" may be put in the cover and the total number of five covers made ready so that no necessity arises for the receiving official at the receiving centre to enquire about the nonproduction of any of the seal Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Packet 2 – Non-statutory Covers 1/2
The second packet should contain the following covers and should be super scribed as "NON-STATUROTY COVERS": The cover containing the copy or copies of electoral roll (other than the marked copy); The cover containing the appointment letters of polling agents in Form 10; The cover containing the election duty certificate in Form 12- B; The sealed cover containing the list of challenged votes in Form14; The cover containing the list of blind and infirm electors in Form 14-A and the declarations of the companions; The cover containing the declarations obtained from electors a to their age and the list of such electors – (Given in next slide) Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Declaration of age by voters

Packet 2 – Non-statutory Covers 2/2
The second packet should contain the following covers and should be super scribed as "NON-STATUROTY COVERS Cover containing the receipt book and cash, if any, in respect of challenged votes; Cover containing unused and damaged paper seals; Cover containing unused voter's slips Cover containing unused and damaged special tags; and Cover containing unused and damaged strip seals Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Packet 3 – Miscellaneous
The third packet should contain the following items The Handbook for Presiding Officer Manual of Electronic Voting Machine Indelible ink set (with stopper having been secured on each phial effectively with molten candle or wax applied thereon to prevent leakage or evaporation) Self-inking pads; The metal seal of the Presiding Officer; The arrow cross-mark rubber stamp for marking tendered ballot papers Cup for setting the indelible ink. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Packet 4 The fourth Packet should contain all the other items, if any. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Seal of Candidates/their election Agents/Polling Agents
on envelops & packets containing: Marked copy of electoral roll; The register of voters; Voter's slips; The used tendered ballot papers and the list of tendered votes in Form 17B; The unused tendered ballot papers; The list of challenged votes; The unused and damaged paper seals, if any; Appointment letters of polling agents; and Any other papers that the Returning Officer has directed to be kept in a sealed packet. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Sealing of election papers - Summary
Each of the five smaller covers/packets to be included in the first packet marked “STATUTORY COVERS” should be sealed. The other smaller covers/packets containing various non-statutory papers and items of election materials to be included in the second, third and fourth packets marked "NONSTATUTORY COVERS" may be prepared separately, but need not be sealed (except the cover containing the list of challenged votes in Form 14) in order to save time. - All these unsealed covers and the sealed cover, containing list of challenged votes in Form 14, should simply be placed in the respective bigger covers along with a check memo signed by you. - These three bigger packets i.e 2nd, 3rd and the 4th need not be sealed; but may be properly secured by means of pins or thread so that the contents may be checked at the collection centres. The first packet marked "Statutory Covers" should, however, be sealed by you after checking of the contents at the collection centre Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Preparation of the PrO’s diary
The Presiding Officer should record the proceedings connected with the poll in the diary with serially numbered proforma. (Annx-XIV) You must go on recording the relevant events as and when they occur. You should mention all important events carefully while recording as if any incident at the polling station, which is not reported by you, but is reported by any other source, the Election Commission shall take necessary action in the matter. The Election Commission may even contemplate taking disciplinary action against you. Keep on making necessary entries in the relevant columns of the diary at regular intervals and not do all entries and complete the diary at the end of the poll as it is highly objectionable. Learning Module for Presiding Officer

To the Collection Centres
Transmission of Voting machine and election papers to the returning officers The voting machine and the election papers should be delivered or caused to be delivered at the collection centre with Zero delay. Any delay in this behalf will be viewed by the Commission with utmost concern and will invite severe disciplinary action against all concerned Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Items to be handed over 1/2
You will hand over to the Official-in-charge of the collection centre the following 13 items of election records and materials and obtain a receipt The control unit and ballot unit(s) of the voting machine duly sealed in their respective carrying cases; The cover containing the account of votes recorded and paper seal account (Form 17C); The cover containing the declarations of the Presiding Officer; The cover containing the Presiding Officer's diary; Visit Sheet 16-Point Observer’s Report Learning Module for Presiding Officer

Items to be handed over 2/2
The first packet super scribed “STATUTORY COVERS “ (containing 5 covers) The second and third packets containing other election materials; Material for voting compartment; Lantern, if supplied; Waste paper basket; Polythene bag/gunny bag to carry polling materials; and Fourth packet containing all other items, if any.

PROCEDURE FOR RECEIPT, SCRUTINY, VERIFICATION AND
STORAGE OF FORMS 17A AND 17C.

PROCEDURE FOR RECEIPT, SCRUTINY, VERIFICATION AND STORAGE OF FORMS 17A AND 17C…
The Commission has directed for setting up of a proper mechanism for the scrutiny of Presiding Officer’s diaries, visit sheets, diaries maintained by Patrolling/Sector/Zonal Magistrates, Complaints Registers of the District Control Room, Statement of Images, Forms 17A and 17C etc. of those polling stations where polling has been more than the percentage as prescribed by the Commission after the end of poll. It has been decided that the following procedure may be followed for receipt, scrutiny, verification and storage of Forms 17A and 17C.

Receipt and storage The existing instructions stipulate that attested copies of Form 17C (Accounts of Votes Recorded) will be handed over by the Presiding Officer to each of the polling agents present at the time of close of poll, even without their asking for it, and two copies of Form 17C will be sent to the Returning Officer. Of the two copies of Form 17C received from each polling station, one copy is to be kept alongwith the EVM and other copy is to be kept separately alongwith other election papers. THESE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SUPPLYING COPIES TO POLLING AGENTS, SENDING TWO COPIES OF FORM 17C TO THE RETURNING OFFICER, AND KEEPING ONE COPY OF FORM 17C WITH THE EVM SHALL BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED. THESE INSTRUCTIONS SHALL ONCE AGAIN BE REITERATED TO ALL PRESIDING OFFICERS IN WRITING.

Receipt and storage… At the collection center, a separate counter shall be opened to receive the materials of those polling stations with polling percentage more than the percentage prescribed by the Commission for a particular election, after the end of poll. The Presiding Officers of polling stations where polling percentage has been more than the said percentage shall be instructed to approach this counter for handing over the EVMs and other materials. The EVMs of all polling stations, irrespective of polling percentage, along with one copy of Form 17C (Account of Votes), shall be kept in the strong room as is the existing practice.

Receipt and storage… As per the existing practice, the other election papers received from the polling stations are to be kept in a separate strong room (other than the strong room in which the EVMs are kept). For the sake of convenience in taking out the Forms17A and the other documents for scrutiny in respect of polling stations where polling has been more than the prescribed percentage, it will be ideal if a separate room can be identified for storing the election papers of such polling stations. If a separate suitable room is not available, these documents may be kept in the same room in which election papers in respect of other polling stations are kept. In such cases election papers relating to polling stations where polling percentage has been more than the percentage prescribed by the Commission after the end of poll may be kept in a clearly demarcated place so that there is no confusion at the time of taking out the documents in respect of these polling stations for scrutiny.

Scrutiny Scrutiny of Forms 17A and other documents and material in respect of such polling stations, where polling has been more than the percentage as prescribed by the Commission after the end of poll, shall be taken up at 9 A.M. on the day following the day of poll. However, if by that time, a substantial number of polling parties, say 10% are yet to return, the scrutiny may be deferred till such time polling parties return. The scrutiny shall be done by the Returning Officer and the Observer at a place/room identified in advance, preferably near the strong room itself. Adequate security arrangement shall be made for such place.

Scrutiny… All contesting candidates shall be given advance notice, in writing (under proper acknowledgement), about the scrutiny of Forms 17A, 17C and other documents and material indicating the place, date and time of commencement of such scrutiny. In such notice, it shall be mentioned that either the candidate himself or his election agent or one representative duly authorized by the candidate may be present to watch repeat only to watch the proceedings of scrutiny of Forms 17A, 17C and other documents and materials by Returning Officer and Observer in respect of those polling stations where polling has been more than the percentage as prescribed by the Commission after the end of poll.

Scrutiny… The presence of candidates/agents/representatives is required for the purpose of satisfying them that these records are not tampered with by any one at the time of scrutiny. However, the discussion between the Observer and Returning Officer and their observation on the scrutiny of the record shall be kept confidential. The candidate, his election agent or authorized representative of the candidate shall not be allowed to keep cellular phones during this activity. During the process of scrutiny the candidates / their election agents or their authorized representatives may watch the proceedings from a safe distance so that they can get a clear view of the

Scrutiny… proceedings but, are not able to handle the election papers / material or interfere with the proceedings. There shall be proper barricading to ensure this, and the candidates or their representatives shall not be allowed to cross the barricade under any circumstance. Proper log-books shall be maintained for recording the time and purpose of opening and closing the storage room where election records are kept. The room shall be opened in the presence of Observer(s) and the candidates /their election agents/ representatives at the time fixed for the

Scrutiny… purpose. But, if any candidate/election agent/representative chooses not to attend these proceedings, despite written notice having been served, the proceedings shall be conducted at the appointed hour and not delayed/adjourned merely because of his absence. If they report late when proceedings are going on, they may be allowed in to watch the proceedings onward only. After taking out copies of Forms 17C and the packets containing Forms 17A and marked copies of electoral roll in respect of such polling stations (where polling has been more than the percentage as prescribed by the Commission after the end of poll) for scrutiny, the strong room shall be duly closed and sealed after making entry in the log-book and obtaining the signatures of all candidates or their representatives as may be present.

Post - scrutiny procedure
After scrutiny, the Forms 17A, 17C and marked copies of electoral roll for each polling station, other documents and material shall be re-sealed with the seal of the Returning Officer. The candidates or their election agents/representatives present, may also be allowed to affix their seal or signature thereon, if they so desire. These sealed envelopes shall then be kept back in the strong room from which they were taken out. This shall also be done in the presence of the candidates or their election agents/representatives. The room shall then be sealed with the seal of the Returning Officer. The candidates or their representatives may also affix their seals/signatures thereon if they so desire.

Post - scrutiny procedure…
After scrutiny of Forms 17A, 17C and other documents and material, the Returning Officer and Observer shall make necessary recommendations to the Commission for repoll, wherever considered necessary, giving reasons polling station wise. In case of any difference of opinion, the same shall be reflected indicating the reason for the same in their respective reports. Normal requirement of scrutinizing the Presiding Officers’ diaries, visit sheet, diaries maintained by Patrolling/Sector/Zonal Magistrates, complaint registers maintained at the District Control room, statements of images shall be followed strictly, for all polling stations irrespective of poll percentage, and the facts revealed on the scrutiny of these documents will be taken into account for forming opinion for recommending re-poll.

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Conduct of Poll-2.

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