ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
Training for Booth Level Officers
(BLOs)
2011
1
The material used for training:-
• Handbook for BLOs.
• Training Module.
2
Training can be conducted for Two days
Booth Level
EPIC Agents
BLOs role in
Gram Sabhas
BLOs
Enrollment of
Duties &
electors
Roles
Photo Electoral
Rolls
BLOs BLO Register
Appointment
3
Administrative Machinery of Electoral System
Election Commission of India
(ECI)
Chief Electoral Officer
(CEO)
District Election Officer
(DEO)
Electoral Registration Officer
(ERO)
Assistant Electoral Registration Officer
(AERO)
Supervisor
Booth Level Officer
(BLO) 4
Introduction to Booth Level Officer (BLO)
Background:
• Prior to year 2006, temporary enumerators were appointed to assist
ERO in their work of revision
• To ensure the correctness of electoral roll, new system of appointing
BLO’s was introduced.
BLO is:
• Appointed under section 13B (2) of RP Act 1950
• He is responsible for maintaining the electoral roll of the assigned part
area under the control and supervision of ERO/AERO concerned
5
Appointment
Constitution :
• Under section 13B(2) – RP Act,1950 - From 2006, BLO's are appointed after
obtaining the prior approval of District Election Officer (DEO) concerned
• Under Section 13CC – RP Act, 1950 - BLO functions under the control &
supervision of ECI/CEO of state
• Selection of BLOs will be from the employees of State government/local
bodies for allocation of one part
• EROs/ AEROs are expected to have contact details of their BLOs which are
updated on the website of CEOs of all States/UTs.
• Each BLO will be issued a special kit and is entitled to remuneration
6
Format of the Appointment Register
• Record of appointed BLOs should be maintained and updated in offices of
DEO/ERO/AERO in the format given below
Details of the official to be appointed as Details of Polling Stations assigned to BLO
BLO Name &
Appointment designation of BLO's I Card
Name & Name,& Number & Situation the Startin
Designation/ Number & Name of name of & letter officer signing g number &
situation CD number
Name & of tel no. of name of Polling name of the Date Remark if
designatio assembly Block/ and date appointment any
office when departmental Station Polling
n Constituenc Revenue letter
BLO is controlling assigned Station
y Circle
posted officer of BLO to BLO Location
7
BLO's transfer and leave
During special campaign related to election work:
• BLO would not be transferred
• BLO would not take any leave without prior approval of the ERO.
Exception to condition - In case a BLO is sanctioned leave/transferred:
• ERO/AERO would arrange to take over record/papers and registers
• ERO would appoint another BLO immediately on approval of DEO
8
Introduction to
Parliamentary Constituency (PC)
Assembly Constituency (AC)
Electoral Roll – Parts & Sections
9
Let’s Play
10
Count the circles
11
Count the circles now
You can make things easier
by doing them systematically 12
Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies
One Country
Country
Parliamentary Many
Constituencies
Assembly > PCs
Constituencies
Parts of the AC >ACs
Sections of the Parts >Parts
13
Indian Parliamentary Constituencies
• India has many Parliamentary Constituencies distributed in states/ union
territories
Parliamentary Constituencies of India
14
Parliamentary Constituencies of Gujarat
Gujarat -
Gandhinagar as PC
Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs)
15
Assembly Constituencies of Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar PC has Gandhinagar (North) AC
number of ACs
16
Parts of the Assembly Constituency
Gandhinagar (North) AC has Parts of Gandhinagar (North) AC
number of parts (Illustrative)
17
Sections of Part (Illustrative)
Parts of Gandhinagar (North) Sections of Parts of Gandhinagar
AC has number of Sections (North) AC
18
Parliamentary Constituency (PC)
Definition :
PC is a constituency provided by law for the purpose of elections to the
House of the People. (Section 2(f), RP Act 1950)
Composition:
Not more than 530 members directly elected from territorial constituencies in
the states (Article – 81 of Constitution of India)
• Not more than 20 members to represent the Union Territories
• Not more than 2 members to represent the Anglo-Indian Community
19
Assembly Constituency (AC)
Definition:
AC is a constituency provided by Law for the purpose of elections to the
Legislative Assembly of a State (Section 2(b), RP Act 1950)
Composition
• Number of ACs comprise a PC.
• Not more than 500 and not less than 60 members are directly elected from the
territorial constituencies in the state (Article 170 of Constitution of India)
• Special Provision with respect to the State of Sikkim, State of Mizoram, State
of Arunachal Pradesh and State of Goa (Article 371 of Constitution of India)
• Both PC and AC are territorial except the Sangh Assembly Constituency
in Sikkim 20
Electoral Rolls
It is a listing of all those persons registered to vote in a particular area
• No separate electoral roll is prepared/revised for parliamentary
Constituency, except in Jammu and Kashmir where electoral rolls are
prepared separately for PC and AC.
• Electoral Rolls for Parliamentary constituency is provided under section
13 D - RP Act, 1950
• Electoral Rolls for Assembly constituency is prepared as per section 15,
RP Act, 1950 under the superintendence, direction and control of the
election commission
21
Parts and Sections
• Electoral Rolls are organized as
geographically defined parts
Electoral Rolls
• Parts are numbered and organized as Parts
geographically identified sections
Sections
• Sections denote locality and area details
and contain household wise individual
elector details
Locality Area
• Each part has an identified polling station
where electors cast their votes on the poll
day Households
22
That is true culture which helps us to work for the
social betterment of all
Henry Ward Beecher
23
24
How to develop knowledge of the local culture
where BLO is appointed
25
Duties and Responsibilities of BLOs
26
Duties and Responsibilities of BLOs
1. CUSTODIAN OF ELECTORAL ROLL OF POLLING STATION
2. ENSURE AVAILABILITY OF DIFFERENT FORMS
3. TO ENSURE STRUCTURAL CORRECTNESS OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL
4. TO GATHER/OBTAIN INFORMATION OF THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE PART AREA
5. TO PREPARE CORRECT MAP BY FREE HAND EYE ESTIMATION (NAZARI MAP) OF PART
AREA
6. TO ENSURE CORRECT NUMBERING OF HOUSES FALLING WITHIN POLLING STATION
AREA/PART AREA
7. PHYSICAL VERIFICATION OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL
8. ADDITION, DELETION AND MODIFICATION IN THE ELECTORAL ROLL
9. TO ENSURE ELECTORS PHOTO IDENTITY CARDS (EPIC) COVERAGE OF THE ELECTORS
10. PROPER MAINTENANCE OF REVISION RELATED REGISTERS FORMS AND RECORDS
27
1. CUSTODIAN OF ELECTORAL ROLL OF POLLING STATION
• BLOs would have a kit containing electoral roll, handbook, registers,
identity card and formats 6, 6A, 7, 8, 9, 10 etc.
• BLO will show the electoral roll to the public on request
• BLO would keep the electoral roll updated and see that no structural
defect takes place
28
Activity Time
29
30
Forms
Form 6 - Any person who claims to register his name in the electoral roll, should fill
up/get filled the form and either sign or give thumb impression on this form. If the
person’s name is already existing in roll of any assembly constituency then its
details should be provided in part – IV of form-6
Form 6A- Any person who is a citizen of India and who has not acquired the
citizenship of any other country and is otherwise eligible to be registered as a voter
and who is absenting from his place of ordinary residence in India owing to his
employment, education or otherwise is eligible to be registered as a voter in the
constituency in which his place of residence in India as mentioned in his passport is
located.
Form 7 - Every objection to the inclusion of a person’s name in the roll should be
given in this form. Objector should provide the justification for filing the objection
Form 8 - Every correction to any entry in roll should be given in this by the person
to whom the entry relates
Form 8A - Every application for transposition of an entry from one part to another
part of the roll within the same assembly constituency should be in this form. 31
9
6
8
7
10
2. ENSURE AVAILABILITY OF DIFFERENT FORMS
• Keep form available in BLO kit and help electors /applicants in filling up
the forms 6, 7, 8 and 8A
• prepare consolidated list in form 9, 10, 11 and 11A respectively and submit
to ERO/AERO
• give a receipt duly signed (attached with each form) to the applicant for a
completed application submitted by an applicant
32
3. TO ENSURE STRUCTURAL CORRECTNESS OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL
• Verify the correctness of the entries in the electoral roll of his part.
• Verify the number of sections, section header and house numbers.
• Verify the sections clearly shown in the Nazari Map printed on the back of the
part header.
• Check the number of electors printed on the part header page which should
be same as the number of the electors in the list in the draft electoral rolls
• Inform ERO/AERO immediately for the missing pages in the electoral roll
• Verify the deletions, additions and corrections reflected properly in the mother
roll
33
Activity Time
34
4. TO GATHER/OBTAIN INFORMATION OF THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE PART
AREA
• Acquire knowledge about the boundary of the polling station area/ part area
• Frequently visit the Revenue village/Colony etc that falls under their part area to
gather correct information.
• Ensure the enrollment of any eligible persons as electors for the new houses
build in their part area and the depiction of these houses in the Nazari map for
next revision
• Develop local contacts in their sections to remain updated about the advent of
new persons, shifting of residents, death etc.
35
5. TO PREPARE CORRECT MAP BY FREE HAND EYE ESTIMATION
(NAZARI MAP) OF PART AREA
• Prepare Nazari map by freehand clearly indicating sections within the part.
36
Activity Time
37
Sample of Nazari
(illustrative)
38
39
6. TO ENSURE CORRECT NUMBERING OF HOUSES FALLING WITHIN
POLLING STATION AREA/PART AREA
Acquire knowledge about the number of sections and boundaries of their part
area to give correct serial numbers to the houses.
• Serialization of the houses should be in ascending order beginning from
North-West to South-East in zigzag manner
1 3
2
6 5 4
9
7 8
40
7. PHYSICAL VERIFICATION OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL
• With the help of BLO register, physical verification of the electoral roll by house
to house visits. This work will be done every year before revision of rolls
• Identify and collect the information during field visits to update and correct the
electoral roll
41
Activity Time
42
8. ADDITION, DELETION AND MODIFICATION IN THE ELECTORAL ROLL
• Register all the persons residing in the part area but not enrolled
yet as electors in form 6.
• Ensure no entries of electors who are not resident in that part area
• Obtain applications in form 7 of the migrated or dead electors of
that constituency
• Obtain applications in form 8 for the entries that require
modification
• Collect the photographs of the electors missing in the database
43
• “Age proof” like birth •Age
certificate, certificate
•Parental Linkage in
from school Electoral Roll (for
• “Citizenship proof” like citizenship issue)
copy of EPIC of parents /citizenship proof
• “Proof of Ordinary •Ordinary residence
Residence” like Students New Voter
rationcard, passport etc
Inclusion (Form 6)
Married women Shifted from other AC
• “Age proof” Voters above 25 yrs • Address of previous
• “Nationality proof” residence
• Proof of Ordinary • Ac No.& if possible
Residence before •Declaration as to delayed Part/Sl. No. of
marriage registration (age>25 yrs) previous enrollment
(Part 4 of form 6) • EPIC or other
• Marriage Registration
Certificate •Special care to verify citizenship evidence
citizenship status • Ordinary residence
• “proof of Ordinary
Residence •Ordinary residence 44
Part & Sl. No. of
previous enrollment
EPIC
Transposition (Form 8A)
Ordinary
residence
Correction (Form 8) Part & Sl. No. of
enrollment
Evidence in favour of
correction sought for
45
Important Documents Needed for forms
• Age Proof (Either of the documents can be given)
a) Birth certificate issued by a Municipal Authorities or district office
of the Registrar of Births & Deaths or Baptism certificate; or
b) Birth certificate from the school (Govt. / Recognised) last
attended by the applicant or any other recognised educational
institution; or
c) If a person is class 10 or more pass, he should give a copy of the
marksheet of class 10 , if it contains date of birth as a proof of
date of birth; or
d) Marksheet of class 8 if it contains date of birth; or
e) Marksheet of class 5 if it contains date of birth; or
f) A declaration in prescribed format given in Annexure-1 made by
either of his parents if the person is not educated till class 10 (In
those cases where parental declaration is given as proof of age,
the applicant will have to be present himself for verification before
BLO/ERO/AERO); or
46
Important Documents Needed for forms contd…
g) A certificate of his age given by a sarpanch of the concerned
Gram Panchayat or by a member of the concerned Municipal
Corporation / Municipal Committee, the person is not educated till
class 10 and both the parents are not alive.
Note: Documentary proof of age will be required only in those cases,
where age of the applicant is between 18 and 21 years. In all other
cases declaration of his age by the applicant will be taken as proof
of age.
• Proof of Citizenship (Either of the documents can be
given)
- Copy of EPIC of parents
- Birth Certificate issued by Municipal authority
- Passport
47
• Proof of Ordinary Residence
(Either of the documents can be given)
• Bank / Kisan / Post Office current Pass Book, or
• Applicant’s Ration Card / Passport / Driving License / Income Tax Return
filed or Assessment Order, or
• Latest Water / Telephone / Electricity / Gas Connection Bill for that
address, either in the name of the applicant or that of his / her immediate
relation like parents etc., or
• Postal department’s posts received / delivered in the applicant’s name at
the given address.
NOTE: In case of homeless persons, the BLO will visit the address given in
Form 6 at night to ascertain that the homeless person actually sleeps at the
place which is given as his address in Form 6. If the BLO is able to verify that
the homeless person actually sleeps at that place, no documentary proof of
place of residence shall be necessary.BLO must visit for more than one night
for such verification. 48
Important Documents Needed for forms
For Married Women
applying for the first time
• Along with form no. 6
- Age Proof
- Nationality Proof (Copy of EPIC of parents)
- Proof of ordinary residence before marriage and after marriage
- Copy of proof of marriage (Marriage Registration Certificate)
- Linkage of spouse (if he is an elector of concerned part)
• Married Woman with no proof of marriage
is a special case and thus E.R.O. will have to be convinced of the
- it
marriage
- BLOs will have to conduct the local inquiry to ascertain the marriage
49
Very Important Points
• What is Linkage
- linkage is the relationship of the applicant with one or more enrolled
electors
- applicants name is integrated with his or her family
• If linkage is not possible
- Electors can enroll on the basis of the following proofs
(i) Citizenship
(ii) Age
(iii) Ordinary residence
50
9. TO ENSURE ELECTORS PHOTO IDENTITY CARDS (EPIC) COVERAGE
OF THE ELECTORS
• Ensure correct and clear photographs of the electors in
the roll
• Distribute the Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC)
signed and issued by ERO to the concerned electors.
• Obtain the receipt for delivery of EPICs from elector or
family members in prescribed Performa/ register and
submit the copy to the concerned ERO/AERO.
51
52
53
10. PROPER MAINTENANCE OF REVISION RELATED REGISTERS
FORMS AND RECORDS
• Ensure proper maintenance and safe custody of registers forms and
records
• Ensure proper hand over and obtain receipt of all the above mentioned
documents
54
Courtesy http://home-gym-fitness-equipment.co.uk/files/log-book.jpg
Activity
Anything is possible!!
55
Activity Time
56
Summing up – Main Duties and Responsibilities of BLOs
All through the year
•Custodian of the electoral roll Periodical
•Ensure availability of different forms •Updating of the rolls
•physical verification of rolls •National Voters Day Activity Dec-Jan
•Maintaining the election related •Ensure correct serialization of houses
documents •Prepare najari map
Special Direction
Revision Period • Photo coverage in the roll
• Structural revision and updating of rolls • Obtain geographical information of
• Coordination with BLAs Part area
• Displaying draft rolls • Coordination with BLAs
• Reading of rolls in gram sabhas • Impart Systematic Voters Education
for Electoral Participation (SVEEP)
• Distribution of voters slip before polls
• Any other work under the instruction
of ERO/AERO
57
There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of
being happy.
Robert Louis Stevenson
58
DAY 2
Re-cap
60
Relevant Constitutional and
Legal Provisions
61
ECI controls and directs the
Article 324 (1) preparation of electoral roll for all
Constitution of India elections
Article 327 Enacted two Acts for all the matters
related to election
Constitution of India
• Representation of People Act, 1950
• Representation of People Act, 1951
Section 28 Rules for Electoral Registration,1960
framed by Central Government with
R P Act 1950 help of ECI
Section 15 Framework for preparation and revision
of Electoral roll
R P Act 1950
62
Section 19 Registration of every person of 18
years & not disqualified under
R P Act 1950 constitution in electoral roll
Section 17 Registration of every person in only
one constituency in electoral roll
R P Act 1950
Section 18 Every person can be registered in a
constituency only once
R P Act 1950
Section 14(b) Revision of electoral roll on first day of
January
R P Act 1950
Section 21,R P Act 1950 Timely Intensive/ Special revision of
electoral roll directed by ECI
Rule 25(2), RER 1960
63
Election Laws, Rules, ECI instructions
• The Representation of People Act, 1950
• The Representation of People Act, 1951
• The Delimitation of Parliamentary and
Assembly Constituencies Order,2008
• The Registration of Electors Rule, 1960
• Handbook for Electoral Registration Officers
• Handbook for Booth Level Officers
64
Let’s Play
Administrative Machinery
of
Electoral System
A Constitutional Body
• Constitution, Electoral Laws and system - Hold free and fair elections
since 1947
• Direct and control the entire process of election for Parliament and
Legislative of every state, Election Commission of India was established
• ECI comprises of:
• Chief Election Commissioner
• Two Election Commissioners
67
Secretariat
National Level
Deputy Election
Commissioner
S State Level
Chief Electoral
E Officer
T Deputy Election
Officers District Level
Electoral Registration
Officer
U
Assistant Electoral
P Registration Officer
Polling Booth
Level (BLO)
68
The main functions of Election Commission are as follows:
1. Conduct of Elections; election schedules (for general or bye
elections)
2. Revision of Rolls
3. Rationalization of polling stations
4. Monitoring of election expenditure incurred by the contesting
candidates and political parties
5. Registration/Recognition of political parties
6. Advice to Governors/President
7. All other allied matters
69
Political parties and the Commission
Commission ensures:
• Organizational elections of parties at regular interval
• Recognition of political parties based on their poll performance at
State and National levels
• Settlement of disputes between the splinter groups of such parties
• Periodical consultation with political parties regarding elections
70
Judicial Review
• Commission's decision can be
challenged by appropriate
petitions in the High Court and
Supreme court
• Election process once started is
not interfered by the judiciary
• Results once declared can only
be reviewed through election
petition before the High Court
71
Quiz Time
• Who is the Chief Election commissioner of India?
• Who are the two Election Commissioners of India?
• Who is the Deputy Election Commissioner in-charge of your state?
• Who is the Chief Electoral Officer of your state?
• Who is the District Election Officer of your district?
• Who is the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of the Assembly
• Constituency of the Part in which you are appointed as BLO?
• Who is the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) of the
Assembly Constituency of the Part in which you are appointed as
BLO? 72
There is one law in Universe: NOW
Alfred Sutro
73
General Principles
of
Voter Registration
74
I. Disqualification for registration in an electoral roll
under Section 16, RP Act 1950:
• Not a citizen of India
• Of unsound mind declared by a competent court
• Indulged in corrupt or fraudulent practices
• Registration of a person more than once in a electoral roll
• Enrollment of elector before expiry of period of disqualification
75
II. Qualification for Registration under Section 19, RP
Act, 1950:
Every person can be registered as an elector who:
Is not less than 18 years of age on the qualifying date
Is ordinarily resident of the concerned Assembly constituency
Is a Citizen of India
18
76
III. Meaning of “Ordinarily Resident” under Rule 20, RER
1960:
• The term “Ordinary Resident” means that the person uses the place at
least for sleeping
• A person who is not present in his place temporarily is also considered
as an ordinary resident
• Any person holding declared office like President, Speaker of Lok
Sabha etc shall be considered as ordinarily resident and electors of
their home Constituencies
• Any person in prison, hospital, asylum are not ordinary residents of
these places as these are their temporary residents.
77
IV. Registration of Students
• Students can be registered as electors either at their
native place or at the address of hostel/mess managed by
the educational institution
78
Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in
overalls and looks like work.
Thomas Alva Adison
79
80
Photo Electoral Roll
81
Electoral Roll
• Section 15 RP Act, 1950 – “Every constituency should have an electoral roll”
• The Text roll is now photo electoral roll
Text Roll Photo Electoral Roll
82
Components
Assembly Constituency of
Title Page the State of Meghalaya
The Title page has :
• Details of the concerned
Assembly constituency
• Clearly demarcated Nazari
map of that assembly
constituency on the back
of the title page
Details of the parts
of the AC
83
Header Page
Part Areas of
Header page has: the state of Meghalaya
• details of the concerned
part area
• clearly demarcated Nazari
map of that part area on
the back of it.
Details of the
sections of the part
84
Section pages
The pages of the section has:
Details of the
• name of the section on the top of sections Details of the
assembly
the page
• details related to the concerned
assemble constituency
• list of electors arranged house
number wise of every section
starting with one and goes
horizontally
• details of electors with photo
House numbers
Electors details
85
Summary of
Supplement Electors
• Supplement page has:
• Modified list of electors published
as draft
• Addition list starting with last
serial number of the mother roll
• Deletion list with no changes in
the serial number and the part
header
• One or more supplements can be
attached with mother roll due to
several revisions
Addition List
Deletion List
86
Name of PC
Name of AC
Mother Roll
• The first copy of the electoral roll
created by the BLOs by visiting
house to house and published by the
EROs
Details of
AC
• Any addition, deletion or changes are
reflected in the supplement roll of
that year.
• There is provision for integration of
these rolls also
87
Sample 1 – Change due to deletion
Mother Roll Supplement
88
Sample 2 – Change due to correction (Incorrect photo)
Entry in
Mother Roll
Entry in Supplement
– for change
89
• Changes in the total number of the entries
Entry in
Mother Roll
Entry in
Supplement
90
Quiz Time
• The house no. of an elector in the electoral roll and that given by the
municipality is not the same. What is the reason behind it?
• What should be done if the name of a person, who is not ordinarily
resident of that area, is included in the electoral roll?
• Where can an elector check up whether his/her name is there or not in the
voter’s list?
91
Case Study
92
Case 1
• In one family their daughter-in-law, Sarita being a
family member was a part of the electoral roll for
that household. But she has been driven out of the
house by the in-laws. Now to establish proof that
Sarita does not stay in the household any more,
her in-laws submit Form-7 for her. Sarita has not
been legally divorced with her husband, nor the
family produce any such document. Even the
family is reluctant to give any information of her
present residence. What can the BLO do in such a
situation?
93
Case 2
• A BLO visits an orphanage located in his Part,
where orphans are brought up and looked after
from infancy. He finds that ‘Ramesh' is eligible for
enrolment as an elector. But ‘Ramesh' is not in a
position to give the names of either his father or
mother. ‘Chinmaya' too is eligible for enrolment as
an elector and he reveals the true name of his
biological mother. What shall BLO enter in the
column meant for father's/ mother's/husband's
name for ‘Ramesh’ and ‘Chinmaya ’? And what
shall BLO enter in the relationship column in such
cases.
94
Case 3
• In one 'Ashram' or 'Akhada' a 'Sadhu' or 'Saint' is
eligible to be an elector. He does not reveal his
worldly name but insists to be enrolled in his
rechristened name with suffix of his Guru's name
instead of his father. What does BLO enter in the
columns related to name of father/mother/husband
and in column related to relationship?
95
Case 4
• An elector is enrolled in Part no. 35 of a particular
AC. His name is in section-4, i.e. Satyam society.
Now he has shifted to Riddhi-Siddhi colony which
falls in section-2 of the same Part. What is
required to be done by the BLO to update his entry
in the electoral roll?
96
Case 5
• Mr. Hemal applies under RTI to the BLO to provide
him all the photo copies of Forms 6, 7, and 8. What
should the BLO do?
97
Case 6
• The BLO reaches the house of Mr. Kantibhai. The son
of Mr Kantibhai, Mr. Ketanbhai is wanted in a
criminal case. Mr. Kantibhai fills Form-7 for the
deletion of name of Mr Ketanbhai on the pretext
that his son has shifted to another State. Next time
when the BLO visits the neighbour of Mr Kantibhai ,
the neighbour informs the BLO that Mr Ketanbhai
still stays there and that he is hiding from the Police.
Should the BLO delete the name of Mr. Ketanbhai on
the basis of Form-7 filled by his father?
98
It's so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want
to.
Annie Gottlier
99
100
Revision of Electoral Roll
101
Administrative Machinery of Electoral System
Election Commission of India
(ECI)
Chief Electoral Officer
(CEO)
Roll observer
District Election Officer
(DEO)
Electoral Registration Officer
(ERO)
Assistant Electoral Registration Officer
(AERO)
Supervisor
Designated Officer Booth Level Officer
102
(DLO) (BLO)
Electoral Roll is revised under:
• Section 21, RP Act 1950: Before every general election
• Section 14(b), RP Act 1950: Every year on basis of qualifying date 1st
day of January.
• Section 21 of RP Act, 1950: Validity and operation of electoral roll
continue if not revised.
• Last part of electoral roll explains service electors prepared in English.
Rest part are published in local official language.
Significance of Revision of Electoral Roll
For free and fair election, an accurate and error-free electoral roll is the
most important pre-requisite & the soul of democracy.
103
Types of Revisions
Intensive Revision:
• Done de-novo without reference to earlier existing roll in an
election year.
• BLO visits each house to take fresh entries in Form 6
Summary Revision:
• Done every year except in the year when intensive revision is
ordered
• No need of House to house survey
• Existing roll published as draft roll inviting claims and objections
• After disposal of claims, rolls are finally published
Partly Intensive & Partly Summary Revision:
• Existing roll is published in draft
• BLOs verify/collect data from the households
• After disposal of claims, list of addition, deletion and correction are
prepared & published with main roll as final roll 104
Special Revision:
• Due to the reason of inaccuracies like omission, left out area etc,
special revision is carried out
• May be intensive, summary or partly intensive and partly summary
revision
105
Continuous updating of electoral roll
• The continuous updating is
- operative from final publication to the next draft publication
- not operative during the revision of the electoral roll
- not operative from the last day of nominations to the end of election
process
• The list of entries for updating
- should be put on the notice board every month and this requires BLOs to
give updated data every month to EROs
- should be disposed and prepared in the manuscript in duplicate by latest
25th of next month
• The EROs maintain the assembly-wise registers for forms 6, 6A, 7, 8, and
8A
106
Draft publication of Electoral Roll
The Draft Electoral Roll is published after the consolidation and integration of
all supplements as per the following rules:
• Published in Form-5 under Rule -10, RER 1960 in :
• Office of ERO
• Place in constituency as specified by ERO
• Office of AERO
• Every polling station
• Website of CEO as directed by ECI
• Not published on holiday
• Published in office of local bodies when ERO holds a meeting
107
• After the publication of Draft Electoral Roll, the program of revision is
published /circulated to various political parties, elected members of
panchayati raj, urban bodies etc
• Issuance of notice to invite claims/objections in Form 5
• ERO furnishes certificate just after the publication of draft roll which lists
names of all enrolled MPs/ MLAs/ MLCs residing in the assembly
constituency
108
Registration of persons holding declared
offices
Any holder of a declared office like the President,
Speaker of Lok Sabha etc cannot enroll in the electoral
roll in his home address
AERO ensures that the names of all MP, MLA, MLC are
enrolled in the electoral roll.
ERO produces a certificate to CEO mentioning the
names of MP, MLA, and MLC who are enrolled in
electoral roll at the time of draft publication.
109
Registration of eligible persons as electors
• During intensive revision, head of the family signs on the record of
enumeration card to certify the person enrolled are eligible
• Under section 31 of RP Act1950 – person should be punished for a
term of one year/fine or with both if he declares any false
information related to:
• Preparation, revision or correction of an electoral roll
• Inclusion of exclusion of any entry in or from an electoral roll
• Instant action should be taken by the concerned officer in case of
any violation of information provided to Head of family during survey
110
Enrolment of orphans
Eligible orphan in orphanage can be enrolled by
registering his orphanage name in place of his
parents.
Eligible orphan brought up by a family can be
enrolled by entering name of head of family in place
of his parents.
Eligible orphan legally adopted by family can be
enrolled by entering his adopted father/mother’s
name.
Any orphan not covered under above mentioned
categories can be enrolled by entering “ Not Known”
by BLO and entering “others” in the column of
relation in the electoral roll.
111
Procedure of receiving claims and objections
1. Acknowledgment/receipt should be given for each application of
claim/ objection received by BLO
2. Any claim/ objection can be given/sent to ERO by post or in person
to BLO.
3. Claims/objections given in bulk by person or post not accepted
4. The claims of all members of one family can be received for the
registration of names in electoral roll from any one member of the
family
5. Collective acknowledgment/receipt should be issued for the same
6. Incorrect or incomplete application should not be accepted. 112
Procedure of receiving claims and objections
• For special campaign days, ERO appoints Designated Officer
• Written instructions given to the Designated Officer to remain
present at earmarked venue
• Designated Officer/ BLO will maintain list in form 9, 10, 11 and 11A
for applications received in form _____________
Form 6,7,8, 8A.
• Designated Officer/BLO write their recommendations on the
application received for claims/objections before sending to ERO
• BLO writes comments on records submitted by the applicant for
proof of his age.
113
Procedure of receiving claims and objections
• Hearing on application of claim/objections commence after being
exhibited in form ___________for 7 days - Rule 16(b), RER 1960
Form 9,10,11, 11A.
• During revision period, any claim/objection not lodged within the
specified period and in the given format is rejected by ____________
ERO
• ERO specifies date, time and place of hearing of claim/objection in
the list
114
Disposal of Claims/Objections and
application
• Disposal of claims/objection:
• Is a duty of ERO
• AERO can be authorized. ERO __________be absolved for any lapse.
cannot
• Records maintained and stored for the appeals
• Verification of application can be done by any person/Government employee
authorized by ERO such as BLO/ Designated Officer/ Naib Mamlatdar/other Government employees
_______________________________________
• Provisions for disposal of applications are covered under RP Act 1950 & RER
1960 & instructions of ECI
• During continuous updation, deletion of name from the electoral roll only after
hearing the person
• Application should be checked for all the columns properly filled and signed
while receiving them. 115
Disposal of Claims/Objections and application
Part IV
• Applicant must fill ____________ of form 6 for full details of
previous enrollment
• ________ should be clearly mentioned if the applicant is an EPIC
EPIC Number
holder.
• ERO can suo-moto delete the names of dead electors on the basis
of death certificates - Rule 21A, RER 1960
• Due to Quasi-judicial process of verification of applications, the
related records should be maintained properly by BLO, AERO and
ERO
116
Determination of Citizenship
Only citizens of India can be enrolled in the electoral roll
Onus of proof of citizenship lies on the applicant
Genuineness and authenticity of certificates/evidences
furnished should be duly verified
117
Finalization of electoral roll after disposal of claims and
objections subsequent to draft publication
1. Electoral roll should be amended for any mistakes/errors in
sections or details of other table
2. Map of Part area or legislative assembly constituency should be
amended
3. Preparation of first supplementary:
• Handwritten manuscript for additions, deletions and corrections
• Section wise manuscript for additions
• Section wise supplementary list of deletions and corrections is not
necessary
• Certified handwritten manuscript by ERO from which the data should
be entered
• Verification by BLO, of checklist printed after the entry of data
• Verification by BLO, of photo checklist also
• Publication of draft roll 118
Final publication of electoral roll after
disposal of claims and objections
Final publication of electoral roll is completed
with list of amendments in form 16 in the office
of ERO under rule 22 of RER 1960
Final publication of electoral roll also gets
published on website of CEO as directed by ECI
Not published on holidays.
119
Enrollment of overseas electors
Overseas elector
• An overseas elector is
- an Indian citizen absent from his place of ordinary residence in
India due to employment, education or otherwise
- has neither included his name in electoral roll nor has acquired
citizenship of any other country
• He/she can register the name in the electoral roll from the part
area mentioned in his/her passport
120
Enrollment of overseas electors
Procedure to register as elector
• Under Section 20A of the R.P.Act,1950, every Indian citizen who has
not acquired citizenship of another country, can get his/her name
enrolled in the roll of the constituency of his place of residence in India
• Any overseas elector who has completed the age of 18 years can
submit his application in form 6A either in person or by post to the
concerned AERO/ERO of the residential area mentioned in his
passport
121
Enrollment of overseas electors
Role of BLOs
• On instruction from ERO, verify the self attested copies sent by the
applicant
Distribution of EPIC to overseas electors
• The electors overseas are not issued EPIC but use their passport
for their identification to caste a vote
122
It's kind of fun to do the impossible
Walt Disney
123
124
How is the electoral roll of
service voters updated ?
By enrolling eligible service voters who
• are 18 years of age or more
• have not applied for registration in previous years
• wish to change their earlier declaration to either become
service voters or to become ordinary voters
125
What is Service Qualification
and Who is a Service Voter ?
Person belonging to any of the following has ‘Service’ qualification and
is referred to as Service voter
• A member of armed forces of India
• A member of force under the provisions of the army Act, 1950
• A member of an Armed Police Force of State who is serving
outside that State
• Employed under the Government of India in a post outside India
• Wife of any members mentioned above who is ordinarily residing
with him
126
?
What forms are filled to
become a Service Voter
Three kinds of forms for three different categories are filled to
become a Service Voter . These are :
Form 2 to be filled by all members of Armed forces
Form 2A to be filled by all members of Armed Police Force of
State serving outside the State
Form 3 to be filled by any person employed under the
Government of India posted outside India
127
Where should the applicant
submit form in order to
become a service voter
?
At his designated Record Office or to his superior authority
128
Is it necessary for a person
with service qualification to
be registered as service
voter
?
Its not mandatory to be registered as service voter for every person
who has Service Qualification. He can enroll him self as ordinary voter
129
Can a person enroll as
service as well as ordinary
voter at the same time
?
No, it is an offence
130
Who verifies the application
and its details for enrolment
as service voter
?
There is a service voter’s record office and the Officer-in-charge there
checks the applications. This is forwarded to the concerned DEO and
then to ERO for enrollment
131
How are the names of the
service voters arranged in
the last part of the roll
?
The names of the Service Voters are grouped together record-office-
wise
132
What are the Roles of BLO
with regard to service voters ?
• Take action for getting the Form 6 filled wherever necessary
• Ascertain that person with service qualification have been staying at place of
residence for sufficient span of time to register him as ordinary voter
• Fill form 6 for the children of all service voters eligible to be registered as
ordinary voters
• Fill form 6 for the husband of a service voter to be registered as ordinary voter
• Wife of service voter has a choice to either be registered as service voter or
ordinary voter
• Should visit the units of service voters to ensure above.
133
At which polling booth the
electoral roll of the last part
regarding service electors is
published
?
The electoral roll of last part regarding service electors is not
published on any polling booth but is available for inspection in the
office of ERO
134
In which language is the list
of service voters printed
?
Printed only in English
135
Don't just live the length of your life, live the width of
it as well
Diane Ackerman
136
Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
Front Side of EPIC
5 cm
8.4 cm
FUSN
Elector’s Photo
Security
Hologram
Elector’s Name
Elector’s Gender
Elector’s Father/
Mother/ Husband’s Date of Birth
Name 137
Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
Back of EPIC
Elector’s
Address
EPIC Issuing Date
EROs Signature Name & Number of
AC
138
Some Key points
In case of change of residence, roll registration needs to
be changed but EPIC issued earlier remains valid
BLOs collect electors’ photograph from:
Onsite mode: Designated photography Location (DPL)
Offsite Mode: Getting from Form 8
Getting from Form 6
House of electors with the help of camera teams
Collected photographs are digitized and entered in
electoral roll database
EPIC is prepared from electoral roll database 139
Some Key points
Only BLOs can distribute EPICs to the electors as directed by ECI
Undistributed EPIC should be handed over to EROs by BLOs without
fail
BLOs should take certain actions to avoid errors in the Photo Electoral
Roll:
Thoroughly check the checklist handed over by ERO/AERO
Verify/ compare the copy with the manuscripts/photographs
Sign every verified page
Verify the EPIC number on roll with that on the card
Oversee preparation of Mother roll and Supplements from the corrected database
for his/her Part
Attach verification certificate at end of the electoral roll
140
Case Study
141
Case 1
Mr. Ajay is a school teacher in village Fatehpur.
Instead of teaching during school hours, he goes to
distribute the EPIC cards. After 15 days he receives
show cause notice from his Head Office that why he
should not be suspended for being absent during the
teaching hours.
142
Case 2
Nazma has filled Form-6 for addition of her name.
Her name is entered in the rolls and EPIC card
prepared accordingly and handed over to the BLO
for distribution. When BLO tries to hand over the
EPIC to Nazma, she outrightly refuses to take the
EPIC from the BLO on the grounds that the spelling
of her name in the card is incorrect. Instead of
'Nazma' with a 'Z' in between, it has been written as
as NAJMA with a 'J' in between. Nazma wants her
EPIC to be corrected and argues that she will not fill
up any more Forms again. 143
Case 3
Mr. Naresh has rented a portion of his house to Mr.
Bhatt.
Mr. Bhatt fills Form-6 for inclusion of his name in the
voters list. His landlord Mr. Naresh writes an
application to the ERO that Bhatt 's EPIC card should
not be prepared at this address.
Now the ERO forwards the application to the BLO for
enquiry, What should the BLO do?
144
Case 4
A BLO visits a house in his Part. At the time of his visit, the following members are
present:
Trivedi Rameshbhai Ramesh bhai M-48
Trivedi Kamlaben Rameshbhai F-45
Trivedi Satish Rameshbhai M-23
Trivedi Sudha Rameshbhai F-19
As per the BLO's existing Photo Electoral Roll record, against the name of Rameshbhai
and of Kamlaben EPIC No GJ/07/125/583120 and EPIC No. GJ/07/123/583121
respectively is shown. While against the name of Satish EPIC no. HCX/0058398 is shown,
Sudhaben has not been enrolled yet. At the time of verification Rameshbhai produces his
EPIC no. LJM/4853394, his wife produces EPIC No. LJM/485353584 and Satish produces
EPIC No. HCX/0058398. Their EPICs are original and entries are correct in all respects.
Upon inquiry Rameshbhai reveals that initially EPICs were issued to them during the year
2000 and the EPIC available with him and his wife is that one. They were later issued
another EPIC at the new address where they shifted in 2004. They have lost those EPIC
cards. The EPIC numbers entry shown against him and his wife are as per the EPICs
issued in 2004. They shifted to the present address in 2007. Now they want fresh EPICs for
all the four members of the family updated with age and address. Should the BLO
recommend new EPICs for them and do the needful?
145
Case 5
During revision of electoral rolls a BLO visits a Mohalla/society.
(a)Few voters don't have their names in roll at the new residence
(b)Few have been enrolled in the roll but without photo image. Further,
against the names of each of them, EPIC numbers are reflected but
EPICs are not available for verification.
All are demanding latest EPICs. What should the BLO do?
Case 6
A BLO wants to resign from his services as a BLO. Should an ERO accept
his resignation? What should the ERO do?
146
Trust, but verify
Ronald Regan
147
148
Cover Page of BLO Register
149
150
151
Booth Level Officers’ register helps keep the Electoral Rolls
updated and error free
BLO register is to be filled up afresh every year for Revision of
Rolls
BLO register comprises of two parts:
1. Annexure – 1
1. BLO can make corrections to confirm the existing entries of
electors which are listed household wise
2. In addition, birth date and telephone numbers are taken
152
Annexure 1
153
Annexure – 2
1. Newly developed and under construction
areas/societies/apartments etc is entered here
2.Newly arrived/ newly eligible/left out electors of that part are
entered here
3. Household wise, population (total of voters and non-voters) and
gender ratio of that part are entered here
154
Annexure 2
1. Newly developed areas/societies/apartments
155
Annexure 2
2. Newly arrived eligible electors
156
Annexure 2
3. Population and gender ratio of that part
Total number of households in this Part
157
Questionnaire for house to
house verification
158
Questions to be asked during House to House
Verification
1. Is the section address correct?
2. Is the Pin Code number correct?
3. Whether elector's photo image is correct? (If it is wrong or not available
the correct photo is to be collected).
4. Whether the EPIC number is correct? (This is to be verified from the
actual EPIC).
5. Whether elector's birth date is shown? If not shown what is the correct
birth date? If birth date is not available, what is the age (verify birth date
with evidence and if not verifiable the “birth date” column should be left
blank).
6. Whether the house number given by Nagarpalika / Maha Nagarpalika is
correctly noted? If no house number has been given by urban local body
then it need not be verified.
159
Questions to be asked during House to House
Verification
7. Whether the spelling of the name of the elector in local language/Hindi is
correct?
8. Whether the English spelling of the name of the elector is correct?
9. Whether the relationship mentioned in the roll is correct?
10. Whether the gender is correct?
11. Whether the age is correct as on qualifying date?
12. Whether any names or all of the names of any/all family members have
been repeated in the part roll?
160
Questions to be asked during House to House
Verification
13. Whether all the above particulars are correct for each and every member of
the family enrolled in that part?
14. Whether anybody possesses more than one EPIC for the same elector? (In
such case the latest issued EPIC may be retained with the elector and the
EPIC number be verified with PER entry. EPIC/s issued earlier may be taken
back and deposited with the ERO).
15. Whether name of any family member is required to be deleted on account of
death. (Obtain Form No.-7)
16. Whether any or all members of the family have shifted? If they have shifted,
whether it is “with family” (WF) or “without family” (WoF). Obtain Form No.7
from WoF and issue notice on the spot. In case of WF, follow procedure for
Form 7/ Panchnama. Probable reasons of shifting should be mentioned.
17. What is the telephone number of each voter enrolled in the family? If the
family prefers to give only one telephone number for all, take note accordingly
( Annexure-II).
161
Questions to be asked during House to House
Verification
18. Is there any member of the family who has turned 18 years on qualifying date and
is yet to be enrolled? (Give Form-6 and note in Annexure-II).
19. Is there any member of the family who has recently joined this household
on the grounds of marriage, employment, tenant etc? (Give Form 6 and
note in Annexure-II).
20. Are there any new societies, public building, public areas that have come
up since the last revision of rolls in the knowledge of the voter? If yes,
check whether there are voters living there, if yes then Form No.6 or Form
No. 8A as required may be given and details noted in Annexure-II.
21. What is the total number of members of the family including voters and
non-voters residing in the household?
22. Out of the total family members residing in the household (including voters
and non-voters) how many are male and how many female?
162
Always remember you are unique, just like everyone else
Unknown
163
Booth Level Agents (BLAs)
BLAs are representatives appointed by the political parties under the direction
of Election Commission, to help BLOs in Electoral Roll Management
Informs Appoints
Election Commission Political Party Booth Level Agents
Duties
- Assists people in filing claim/objection properly
- Remains present during the campaigns and help BLOs
- Verifies and conducts survey of the dead and shifted electors
- Understands and scrutinizes the electoral roll and points out
corrections, if any, during meeting with BLO
- Helps BLO in continuous updating of the electoral roll
164
National Voters Day
What is National Voters Day?
Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on 25th January, 1950
National Voters Day is celebrated on the founding day of ECI i.e. 25th January
every year
It was celebrated for the first time in January 2011, called “Rashtriya Matdata
Divas” in Hindi
165
Objective of National Voters Day
To ensure maximum enrolment of youth
To spread awareness amongst voters of their rights and duties
To create awareness amongst voters about the process of enrolment
To request the participation of voters in helping the Election Officers to
maintain clean and error free roles
To empower the youth and instill a sense of pride amongst them
To inspire youth to exercise their franchise
166
Role of BLO towards celebrating NVD
Responsible for conducting voters’ education activities
Identify and enroll all newly eligible (18+) electors
Ensure that error free EPIC cards are given to the electors
Distribute EPICs and badge - “Proud to be a Voter-ready to Vote” to the newly eligible
voters on 25th January every year
Administer the pledge to newly enrolled electors on NVD
Maintain a list of Higher Secondary Schools/Colleges/Higher educational
institutions in his Part Area for enrolling youth.
Locate and educate youth who do not go to such educational institutions and
impart education on enrollment and duties as a voter .
167
The Pledge
“ We, the citizens of India, having abiding faith in democracy, hereby
pledge to uphold the democratic traditions of our country and the
dignity of free, fair and peaceful elections, and to vote in every
election fearlessly and without being influenced by considerations of
religion, race, caste, community, language or any inducement.”
168
Checklist for BLOs for preparing
Electoral Roll
• Keep all the details and information of his/her AERO and ERO
• Ensure his/her presence in the training imparted to him/her on the
electoral roll
• Understand each and every aspect of the electoral roll of the part given
to him
• Study the checklist of actions to be taken during pre-revision, during
revision, post-revision and EPIC campaign period
• Revision of rolls with qualifying date 1st January, 2012
• pre-revision upto 30th September, 2011
• during revision 1st October, 2011 to 5th January, 2012
• post-revision after 5th January, 2012
• EPIC campaign period during pre-revision & revision period 169
Evaluation of work done by BLOs
CEO/DEO/ERO/AERO evaluate BLOs by randomly
verifying the work with the checklist prepared by
Election Commission
The verification visits are informed in
advance
BLO is subject to the disciplinary control of the
Commission under section 13 CC of RP Act, 1950
Answerable for their acts, omissions
and commisions and liable for
punishment under section 32 of the
RP Act, 1950 for any misconduct
170
Checklist for the BLOs to help them track their
own work
171
In a gentle way, you can shake the world
Gandhiji
172
Certified copy of any part of electoral roll
Rolls are published/printed only at the time of revision
Draft Rolls Final Roll
Certified copy of Roll can be
taken after final publication
from AERO/ERO.
Can be viewed online
Intervening period – Rolls are not published/printed but are updated online
Certified copy of Roll can be
taken after preparation of
manuscript from AERO/ERO
173
Duties of Electoral
Registration Officers (EROs)
Duties Responsibility
174
Select and appoint different levels Display details of application in
- BLO, Designated Officers, formats 9,10, 11 & 11A
Supervisors
Prepare manuscript before
Receive claims and objections, printing supplement.
Conduct proper training of these issue notices, inquire, hear and
personnel decide
Make final publication of PER
Advertise revision program via in format – 16
news papers, hand bills,
loudspeakers etc Add /delete names added or
omitted in electoral roll
inadvertently- Rule 21 and 21A of Prepare list of claims &
Prepare work plan to complete
ERR,1960 objections in English
revision successfully
Arrange sufficient stationary and Action to delete voter name Receive copy of clams/
forms in cases of unserved non - objections with documentary
bailable warrant issued by any proofs and record details in
competent court register ER-1 to 4
Provide free, to national and state
political parties 2 copies of PER –
1 printed copy 2 soft copy (pdf) Delete electors name from Monitor work of AERO,
without photographs - Rule 11(c) electoral roll if he doesn't come Supervisors, Designated
of ERR, 960 after notice issued Oficers and BLOs
Record acceptance/ rejection and
reasons of the same of
Rectify defects in electoral roll claim/objection on every
with help of political parties application.
175
Duty is what one expects from others
Oscar Wilde
176
Gram Sabhas and Role of BLOs
• BLOs read out the list of the following to the sabha
- Addition of names
- Deletion of names
- Modification of names
- Duplicate names Courtesy: http://www.indiatogether.org/2005/sep/wom-attend.htm
- Details of the households with more than 10 voters
• The reading is done with an order issued under the signature of the
concerned ERO
The following details are covered in the order
Name of AC: ______________
Date of Name of the class Designation of Contact BLOs
Part Urban/ Gram Venue Time of II class II officer number name
No. Rural Sabha/ ward of meeting officer deputed by deputed by ERO of officer and contact Remarks
meeting Meeting ERO to attend to attend meeting deputed number
meeting
177
Reporting the meeting
BLOs submit a report on completion of the meeting in the given format
Report by BLO of Reading of Electoral Roll of Part in Gram Sabha/Ward Meeting
Sr. Name of Address Date of Serial Number Number of Number of Number Number Number of claims and
No Officer/ of place meetin number of of persons families of dead of objections received up till
employee where g part or persons above 80 with more voters shifted date of this meetings
deputed by electoral parts of who years of than 10 in roll voters
ERO to roll electoral attended age in the persons
attend reading roll/s read the roll registered
meeting meeting in the meeting as voters
was held meeting in roll
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11b 11 11 11
a c d e
6 7 8 8A 6A
Signature of Talati Signature of BLO Signature of officer deputed
Name of Talalti Name of BLO Name of Officer
Village/Sehra: Designation Designation of Officer
Part No : AC Name:
Please note: This report is to be send directly to the Office of the concerned AERO, with a copy
marked to the concerned ERO
* List of names given in column 7,8,9,10 to be read out in the gramshbha 178
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored
Aldous Huxley
179
Knowledge on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)
Balloting unit is
in the voting “Cu is managed
compartment by Presiding/
Polling officer”
The machine has been devised by ECI in
collaboration with Bharat Electronics Ltd.
(Bangalore) and Electronic Corporation of
India Ltd. (Hyderabad)
180
Advantages of Electronic Voting Machine
The voter can press the blue button
against his choice
Very useful in areas where people are not
literate
Four Ballot Units can be attached to it,
covering 64 candidates
Can record 3840 votes
Runs on battery, thus saves electricity
181
• Can be helpful in preventing booth capturing as machine is
set to record only 5 votes in a minute
• Ensures the principle of 'one man-one vote' as the machine gets
locked once the button is pressed for a particular candidate
• The pace of poll is increased as the time taken in folding ballot
paper is saved
• It saves printing of millions of ballot papers further saving the
cost of printing, transportation, storage and distribution
• The counting can be done in 2 to 3 hrs against 30 – 40 hrs
taken in physically counting ballot papers
182
DOs
• Read the EVM Manual carefully before operating the EVM
• Press the latches gently and only in the manner specified
• Protect the EVM from dust, heat, rain, fire and other such hazardous
environments
• Use Power pack specially supplied
• Remove Power pack from the Control Unit ONLY AFTER COUNTING
IS OVER
• Ensure that the covers of the compartments / Sections in the Ballot
Unit and the Control Unit rest properly on the plain surface when
opened
183
DON'Ts
Do not
• exert undue pressure on latches, hinges etc.
• keep EVM near heater or other hot objects
• allow molten lac/sealing wax to fall on the EVM while sealing
• force open the covers or doors of various sections
• remove the Strip Seal until the Control Unit is on counting table
• remove power pack from the Control Unit used for poll
• force the connector fixed at the end of the Interconnecting cable into the connector of
Control Unit in the reverse direction
• pull the Interconnecting cable while disconnecting it from the Control unit without
pressing the spring type clips on the hood of the connector 184
Let’s us be Team Players
185
Thank You 186