HANDBOOK FOR PRESIDING OFFICERS

BROAD OUTLINES OF DUTIES

1. As a Presiding Officer, you have an important role to play in the conduct of poll. You enjoy full legal power to
control the proceedings in the polling station under your charge. It is your primary duty and responsibility to
ensure a free and fair poll at your polling station. It is necessary for this purpose to euip yourself fully with the
law and procedure and the relevant instructions and directions of the !ommission in relation to the conduct of
elections so as to enable you to act strictly in accordance with them and give no room for any reasonable
complaint.
". #he provisions of the law which have a bearing on your duties as a Presiding Officer are reproduced in
Anne$ures I and II of this %andboo&. 'hile detailed instructions and guidance are contained in the various
!hapters of this %andboo& some of the salient and important aspects of your duty are reproduced below for your
guidance()
*i+ You must acuaint yourself with members of your polling party and &eep contact with them right from your
appointment as presiding Officer.
*ii+ You must &eep in ready possession all relevant instructions of the ,eturning Officer.
*iii+ You must have a clear idea of the location of your polling station and your itinerary to and from the polling
station.
*iv+ You should attend all rehearsals and training classes without fail.
*v+ 'hile collecting election materials, you should ensure that all items have been handed over to you. #he most
important items are ballot papers, ballot bo$es, mar&ed copy of electoral roll and other copy, arrow cross mar&,
rubber stamp for voting, distinguishing mar&, statutory forms, sealing wa$ and indelible in&.
*vi+ On arrival at the polling station, you should have clear idea of the arrangements to be made for setting of a
proper polling station especially to secure secrecy of voting, regulation of ueue of voters, protection of poll
proceedings free from outside interference etc.
*vii+ You are reuired to sign your name in full on the bac& of each ballot paper before issue *but not on the
counterfoil of the ballot paper+. #o enable the commencement of poll at the appointed time, you should &eep in
advance some ballot papers signed.
*viii+ You are also reuired to affi$ on the bac& of each ballot paper and its counterfoil distinguishing mar& of your
polling station with the rubber stamp given to you.
*i$+ #he identity of an elector should be properly verified by the -irst Polling Officer and the unofficial identity slips
carried by an elector should not be accepted as a matter of routine and ballot paper issued on that basis.
*$+ #he instructions for establishing the identity of the elector should be followed carefully. #he -irst Polling Officer
is not reuired to chec& the left forefinger of the elector with a view to seeing whether there is any indelible in&
mar&, faint or otherwise. #his wor& will be done by the .econd Polling Officer.
*$i+ After an elector is identified with reference to his entry with particulars in the electoral roll, his left forefinger
should be mar&ed with the indelible in&. %is signature or thumb impression should also be obtained on the
counterfoil of the ballot paper and then only he should be issued with the ballot paper.
*$ii+ In order to ensure the indelible in& mar& put on the voter/s finger has properly dried up and developed into a
distinct indelible in& mar& it may be necessary that his left forefinger is again chec&ed up by the last Polling
Officer before the elector leaves the station. If the in& mar& is not distinct or found removed, the elector/s
forefinger should again be mar&ed with the indelible in&.
*$iii+ After an elector has been identified in the mar&ed copy of the electoral roll, the entry relating to the elector
should be underlined. a tic& mar& *0+ will also be put in the case of a female elector. #he .erial 1o. of the ballot
paper should not be noted at all in the mar&ed copy of the electoral roll against the elector/s name. If an elector
refuses to put his signature or thumb impression on the counterfoil, he should not be issued a ballot paper.
*$iv+ #he ballot papers need not be issued to electors in consecutive serial order as that would enable the polling
agents to wor& out the serial number of ballot paper that is being issued to individual voters. At the same time, if
the first three or four bundles of ballot papers *23 in number in a bundle+ are shuffled and bundles used at random
and not in consecutive serial order, then the object would be served. At the close of the poll, the numbers of the
ballot papers issued to the electors should be in continuous and unbro&en series to avoid confusion in drawing up
the ballot paper account.
*$v+ If you consider an elector to be much below the minimum age of voting, i.e., 14 years, but otherwise satisfied
about his identity and the fact of inclusion of name in the electoral roll, you should obtain a declaration from him
about his age, vide -orm of 5eclaration in Anne$ure 6I.
*$vi+ If an elector to whom a ballot paper issued, refuses even after warning given to him to observe the
procedure relating to the maintenance of secrecy of voting within the polling station, the ballot paper issued to him
shall, whether he has recorded his vote or not, be ta&en from him by you or under your direction and thereafter
cancelled.
*$vii+ there are declarations to be filled by you and signed by polling agents present in the polling station at the
commencement and at the end of the poll.
*$viii+ You have to go on recording the relevant events as and when they occur in the Presiding Officer/s diary
given to you and which is serially numbered.
*$i$+ You have to regulate the proceedings in the polling station for peaceful and smooth conduct of poll. You
reuire much tact but at the same time should be firm and impartial.
*$$+ You are reuired to grant authenticated copies of ballot paper account to the agent of each candidate present
at the close of the poll.
*$$i+ You should ensure that after the closing hour of poll, nobody is allowed to join the ueue and for that
purpose, you should distribute slips to all electors standing in the ueue starting the operation from the end of the
ueue.
*$$ii+ You should follow carefully the instructions for sealing election papers in different covers so that no
avoidable mista&e is committed which cannot be rectified later.
*$$iii+ It is your responsibility to hand over the ballot bo$es and other election materials after poll under proper
receipt.
7. Your duties in brief at various stages are given in Anne$ure III under five different heads for your convenience.
8. #o ensure that you have fulfilled the various statutory reuirements in connection with the election, !ommission
has drawn up a !%9!: ;9;O for you as given in A1196<,9 I=. #he said !hec& ;emo should be maintained
by you.
BRIEF GUIDELINES FOR THE PRESIDING OFFICERS/ POLLING OFFICERS
1.1 ;aintain close relation with members of your Polling Party.
1." <nless there is team wor&, your tas& becomes more difficult.
".1 9nsure that all the Polling materials have been given to you.
"." !hec&)up ballot papers, >allot bo$, mar&ed copies of electoral roll, arrow cross mar& rubber stamp for voting,
paper seal, sealing wa$, indelible in&, distinguishing mar& stamp, etc.
".7 !ompare mar&ed copies of 9lectoral ,oll and see that both are identical and see that mar&ed copies of
9lectoral ,olls contain no mar& other than P> and 95!.
".8 .ee that deletions of names and corrections as per supplement have been incorporated.
".2 All papers of wor&ing copies of ,oll are serially numbered in manuscript.
".? Printed serial numbers of voters are not corrected and no new number substituted.
7.1 Arrive at least 82 minutes before Poll at the Polling .tation.
7." .et up Polling .tation as per model ,emember there will be 708 polling officers in a single election and 2
polling officers in a simultaneous election.
7.7 9nsure separate entrance and e$it for voters at Polling .tation.
8.1 On the day of Poll, display outside your Polling .tation.
8." A notice specifying the Polling area.
8.7 A copy of the list of contesting candidates.
2.1 Appoint a Polling Officer locally, if any Polling Officer is absent.
?.1 .tart preparation of >allot >o$ at least 12 minutes before Poll.
?." Put inside the >o$ an Address #ag duly filled.
?.7 Address #ag outside the >o$ will show the .erial number of >o$ and the total number of >allot >o$es used.
?.8 Put the distinguishing mar& seal on the green bac&ground of paper seal. Put a dash and then add the serial
number of >o$.
?.2 #a&e signatures of Polling agents and put your signature on white surface of paper seal.
?.? Insert paper seal in the >o$ so that distinguishing mar& seal is visible through the window of >o$.
?.@ Allow every candidate or his agent to ta&e note of serial numbers of paper seal.
?.4 Address #ag outside the >o$ should show the serial number of the >o$ and the total number of >o$0>o$es
used.
?.A One >allot >o$ should be used at a time.
@.1 .ign your name in full on bac& of >allot paper but not on !ounterfoil.
@." Affi$ distinguishing mar& seal on bac& of >allot paper and its !ounterfoil, at top right hand corner.
@.7 5o not issue >allot paper to 9lectors in consecutive serial order.
@.8 .huffle three or four bundles of >allot paper and use bundles at random.
@.2 Obtain signature or thumb impression of voters on the !ounterfoil of >allot paper and then only issue >allot
paper.
@.? 5o not issue >allot paper unless signature or thumb impression is given by 9lector.
@.@ Allow Polling agents to see the bundles of ballot papers and note the first and last serial number of >allot
paper and also the serial number of defective >allot paper.
4.1 .ign and read out declaration at the commencement of Poll. ;a&e separate declarations for parliamentary
and assembly election.
4." ;a&e declaration again for use of subseuent bo$0bo$es.
A.1 !ommence the Poll at the .tro&e of hour fi$ed for the purpose.
13.1 #he duties of polling officers in a single election where there are 708 polling officers and in a simultaneous
election when there are 2 polling officers are as under(
Single Election-3 Polling Office!
13." #he first polling officers will have the mar&ed copy of the electoral roll for the assembly election and will
identify the electors.
13.7 #he second polling officer will have the indelible in& and the bundle of ballot papers. %e will enter the part
number and serial number of the elector on the counterfoil of the ballot paper, obtain the signature0thumb
impression of the voter on the counterfoil, apply the indelible in& on the forefinger of the elector and issue the
ballot paper.
13.8 #he third polling officer will fold the ballot paper first vertically and then horiBontally, then unfold it and hand it
over to the elector. %e will also give to the elector an in&ed rubber stamp.
Single Election-" Polling Office!
13.2 #he first polling officer will have the mar&ed copy of electoral roll and will identify the elector.
13.? .econd polling officer will apply the indelible in&.
13.@ #he third polling officer will note down the part number and serial number of the elector and obtain the
signature0thumb impression of the elector on the !ounterfoil and issue the ballot paper.
13.4 #he fourth polling officer will first fold the ballot paper vertically and then horiBontally and after unfolding it
give to the voter. %e will also give the in&ed rubber stamp.
11.1 5o not entertain any challenge unless the challenger pays challenge fee of two rupees in !ash.
1".1 Obtain reuired declaration from the companion of blind and infirm voter.
17.1 If you consider an elector to be much below the voting age i.e. 14 years but otherwise satisfied about his
identity, obtain a declaration from him about his age.
18.1 #endered ballot paper should be serially the last in the bundle of ballot papers supplied to you.
18." 'rite Ctendered ballot paperC on the bac& of ballot paper and its counterfoil in your own hand and sign.
18.7 #endered ballot paper not to be put in >allot >o$.
18.8 Put tendered >allot papers and list thereof in a separate cover.
12.1 5istribute slips to all electors standing in ueue before closing hours of Poll, starting the operation from the
end of the ueue.
1?.1 ;aintain secrecy of voting.
1@.1 Allow only one Polling Agent of a candidate inside the Polling .tation at any given time.
14.1 9nsure free and fair Poll.
1A.1 .how due courtesy and regard to the observer appointed by the !ommission and furnish him all information
reuired by him.
"3.1 !anvassing within one hundred metres of the Polling .tation is an offence.
"1.1 .mo&ing inside Polling .tation is prohibited.
"".1 !lerical and printed errors in the ,oll to be overloo&ed.
"7.1 9ligibility of a voter not be uestioned.
"8.1 ;a&e declaration at the end of the Poll.
"2.1 Dive attested copies of the >allot paper account to the Polling agents.
"?.1 After the election is overE pac& and seal the election papers and materials.
"?." ,emember, you will hand over 12 *fifteen+ items of election materials at the collection centre.
"?.7 You will put the pac&ets and other materials in four separate pac&ets.
"?.8 #he first sealed pac&et of C.tatutory !oversC should contain @ *seven+ sealed covers.
"?.2 #he second pac&et of C1on).tatutory !oversC should contain 4 *eight+ covers.
"?.? #he third pac&et should contain 4 *eight+ items.
"?.@ All other items should be pac&ed into the fourth pac&et.
"?.4 5eliver the >o$es, 9lection papers and materials at the collection centre promptly after the Poll, without any
delay.
"@.1 -ollow the instructions contained in the %and >oo& for Presiding Officer so as to ensure the smooth conduct
of 9lection.
OUTLINES OF FUNCTIONS TO BE PERFOR#ED B$ PRESIDING OFFICERS AT %ARIOUS
STAGES
ANNE&URE III
*.ee !hapter I+
On appointment
On the day previous to the day of poll
I. On Appointment.
II. On the day previous to the day of Poll.
III. On arrival at the Polling .tation on the day of Poll.
I=. 5uring the hours of Poll.
=. After the completion of Poll.
I' On ())oint*ent
1.1. 'hen you receive your appointment order, please chec& up carefully and e$amine()
*a+ #he name and number of your polling stationE
*b+ #he name of the assembly constituency within which the polling station is situatedE
*c+ #he e$act location of your polling station.
#his information will be found in your appointment order. You will also find the names of your Polling Officers in
the order. #ry to contact them and &eep their residential and office addresses with you and give your residential
and office address with you and give your residential and office addresses to them.
Attend as many training classes as you can. 1ever rely on your memory and past e$perience as they may betray
you. #he instructions are being changed considerably from time to time.
1.". ,ead the following pamphlets and boo&lets very carefully ()
*a+ %andboo& for Presiding OfficersE
*b+ Fetter of the ,eturning Officer to Presiding Officers giving important instructions.
1.7. -amiliarise yourself with the item of Polling material given in Anne$ure =.
1.8. .tudy carefully the manner and the method in which the ballot bo$es can be closed and opened.
1.2. ,ead carefully the different forms, statutory and non)statutory, as given in Anne$ures I= to 6 and 6II to 6I=.
1.?. ,ead very carefully the relevant sections of the ,epresentation of the People Act, 1A23 and 1A21, given in
Anne$ure II and relevant rules under the !onduct of 9lections ,ules, 1A?1, given in Anne$ure III. If you have any
doubt, approach your Assistant ,eturning Officer and get your doubt clarified. 1ever be in a confused mind.
II' On t+e ,(- )e.io/! to t+e ,(- of )oll
".1 On the day previous to the day of poll, you will be as&ed to collect the material for use at the polling station.
Please ensure that()
*a+ >allot bo$es given to you can be operated smoothly.
*b+ All the items mentioned in Anne$ure = have been given to you.
*c+ Please count the ballot paper given to you very carefully and ensure that they are of the constituency in which
your polling station is included and their serial numbers also tally. Any missing number, or ballot paper with
duplicate number should be brought to the notice of the ,eturning Officer. Also compare that the number on the
counterfoil of the ballot paper and on the ballot paper is identical. You will be given ballot papers in bundles of 23
each and one or more bundles containing less than 23 ballot papers.
*d+ !hec& up the number of paper seals.
*e+ !hec& up the electoral roll to ensure that)
*i+ the copies of the supplements are given,
*ii+ the part number of the rolls and the supplement is correctly given,
*iii+ page numbers in the wor&ing copies of the roll are given serially,
*iv+ the printed serial numbers of voters are not corrected and no new numbers are substituted for them,
*v+ all deletions of names and corrections of clerical or other errors as per the supplements have been
incorporated.
*f+ !hec& the copy of the list of contesting candidates given to you. #he names and symbols of the candidates
given in the list must tally and should be in the same serial order in which they appear on the ballot papers.
*g+ !hec& up that the phial of indelible in& supplied to you contains sufficient uantity of indelible in& and that its
cap is perfectly sealedE if not re)seal the cap with candle0wa$.
*h+ chec& up the distinguishing mar& rubber stamp and all three arrow crossmar& rubber stamps and your brass
seal. 9nsure that all the arrow crossmar& rubber stamps have seals affi$ed on both the sides and that the stamp
pads are not dry.
If your polling station is proposed to be located in a mandap, obtain iron bo$ of sufficient dimensions to store your
election papers.
If you have any doubt about your movement programme, route to be followed to reach the polling station, get
them cleared and ma&e sure of the time, the place of departure and mode of transport for reaching the polling
station.
On (i.(l (t t+e Polling St(tion on t+e ,(- of )oll
D/ing t+e +o/! of )oll
".". *a+ ,each your polling station latest by 8)33 p.m. on the day preceding the day of poll and ensure that)
*i+ there is enough space for the voters to wait outside the polling station and for separate ueues for male and
female votersE
*ii+ there are separate passages for entry for entry and e$it of votersE
*iii+ there are one or more voting compartments for voters to mar& the ballot papers and that they are well lightedE
*iv+ a notice showing the polling area and details about voters is prominently &eptE
*v+ the copy of the list of contesting candidates is prominently displayed.
*b+ .tamp the distinguishing mar& rubber stamp on the counterfoil and at the top right)hand corner on the bac& of
the ballot paper. 9nsure that no smudges appear.
*c+ Appoint persons whom you will reuire to assist in identifying the voters including female assistant.
*d+ 5ecide the place where you, your Polling Officers and Polling Agents of the candidates will sit and the ballot
bo$ would be placed.
*e+ ,emove any photograph of any leader belonging to any political party hung in the polling station or cover them
fully.
".7 #he ballot papers and the polling materials delivered to you should remain in your custody throughout, till the
poll is completed and the materials are handed over by you. 9ither you or one of the Polling Officers selected by
you should remain in the polling station in charge of the materials from the moment you arrive there. #he polling
materials should not be left in the custody of the Police Duard on duty at the polling station or any person other
than yourself or a Polling Officer selected by you.
III' On (i.(l (t t+e Polling St(tion on t+e ,(- of )oll
7.1 9nsure that you and other members of your polling party reach the polling station 82 minutes before the hour
fi$ed for starting the poll. On arrival open the room0bo$ and chec& the articles.
7.". !hec& up the appointment letters of polling agents and e$plain to them provisions of section 1"4 of the ,.P.
Act, 1A21. Assign them seats and issue them entry passes for their movements. ,ead out the declaration as
referred to in !hapter 6 of the Instructions.
7.7. ;a&e arrangements to appoint a Polling Officer if one from your party has not turned up.
7.8. .tart preparing the ballot bo$ in presence of the polling agents present. #a&e their signature on the Dreen
Paper .eal.
7.2. Place the phial of indelible in& in such a way that the in& does not spill out.
7.?. .ign in full two bundles of 23 ballot papers. 9nsure that you sign on the bac& of the ballot paper and not of
the counterfoil. Your signature should only be on the bac& of the ballot papers and should not even partly e$tend
to counterfoil.
I%' D/ing t+e +o/! of )oll
8.1. 9nsure that the polling starts sharp at the appointed time. 9ven if all formalities have not been completed,
admit some voters in the polling station at the appointed time.
8.". 'hile poll is in progress, unusual comple$ cases are li&ely to crop up. 5eal with them yourself leaving the
Polling OfficersG to carry on their normal duties. .uch cases will be.)
*a+ =oting by blind or infirm voters *!hapter 6=+.
*b+ =oting on 9.5.!. *!hapter 6=I+.
*c+ !hallenge to a voter *!hapter 6II+.
*d+ =oting by minors *!hapter 6II+.
*e+ #endered votes *!hapter 6=II+.
*f+ >reach in secrecy of voting *!hapter 6=+.
*g+ 5isorderly conduct at the booth and removal of disorderly persons *!hapter 6I+.
*h+ Adjournment of poll because of riot or any other cause *!hapter 6=III+.
8.7. As soon as a ballot bo$ gets full start preparing a new ballot bo$. #he bo$ in use should be replaced when
you consider it necessary. !lose the slit of the ballot bo$ and secure it the &eep in at a safe place in presence of
polling agents.
8.8. !ollect information for compilation in item 14 of your diary regarding polling every two hours.
8.2. !lose the poll at the appointed hour even if it has started a few minutes late. Dive slips with your signature to
those persons who are in ueue at this hour. 9nsure that no additional person joins the ueue after the appointed
hour.
%' Afte t+e co*)letion of )oll
2.1. !lose the ballot bo$es as per the instructions given in !hapter 66.
2.". Ascertain the number of female voters who have voted.
2.7. !omplete -orm 1? and paper seal account. -urnish to every polling agent present at the close of the poll, an
attested true copy of -orm 1? after obtaining from him a receipt for it on the declaration form referred to in
!hapter 66 of the %andboo&. #hen complete the declaration in other respects.
2.8. !omplete your diary.
2.2. Prepare first pac&et of @ statutory covers.
2.?. Prepare second pac&et of 4 covers.
2.@. Prepare third pac&et of seven items.
2.4. Prepare fourth pac&et of all other items.
2.A. -ollow the program of return journey to the !ollection !entre for depositing the sealed ballot bo$es and
pac&ets. It is your personal responsibility to deliver the bo$es and other pac&ets at the !ollection !entre intact
and obtain a receipt. 1ote that you have to hand over eleven different items, viB(
1. the sealed bo$*es+E
". the unused ballot bo$*es+E
7. the unused canvas bag*s+ or cloth, as the case may beE
8. cover containing the ballot paper accountE
2. cover containing the paper seal accountE
?. cover containing the declarations of the Presiding OfficerE
@. cover containing the Presiding Officer/s 5iaryE
4. first pac&et superscribed Hstatutory cover/ containing seven coversE
A. second pac&et superscribed Hnon)statutory covers/, containing eight coversE
13. third pac&et containing seven items of election material, etc.E and
11. fourth pac&et containing all other times, if any.
CHECK #E#O FOR PRESIDING OFFICERS
ANNE&URE I%
Item no. Action of be ta&en ,emar&s
*1+ *"+ *7+
1.
Obtaining and &eeping in possession all relevant
instructions from the ,eturning officer.
whether obtained and &ept I
".
-amiliarisation with the other members of the polling
party and maintenance of close relationship with
them.
'hether done I
7. !ollection of election materials
'hether ensured that all
the election
materials and that
too in sufficient
uantities and
numbers have been
collectedI
8.
!hec&ing up of ballot papers, ballot bo$es, mar&ed
copies of the electoral roll, arrow cross mar& rubber
stamps, distinguishing mar& etc.
'hether doneI
2.
2. .eparate entrance and e$it for voters at polling
stations.
'hether ensuredI
?.
5isplay of notice specifying the polling area and the
numbers of electors assigned and also a copy of the
list of contesting candidatesE
'hether displayedI
@. Address tag to be put inside the ballot bo$ 'hether doneI
4.
5eclaration to be made at the !ommencement of
the poll
'hether madeI
A.
. .igning of ballot papers and affi$ing the
distinguishing mar&.
'hether doneI
13. .huffling of bundles of ballot papers 'hether doneI
11.
,eading out the provisions of the .ec. 1"4 of ,.P.
Act, 1A21 with regard to the secrecy of voting to be
done by the Presiding Officer at the beginning of
poll.
'hether doneI
1".
Allowing polling agents to see the bundles of ballot
papers and note the first and last serial number of
ballot paper.
'hether allowedI
17.
;ar&ing of indelible in& on left four)finger and
obtaining the signature0thumb impression on the
counterfoils of ballot papers
'hether being properly doneI
18. 5eclaration from under)aged electors 'hether obtainedI
12. ;aintenance of Presiding Officer/s diary
'hether events are recorded from
time to time as and when
they occurI
1?. >allot paper account
whether attested copies given to all
the polling agentsI
1@. 5eclaration to be made at the close of poll 'hether madeI
14. .ealing of election papers
'hether done according to
instructionsI
0A1LIST OF POLLING #ATERIALS FOR A POLLING PART$
ANNE&URE %
0CHAPTER III1
1 In,eli2le in3 4 )+i(l! of 5 cc' )e )olling !t(tion'
" !opying pencil "
3 O,in(- )encil 6
" Self-in3ing )(,0)/)le1 4
5 B(ll )oint )en " 2l/e colo/
? >lotting paper 1 sheet of 5.-. siBe
7 Fool!c() )()e " !+eet!
8 Pin! 6 )(c3et'
9 #et(l !e(l fo Pe!i,ing Office 6
6: Ao; co!!-*(3 /22e !t(*) fo *(3ing 2(llot P()e! 3<
11 S/tli 0T+e(,1 4 2/n,le!
64 Se(ling ;(= 6: )iece! 06 )3t1
#et(l >ie fo tieing 2(llot 2o= 6 *ete
63 Recei)t fo ,e)o!it fo c+(llenge, .ote! 6 2oo3
6" #(tei(l fo .oting co*)(t*ent 4
65 G/* )(!te 6 2ottle
6? P/!+e 6
67 #(tc+ Bo= 6
68 Bl(,e 6
1A Arm bands for Polling Officer ?
"3 Fanterns, if necessary .........
46 ' #et(l /le fo ,et(c+ing 2(llot )()e! fo* co/ntefoil! 6
44
Clot+ o (g fo e*o.ing oil o (n- ot+e !/2!t(nce fo*
t+e finge0!1 of t+e electo
6
43 >(!te P()e B(!3et 6
J-or simultaneous elections to Fo& .abha and =idhan .abha
0B1LIST OF POLLING #ATERIALS FOR A POLLING PART$
6 P()e !e(l'''''''''''''''''''''''
4' Stitc+e, 2/n,le! of 2(llot )()e! ;it+ co/ntefoil
3' C(, 2o(, fo Stengt+ening )()e !e(l'''''''''' ? )iece!
"' P(!!e! fo Polling Agent!''' 64 no!'
5' R/22e !t(*) 2e(ing ,i!ting/i!+ing *(3 of )olling !t(tion
?' P(c3ing )()e''''''' " !+eet!
#(3e, Co)- of Electol Roll
7' >o3ing co)- of t+e oll''''''''
8' A,,e!!e, t(g!
9' L(2el! fo 2(llot 2o=e!'''''
6:' Co.e fo /n/!e, 2(llot )()e! ---- " = 6 @ " no!'
66' Co.e fo co/ntefoil! of /!e, 2(llot )()e! ---- " = 4 @ 8 no!'
64' Co.e fo ten,ee, 2(llot )()e! (n, li!t of ten,ee, .ote!
Co.e fo li!t of 2lin, o infi* .ote!
Co.e fo ,ecl((tion of co*)(nion! of 2lin, o infi* .ote! 0Fo* &I&-A1
64A Fo* fo li!t of ten,ee, .ote! 0 Fo* && 1
63' C(n,le o ,e2i
6"' B(llot 2o= 0 ,/l- n/*2ee, 1
12 -le$ible wire
6?' C/) o e*)t- cig(ette tin fo !etting t+e in,eli2le in3 2ottle
1@ 1otice specifying polling area..
68 Li!t of conte!ting c(n,i,(te! 0Fo* A I&1 ---- 4 co)ie!
S)eci*en Sign(t/e! of conte!ting c(n,i,(te!
69' Co.e! fo et/ne, (n, c(ncelle, 2(llot )()e!
4:' Li!t of c+(llenge, .ote! 0Fo* &&I 1
46' Co.e fo /n/!e, B ,efecti.e )()e !e(l! ''
"". Appointment letters * -orm 13 +..
43' Pe!i,ing OfficeC! ,i(- 0 ,/l- n/*2ee, 1
"8. !over for ballot paper account..
"2. !over for paper seal account...
4?' Co.e fo *(3e, co)ie! of electo(l oll!
47' Co.e fo ot+e co)- of electo(l oll
48' Co.e fo li!t of c+(llenge, .ote!
49' Co.e fo lette! of ())oint*ent of Polling Agent!
3:' Co.e fo Pe!i,ing OfficeC! ,i(-
36 Co.e fo ecei)t 2oo3 (n, c(!+ fofeite,
7". !over for declarations of companions
77. !over for 9lection 5uty !ertificate *-orm 1")>+
3"' Fo* of B(llot P()e Acco/nt 0Fo* &&II1 ---- 8 no!' Fo e(c+ 2(llot t-)e 0Tot(l 8 = " @ 34 no!'1
35' Fo* fo P()e Se(l Acco/nt 0Fo* &&III1 ---- 8 no!
3?' Fo*! fo co*)(nion! of 2lin, o infi* .ote! 0Fo* &I&-A1 ----- 4 no!'
37' Fo*! fo li!t of 2lin, o infi* .ote! 0Fo* &I&-B1 ----- 4 no!'
38'
Fo* fo ,ecl((tion 2- Pe!i,ing Office 2efoe co**ence*ent of t+e )ollD (t t+e ti*e of /!e of
!/2!eE/ent 2(llot 2o=e! (n, (t t+e en, of )oll 0Fo* &%II1 ------- 4 no!'
39' C(n.(! 2(g o ( ne; clot+ fo ;())ing 2(llot-2o= o 2o=e!
":' S/fficient E/(ntit- of i22on o t()e fo !ec/ing t+e 2(llot 2o= 2- )(!!ing it on in (ll !i,e! --- ? *ete
81. !over for ballot papers cancelledE voting procedure violated
"4' Co.e fo !igne, 2/t /n/!e, 2(llot )()e! ------ " = 6 @ " no!'
87. !over for Presiding Officer/s brief record under rule 83
88. !over for any other that the ,eturning Officer has directed to be &ept in a sealed pac&et
"5 C(2on )()e!
"?'
Co.e fo ,ecl((tion 2- t+e Pe!i,ing Office 2efoe co**ence*ent of t+e )oll (t t+e ti*e of /!e of
!/2!eE/ent 2(llot 2o=e! (n, (t t+e en, of )oll
"7
0i1 Fo* fo ,ecl((tion 2- electo (2o/t +i! (ge 0Fo* &%III-A1 ------- 4 no!'
0ii1 Li!t of electo! ;+o .ote, (fte gi.ing ,ecl((tion/ef/!e, to gi.e ,ecl((tion (2o/t t+ei (ge 0Fo*
&%III-A1
84 Polythene bag0Dunny bag to contain polling materials
St(t/to- co.e!
non-!t(t/to- co.e!
3
,
P(c3et
"
t+
P(c3et
1ote " Out of the above, the following items are non)consumable and are reuired to be returned to
the official*s+ at the receiving centre(
*1+ .elf)in&ing padE
*"+ ;etal seal for Presiding OfficerE
*7+ Arrow !ross ;ar& rubber stamp for mar&ing ballot papersE
*8+ ;aterial for voting compartmentE
*2+ PusherE
*?+ FanternsE
*@+ ;etal rule for detaching ballot papers from counterfoilsE
*4+ 'aste paper bas&etE
*A+ ,ubber stamp bearing distinguishing mar& of polling stationE
*13+ >allot >o$E
*11+ !up for setting the indelible in&E
*1"+ !anvas bag or new cloth for wrapping ballot bo$ or bo$esE and
*17+ Polythene bag0gunny bag to contain polling material.
#he other items including stationery items are consumable.
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
1ote *1+ Any essential articles not supplied initially or reuired later in an emergency may be
purchased locally by Presiding Officer. #he cost will be met by Dovernment.
*"+ 'henever there is no simultaneous election to Fo& .abha and =idhan .abha the uantity of
supply of materials may be suitable reduced.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPERATING BALLOT BO&ES
0CHAPTER %III AND &&1
I' Go,eF T-)e B(llot Bo=
-igure 1
#o open bo$
#o prepare bo$ for balloting
#o close the slit and seal the bo$ after balloting
At the counting of =otes
1. Fig/e 6G Illustrates the >allot >o$ in the balloting position. .tudy this figure to &now the names of
the various parts. 1ote that the slit for insertion of ballot papers is open in this position.
". To o)en 2o= G *i+ <ndo the wire which secures the window cover to the button.
*ii+ #urn window cover cloc&wise so as to e$pose the window fully as in -igure ".
*iii+ %old your palm upwards and insert a finger through the window and e$tend it to the middle of the
bottom of the lid to contact the >,A!:9#. *#his brac&et can be seen in -igure 8+.
*iv+ Pull brac&et towards the window and turn the button gently A1#I!FO!:)'I.9 until it stops, after
less than a uarter turn, as in -igure 7. *#he bo$ is now unloc&ed and the lid can be opened to
e$pose its inside.+ *.ee -igure 8+.
*v+ Allow the candidates or their agents to inspect the bo$ without disturbing mechanism.
7. To )e)(e 2o= fo 2(llotingG -igure 2 shows that frame into which the seal if at all to be used is
to be inserted and also illustrates the correct method of inserting and securing it. #o do this properly
you have to proceed as follows(
*i+ #a&e the paper seal, either green or pin&, have it signed near its wider end on its white face by the
candidates or their agents who may desire to sign. Also sign yourself and record the date.
*ii+ :eep a record of the serial number of the paper seal in the form prescribed and allow the
candidates or their agents to note the number.
*iii+ Insert the ends of the paper seal through the inner chin&s *see -igure 8+ on either side of the
central part of the frame so that the white side of the paper seal with the signatures should be visible
below the lid of the bo$.
*iv+ ;a&e the narrower end of the seal shorter so that widen end with the signatures thereon is
longer, in order to prevent accidental damage to the paper seal. .trengthen it by inserting in the
central part of the frame, a padding of card)board of the siBe ".1013C$1.@01?C after applying a little
gum on the inner surface of that part of the paper seal only which is enclosed within the frame)-igure
25. #he padding should be thic& enough so that the paper seal is held firmly in position. !hec& this
by pulling it gently. #he paper seal should not move at all.
*v+ .ecure the two top corners of the card)board to the paper seal and to the inner side of the lid of
the ballot bo$ by sealing wa$. *.ee -igure 29.+
*vi+ If any candidate or his agent arrives late and could not sign on the paper seal before its insertion
into the frame, he should be allowed to sign or affi$ his seal on the longer portion of the paper seal at
this stage if he so desires.
*vii+ #hen close the lid of the bo$ gently. #a&e care that the loose ends of the paper seal remain
within the ballot bo$ as in -igure 2-. #urn the button slightly cloc&wise until it stops with a clic&. #he
slit should now be fully open in the correct balloting position as in -igure ". 5o not turn the button
further or the slit will get closed and no ballot paper can be inserted thereafter. In case this happens
through carelessness, the bo$ will have to be reopened after destroying the paper seal and will have
to be prepared once again for balloting with a fresh paper seal.
*viii+ #urn the window cover anti)cloc& wise so that the window is covered by it fully as in -igure 1.
,un a piece of wire through the hole in the window cover and the corresponding hole in the button
and twist the ends of the wire together tightly a few times so that the window cover is secured
effectively to the button which cannot be turned thereafter. #hen run a piece of twine through the
holes in the window cover and the button and tie it tightly with multiple &nots. %old the free ends of
the twine together and put your seal on them as close to &nots as practicable after placing the ends
on a piece of the thic& strong paper.
8. To clo!e t+e !lit (n, !e(l t+e 2o= (fte 2(lloting G *i+ After the last voter has voted remove the
wire and cut the twine so as to free the window cover.
*ii+ ;ove the window cover cloc&wise and turn the button hard in the cloc&wise direction until it stops
and closes the slit completely *-igure ?+.
*iii+ #urn the window cover anti)cloc&wise so as to close the window fully. %old the button and the
window cover together, run a piece of wire through the hole in the window cover and the
corresponding hole in the button and secure them together firmly by twisting the ends of the wire
together tightly a few times. *#he bo$ will now appear as in -igure @+.
*iv+ After closing and securing the ballot bo$ or bo$es of polling station run a ribbon or tape on the
four sides of the bo$ lengthwise and breadthwise crossing each other on the lid passing under the
handle if there is one and tie the &not firmly and seal the &not on a piece of thic& paper or cardboard
with your seal. #he polling agents should also be as&ed to affi$ their seals or their signatures if they
so desire. After this, the ballot bo$ should be either (
*a+ placed in strong canvas bag with provision for closing it with a strong rope or other loc&ing
arrangement and the bag closed and sealed by youE or
*b+ wrapped with a new cloth which shall be sewn and the seams sealed by you.
In either case, the polling agents present should be as&ed to affi$ their seals if they so desire. Also
attach properly the address tag and the label on the canvas bag or cloth cover as the case may be or
you may write the particulars in in&. #he bo$ is now ready for dispatch to ,eturning Officer.
2. At t+e co/nting of %ote! G *i+ ,emove wire and twine with seal. *5amage to this seal does not by
itself prove tampering+.
*ii+ .hift window cover to e$pose window and see that the portion of the paper seal visible through
the window is intact.
*iii+ Also chec& that the slit is closed and that the button cannot be turned in either direction. Allow the
candidates and their agents also to satisfy themselves about items *ii+ and *iii+.
*iv+ Pierce the paper seals and the padding below it with a sharp pen &nife and out it along the edge
of the window to ma&e an aperture.
*v+ Insert a finger through the aperture and contact the brac&et. Pull bac& the brac&et and turn the
button A1#I)!FO!:'I.9. As soon as the button has turned a little, let go the brac&et, and then
continue turning the button till it stops. Pull the brac&et bac& again and turn button further A1#I)
!FO!:'I.9 until it finally stops. *#he bo$ is now open and the lid can be lifted+.
*vi+ Open the lid and chec& that.
*a+ the paper seal is genuine and intact, i.e., of full length,
*b+ the signatures and the seals, if any, on the paper seal are in order, and
*c+ the serial number of the paper seal tallies with the corresponding number noted by the Presiding
Officer, in the prescribed from.
*#he candidates and their agents should also be allowed to satisfy themselves about this+.
II' T+e B/ngo T-)e B(llot Bo=
#o open the bo$
Prepare bo$ for balloting
#o close the slit after the poll
At the counting of votes
1. To o)en t+e 2o= G *i+ Fift the metal seal cover)A *see -igs. 1 and "+
*ii+ ;ove the loc&)handle *or bolt+)> *see -igs."+ towards the slit. #he bo$ is now unbolted.
*iii+ Open the bo$ by lifting the lid)! *see -igs. " and 7+ by the handle. #he inside of the bo$ is now e$posed.
". Pe)(e 2o= fo 2(lloting G *i+ Allow the candidates or their agents to e$amine the bo$.
*ii+ Pull the spring)5 *see -ig. 7+ on the inner surface of the lid and simultaneously move the sliding &nob *slot
handle+)9 *see -ig. "+ away from the slit. ,elease the spring. #he slit is now open to allow balloting.
*iii+ Place the lid bac& into position *see -ig. "+. ;ove the loc&)handle *or bolt+ away from the slit. #he lid is now
bolted. !lose the depression near the loc&)handle with a little molten sealing wa$. 1o seal need be affi$ed on the
same. ,un a .mall piece of wire through the holes in the bolt and the corresponding holes in the fi$ed platform
and twist the ends of the wire a few times tightly while holding them together so that the loc&ing bolt and the fi$ed
platform are tightly held together and cannot be moved either way. Also run pieces of twine through the
corresponding holes and tie up the ends of each piece of twine tightly with multiple &nots. 1ow affi$ your seal as
close to the &nots as practicable on one piece of twine with sealing wa$ after placing the ends on a piece of thic&
strong paper. #he candidates or their agents may put their seals similarly on the other pieces of twine.
*iv+ Affi$ the identity card in the space provided on the inside of the metal cover after noting thereon the identity
mar&s for the bo$.
*v+ 1ow close the metal seal cover ta&ing care to see that all the seals remain safe inside the cover. .ecure the
cover to the fi$ed platform by passing a piece of wire through their holes and twist the ends of the wire together
tightly a few times to prevent any one from opening the outer cover during the poll. Also run a piece of twine
through the holes and then tie up its ends tightly with multiple &nots. .eal the ends of the twine with your own seal
near the &nots after placing the ends on a thic& piece of paper.
7. To clo!e t+e !lit (fte t+e )oll G *i+ After the end of the poll, open the metal seal cover after brea&ing the seal
and cutting the twine. .ee if your seal is intact. 9ven if it is not, it is enough if the inner seals inside the seal cover
are intact. .how the polling agents that they are intact.
*ii+ Push the sliding &nob *slot)handle+ towards the slit until it clic&s. #he slit is now loc&ed. !hec& that the sliding
&nob *slot)handle+ cannot be moved either way. 1ow close and seal the metal cover as again in item *iii+ of
paragraph ".
*iii+ After closing and securing the ballot bo$ or bo$es of the polling station, run a ribbon or tape on the four sides
of the bo$ lengthwise and breadthwise crossing each other on the lid passing under the handle if there is one and
tie the &not firmly and seal the &not on a piece of thic& paper or card)board with your seal. #he polling agents
should also be as&ed to affi$ their seals or their signatures if they so desire. After this, the ballot bo$ should be
eitherE
*a+ placed in a strong canvas bag with provisions for closing it with a strong rope or other loc&ing arrangement
and the bag closed and sealed by youE or
*b+ wrapped with a new cloth which shall be sewn and the seams sealed by you.In either case, the polling agents
present should be as&ed to affi$ their seals, if they so desire. Also attach properly the address tag and the label
on the canvas bag or cloth cover as the case may be or you may write the particulars in in&. #he bo$ is now ready
for dispatch to the ,eturning Officer.
8. At t+e co/nting of .ote! G *i+ ,emove wire and twine with seals of the metal seal cover.
*5amage to this seal is not vital and does not by itself prove tampering+.
*ii+ Open the metal seal cover and chec& that all the seals inside the seal cover are authentic and intact. Also
chec& that the slit is closed.
*iii+ #hen remove wire and pieces of twine with seals and open the bo$ as e$plained in para 1 above.
-
CLOSING AND SEALING OF BALLOT BO&ES AND ELECTION PAPERS
!losing and sealing of ballot bo$es
=erification of number of ballot papers issued to voters
Preparation of ballot paper account
Clo!ing (n, !e(ling of 2(llot 2o=e!
1.1 After completion of poll, close the slit of the ballot bo$ and secure it in the presence of the Polling agents.
5etailed instructions for closing of the bo$ are given in Anne$ure =II.
1." After closing and securing the ballot bo$ or bo$es of the polling station according to instructions contained in
sub)para)graph *a+ run a ribbon or tape on the four sides of the bo$ lengthwise and breadthwise crossing each
other on the lid passing under the handle if there is one and tie the &not firmly and seal the &not on a piece of
thic& paper or cardboard with your seal. #he polling agents present should also be as&ed to affi$ their seals or
their signatures, if they so desire. After this, the ballot bo$ or bo$es should be either)
*i+ placed in a strong canvas bag, with provision for closing it with a strong rope or other loc&ing arrangement and
the bag closed and sealed by youE or
*ii+ wrapped with a new cloth which shall be sewn and the seams sealed by you.
1.7 In either case, the polling agents present should be as&ed to affi$ their seals, if they so desire. Also attach
firmly and in proper manner the address tag and the label on the canvas bag or the cloth cover, as the case may
be. #his address tag and the label should contain the very same particulars as the address tag outside ballot bo$
referred to in !hapter =III. #he address tag and label should be clearly filled in to avoid any confusion at the
collection centre and subseuently.
1.8 It is not sufficient to write the particulars contained in the address tag and label on the canvas bag or cloth
cover. It is very necessary to use the address tags and labels.
%eific(tion of n/*2e of 2(llot )()e! i!!/e, to .ote!
". At the end of the dayGs poll,the Polling Officer in-charge of mar&ed copy of electoral roll and ballot papers
should chec& that the total number of electors to whom ballot papers have been issued by them according to the
mar&ed copy of electoral roll and the total number of tendered ballot papers as entered in the list of tendered
votes and the total number of ballot papers issued in lieu of spoiled ballot papers tallies with the number of ballot
papers actually issued to voters and they should record it in Presiding Officer/s diary with their signatures. #he
first polling officer should also be reuired to find out the number of women voters and put it in the record.
Pe)((tion of 2(llot )()e (cco/nt
7.1 At the close of the poll, you should prepare a complete and accurate account of all ballot papers supplied to
you and used at the polling station i.e. ballot papers *i+ actually issued to voters *ii+ used as tendered ballot papers
*iii+ cancelled for one reason or the other and *iv+ being returned as unused. .uch ballot paper account should be
prepared in Part I of -orm 1? and signed by you.
7." You should not forget that in the ballot paper account, the total number of ballot papers received by you must
be eual to the sum total of)
1. >allot papers unused(
*a+ with the signature of Presiding Officer, if any,
*b+ without the signature of Presiding OfficerE
". >allot papers issued to voters *other than those cancelled on any account or used as tendered ballot papers+E
7. >allot papers cancelled(
*a+ for violation of the voting procedure under rule 7A and
*b+ for any other reasonsE and
8. >allot papers used as tendered ballot papers.
7.7 #his account must be accurateE otherwise it will lead to serious difficulties at the time of counting of votes. #his
it is necessary that due care and caution is ta&en by you while preparing the >allot Paper Account.
7.8 A simple method of chec&ing the correctness of the entries made in -orm 1? is to see that the total number of
ballot papers used at the polling station as shown in item number 7 is eual to the total number of ballot papers
received by you as shown in item 1 minus the total number of ballot papers unused, as shown in item ". In simple
words, item 7 is eual to item 1 minus item ", but it is inclusive of item 8. #he total number of ballot papers
actually issued to voters and which they ought to insert in the ballot bo$*es+ shall be eual to item 7 minus item 8
and such number shall be shown by you in item 2. A sample of -orm 1? duly filled in which would ma&e the above
position clear is given at Anne$ure 6I=.
F/ni!+ing of co)- of 2(llot )()e (cco/nt to )olling (gent!
8.1 You should note that you are reuired by rule 82 to furnish to every polling agent present at the close of poll
an attested true copy of the ballot paper account prepared by you in Part I of -orm 1?, after obtaining a receipt
therefor from the agent. You should, therefore, furnish to every polling agent *but only one polling agent of each
candidate+ present at the close of poll an attested true copy of ballot paper account without their as&ing for it.
Obtain their full signatures in to&en of receipt of such copy on the form declaration prescribed in Anne$ure =III,
Part III which declaration you have to ma&e in order to ensure that you have complied with this reuirement. Also
note in that declaration the name*s+ of polling agent*s+, if any, refusing to ta&e a copy of the ballot paper account
and sign that declaration.
8." #o enable you to ma&e the reuired number of copies of ballot paper account, you will be supplied with as
many copies of the printed form *-orm 1?+ as the number of contesting candidates plus one or two more for the
original account. If possibly, you should prepare the reuired number of copies with the help of carbon paper,
while filling in the entries in the entries in the original account itself so that all such copies supplied to polling
agents and the original account are identical in every respect.
Se(ling of election )()e!'
2.1 After the close of poll, seal all the election papers in separate pac&ets as reuired by rule 8? *Anne$ure III+. All
the pac&ets so sealed e$cept the covers containing *i+ the ballot paper account *ii+ paper seal account *iii+ the
declarations by the Presiding Officer, and *iv+ the Presiding Officer/s diary, should be put in four large pac&ets as
e$plained in paragraph ?, and sent to the ,eturning Officer. #he covers containing *i+ the ballot paper account *ii+
paper seal account *iii+ the declarations by Presiding Officer and *iv+ the Presiding Officer/s diary should, however,
be sent separately to the receiving centre for election papers.
2." You should allow each candidate or his election agent or his polling agent who may be present at the polling
station to affi$ their seals on the envelopes and pac&ets containing the following documents()
*i+ the mar&ed copy of the electoral rollE
*ii+ the counterfoils of used ballot papers *At the end of the poll, if the last bundle of ballot papers used for the poll
contains some unused ballot papers, the counterfoils of used ballot papers in that bundle should be separated
from that bundle and &ept in this envelope. #he counterfoils so separated should be tagged properly+E
*iii+ the signed but unused ballot papers with counterfoils, if anyE
*iv+ the other unused ballot papers with counterfoilsE
*v+ the ballot papers cancelled for violation of voting procedureE
*vi+ the returned and other cancelled ballot papersE
*vii+ the tendered ballot papers and the list of tendered votes in -orm 12E
*viii+ the list of challenged votesE
*i$+ any other papers that the ,eturning Officer has directed to be &ept in a sealed pac&et.
P(c3ing of HSt(t/to- co.e!I (n, Hnon-!t(t/to- co.e!I (n, election *(tei(l!'
?. In order to avoid delay and inconvenience of waiting at the place for depositing sealed bo$es, election papers
and all other materials, you are advised to pac& the covers and other materials in four separate pac&ets, as
e$plained below, and hand them over at the place appointed for receipt thereof.
@.1 #he -irst pac&et should contain the sealed covers mentioned below and should be superscribed as
C.#A#<#O,Y !O=9,.C(
*i+ #he sealed cover containing the mar&ed copy of the electoral rollE
*ii+ the sealed cover containing counterfoils of used ballot papers including of tendered ballot papersE
*iii+ the sealed cover containing the signed but unused ballot papers, with counterfoilsE
*iv+ the sealed cover containing other unused ballot papers with counterfoilsE
*v+ the sealed cover containing the tendered ballot papers and the list in -orm 12E
*vi+ the sealed cover containing the ballot papers cancelled for violation of voting procedureE and
*vii+ the sealed cover*s+ containing other cancelled ballot papers.
@." 9ven if a statement or record to be put in any cover mentioned above is nil, a slip noting on it that the
statement of record is C1ilC may be put in the cover and the total number of seven covers made ready so that no
necessity arises for the receiving officials at the receiving centre to enuire about the non)production of any of the
sealed covers to be received by him.
P(c3ing of HSt(t/to- co.e!I (n, Hnon-!t(t/to- co.e!I (n, election *(tei(l!'
4. #he .econd pac&et should contain the following covers and should be superscribed as C1O1)
.#A#<#O,Y !O=9,.C()
*i+ the cover containing the copy or copies of electoral roll *other than the mar&ed copy+E
*ii+ the cover containing the appointment letters of polling agents in -orm 13E
*iii+ the cover containing the election duty certificates in -orm 1")>E
*iv+ the sealed cover containing the list of challenged votes in -orm 18E
*v+ the covers containing the list of blind and infirm electors in -orm 18)A and the declarations of the
companions under rule 83*1+E
*vi+ the cover containing the declarations obtained from electors as to their age *Anne$ure 6I+ and the list of
such electors *Part I, Anne$ure 6II+
*vii+ cover containing the receipt boo& and cash, if any, in respect of challenged votesE and
*viii+ cover containing unused and damaged paper seals.
A. #he #hird pac&et should contain the following items()
*i+ the %andboo& for Presiding OfficersE
*ii+ Pusher for ballot bo$ and metal strip for detaching the ballot papers from counterfoilsE
*iii+ Indelible in& set *with stopper having been secured on each phial effectively with molten candle or wa$
applied thereon to prevent lea&age or evaporation+E
*iv+ .elf)in&ing padsE
*v+ #he metal seal of the Presiding OfficerE
*vi+ #he rubber stamp bearing the distinguishing mar& of the polling stationE and
*vii+ #he arrow cross)mar& rubber stamps for mar&ing ballot papersE
*viii+ !up for setting the indelible in&.
13. All the other items, if any, should be pac&ed into the fourth pac&et.
11. 9ach of the seven smaller covers0pac&ets to be included in the first pac&et mar&ed C.tatutory !oversC
should be sealed. >ut the other smaller covers0pac&ets containing various non)statutory papers and items
of election materials to be included in the second, third and fourth pac&ets mar&ed C1on).tatutory !oversC
may be prepared separately but need not be sealed *e$cept the cover containing list of challenged votes in
-orm 18+ in order to save time. All these unsealed covers and the sealed cover containing list of challenged
votes in -orm 18 should simply be placed in the respective bigger covers along with a chec& memo signed
by the Presiding Officer. #hese three bigger pac&ets need not be sealed but may be properly secured by
means of pins or thread so that the contents may be chec&ed at the receiving centres. #he first pac&et
mar&ed C.tatutory !oversC should, however, be sealed by the Presiding Officer after chec&ing of the
contents at the receiving centre.
PREPARATION OF THE DIAR$ AND DELI%ER$ OF BALLOT BO&ES AND ELECTION
PAPERS AT COLLECTION CENTRES
Preparation of the diary
#ransmission of >allot >o$es and 9lection Papers to the ,eturning Officer
5elivery and !hec&ing of 9lection ,ecords and ;aterials at the !ollecting !entre
Pe)((tion of t+e ,i(-
1.1 You should draw up the proceedings connected with the ta&ing of the poll in the polling station in the diary to
be maintained for the purpose. #he proforma of diary is reproduced at Anne$ure 6=
1." You will be furnished with a duly numbered diary *containing a serial number given by means of a numbering
machine+ and that diary should alone be used by you.
1.7 You must go on recording the relevant events as and when they occur. You should mention therein all
important events in the relevant columns.
1.8 It has been observed in many cases that the Presiding Officers do not ma&e the entries in the relevant
columns of the diary at regular intervals or from time to time as envisaged, and fill in all entries and complete the
diary at the end of the poll. #his is highly objectionable. It should be noted that any lapse on your part in the
proper maintenance of diary at all points of time during the process of poll will be very seriously viewed by the
!ommission.
T(n!*i!!ion of B(llot Bo=e! (n, Election P()e! to t+e Ret/ning Office
".1 After the ballot bo$es and all election papers have been sealed and secured by you after the close of poll in
the manner e$plained in !hapter 66, you have to deliver them or cause them to be delivered at such place as the
,eturning Officer may direct and in accordance with such arrangements as the ,eturning Officer may ma&e.
"." #he ballot bo$es and the election papers should be delivered or caused to be delivered at the collection
centre with Bero delay. Any delay in this behalf will be viewed by the !ommission with utmost concern and will
invite severe disciplinary action against all concerned.
Deli.e- (n, C+ec3ing of Election Reco,! (n, #(tei(l! (t t+e Collecting Cente
7.1 You will hand over to the Official)in)charge of the collecting centre the following 12 items of election records
and materials and obtain a receipt()
*i+ the sealed ballot bo$*es+
*ii+ the unused ballot bo$*es+E
*iii+ the unused canvas bag*s+ or cloth, as the case may beE
*iv+ cover containing the ballot paper accountE
*v+ cover containing the paper seal account
*vi+ cover containing the declarations of the Presiding Officer
*vii+ cover containing the Presiding Officer/s 5iaryE
*viii+ the first pac&et superscribed C.tatutory !oversC containing seven coversE
*i$+ the second pac&et superscribed C1on).tatutory !oversC containing eight coversE
*$+ the third pac&et containing eight items of election materials etcE
*$i+ materials for voting compartmentsE
*$ii+ lanternsE
*$iii+ waste paper bas&etE
*$iv+ Polythene bag, gunny bag to contain polling materials, and
*$v+ the fourth pac&et containing all other items, if any *referred to in paragraph 13 of !hapter 66+.
7." All the above items Le$cluding these items contained in the fourth pac&et referred to at *$v+ aboveM will be
chec&ed by the receiving officials at the collecting centre in your presence and thereafter you will be relieved.
ANNE&URE &I%
0CHAPTER &&1
Fo* 6?
LSee ,ules 82, 2?*@+ and 2?AM
PART I-BALLOT PAPER ACCOUNT
9lection to the %ouse of the People from the 8?)Diridih Parliamentary
!onstituency))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
1ame of Assembly .egment .........................."@? 5umri................... *in the case of election from
a)))))))))))))))
Parliamentary !onstituency+
1o. and 1ame of Polling .tation)?A Dovt. %igher .econdary .chool, 5umri.
Serial-No
1. >allot papers received ))
)-rom)
78"31)
))))))#o
72343)
#otal 1o
443.
".
>allot papers unused *i.e. not issued to voters+(
*a+ with the signature of Presiding Officer
*b+ 'ithout the signature of Presiding Officer
)
)78A@2
78A411
34980
35078
?
A4

J#otal)*aNb+
104
7.
J>allot papers used at the Polling .tation ))*1)
"O7))))))))))))
776
8.
>allot papers used at the polling station but
1O# I1.9,#95 I1#O #%9 >AFFO# >O6()
*a+ >allot papers cancelled for violation of voting
procedure under rule 7A)
*b+ >allot papers cancelled for other reason)
*c+ >allot papers used as tendered )ballot papers )
#otal)*aNbNc+
))-rom
78788
78"4",78?31,78@@@,78@43
35080,35079
78"4")))
#o
#otal 1o.
1
8
"
7
2 J>allot papers to be found in the ballot bo$

@?A
))))*7)8O2+))
))))))))))) Date.....................
Signature of the Presiding Officer
J*.erial number need not be given+
PRESIDING OFFICERIS DIAR$
ANNE&URE &%
*!%AP#9, 66I+
1. 1ame of the constituency
)))*in bloc& letters+(
". 5ate of poll (
7. 1umber of the polling station (
)))'hether located in)
)))*i+ Dovernment or uasi)government buildingE
)))*ii+ Private buildingE
)))*iii+ #emporary structureE
8. 1umber of polling officers recruited locally, if any (
2. Appointment of polling officer made in the absence of duly
)))appointed polling officer, if any, and the reasons for such appointment (
?. 1umber of ballot bo$es used (
@. 1umber of paper seals used (
4. 1umber of polling agents and the number who arrived late (
A. 1umber of candidates who had appointed polling agents at the polling stations (
J13. *i+ 1umber of assembly ballot papers issued according to
)))))))mar&ed copy of the electoral roll (
))))))1umber of ballot papers actually issued at the polling station (
)))))J*ii+ 1umber of parliamentary ballot papers issued according
))))))to mar&ed copy of the electoral roll (
)))))1umber of ballot papers actually issued at the polling station (
Signature of first Polling Officer ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Signature
of Polling Officer
in-charge of ballot papers
11. 1umber of electors who voted)
)))));en............................
)))))'omen .........................
)))))#otal .........................
1". !hallenged vote)
))))))1umber allowed ................
))))))1umber rejected ...............
)))))Amount forfeited ,s. ...........
17. 1umber of persons who have voted on production of
9lection 5uty !ertificate *95!+ (
18. 1umber of electors who voted with the help of companions (
12. 1umber of tendered votes (
1?. 1o. of electors)
*a+ -rom whom declarations as to their age obtained ................
*b+ 'ho refused to give such declaration .................
1@. 'hether it was necessary to adjourn the poll and if so, the
reasons for such adjournment (
14. 1umber of votes cast)
from @ a.m. to A a.m.
from A a.m. to 11 a.m.
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
from 7 p.m. to 2 p.m.
1A. 1umber of slips issued at the closing hour of the poll (
"3. 9lectoral offences with details (
1umber of cases of)
*a+ canvassing within one hundred metres of a polling station (
*b+ impersonation of voters (
*c+ fraudulent defacing, destroying or removal of a list of notice or other document at a polling station.
*d+ bribing of voters (
*e+ intimidation of voters and other persons (
"1. 'as the poll interrupted or obstructed by)
*1+ riot (
*"+ open violence (
J#his will include all the ballot papers issued at the polling station plus postal ballot papers issued to electors on
election duty.
P#his will include ballot papers cancelled and tendered ballot papers also.
*7+ natural calamity (
*8+ any other cause (
Please give details of the above.
"". 'as the poll vitiated by)
*1+ any ballot bo$ used at the polling station having been unlawfully ta&en out of the custody of the Presiding
Officer)
*a+ accidentally or intentionally lost or destroyed (
*b+ damaged or tampered with (
*"+ the ballot papers having been unlawfully mar&ed by any person and deposited in the ballot bo$ (
Please give details
"7. .erious complaints, if any, made by the candidate (
"8. 1umber of cases of breach of law and order (
"2. ,eport of mista&es and irregularities committed, if any, at the polling station (
"?. 'hether the declarations have been made before the commencement of the poll and if necessary during the
course of poll when a new ballot bo$ is placed for reception of mar&ed ballot paper and at the end of poll as
necessary (
Place :
Date :
Presiding Officer
#his diary should be forwarded to the ,eturning Officer along with the ballot bo$es and other sealed papers.
DECLARATIONS B$ THE PRESIDING OFFICER BEFORE
THE CO##ENCE#ENT OF THE POLL
ANNE&URE %III
0CHAPTER & AND &&1
PA,#
9lection to ...................................Parliamentary0Assembly0!ouncil !onstituency
.erial 1o. and name of Polling .tation............................... .........................
5ate of Poll ...................................................
I hereby declare (
*1+ that I have demonstrated to the polling agents and other persons present that the ballot bo$*es+
to be used for the poll is0are empty and I have allowed than to note down the serial numbers of the
ballot bo$*es+E
J*"+ that on the paper seal used for securing the ballot bo$ I have affi$ed my own signature and
obtained thereon the signatures of such of the polling agents as are present and desirous of affi$ing
the sameE
J*Inapplicable where paper seal is not used+
*7+ that I have demonstrated to the polling agents and others present that the mar&ed copy of the
electoral roll to be used during the poll does not contain any mar&s other than those used for issuing
postal ballot papers and election duty certificatesE and
*8+ I have allowed the polling agents to note the first and the last of the serial numbers of the ballot
papers and showed them bundles of ballot which will be used at the polling station.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------.ignature......................
------------)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))Presiding Officer
.ignature)of)polling)agents(
1. ............ *of candidate................+ ". .............. *of candidate......................+
7. ............ *of candidate................+ 8. ............ *of candidate........................+
2. ............ *of candidate................+ ?. ............. *of candidate.......................+
@. ............ *of candidate ...............+ 4. ............... *of candidate.....................+
A. .............*of candidate............... +
#he following polling agent*s+ declined to affi$ his0her signature*s+, on this declaration (
1. ............ *of candidate ..............+ ". ............. *of candidate......................+
7. ............ *of candidate...............+ 8............... *of candidate......................+
Signature....................-----------------------
.............Date..................------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Presiding Officer-------
PA,# II
DECLARATION B$ THE PRESIDING OFFICER AT THE TI#E OF USE OF SUBSEJUENT
BALLOT BO&0ES1

9lection to .......................................... Parliamentary0Assembly0council !onstituency .erial 1o. and
1ame of Polling .tation...............................................
5ate of poll .........................
I hereby declare (
*1+ that I have demonstrated to the polling agents and other persons present that the second0third * +
ballot bo$ to be used for the poll is emptyE and
J*"+ that on the paper seal used for securing the ballot bo$, I have affi$ed my own signature and
obtained thereon the signature of such of the polling agents as are present and desirous of affi$ing
the same.
J*Inapplicable where paper seal is not used+

Signature.......................
Signature of polling agents: ---------------------------------------------------------Presiding Officer

1. ..................... *of candidate...................+ ". .............. *of candidate ..................+
7. ..................... *of candidate ..................+ 8. .............. *of candidate...................+
2. ..................... *of candidate ..................+ ?. .............. *of candidate ..................+
@. ..................... *of candidate ..................+ 4. .............. *of candidate....................+
A. ......................*of candidate...................+
#he following polling agent*s+ declined to affi$ his0her signature*s+ on this declaration (
1. .................*of candidate ....................+ ". ................ *of candidate................+
7. ................ *of candidate ....................+ 8. ................ *of candidate................+

Signature......................
Date...................................................................................... Presiding Officer
PA,# III
DECLARATION AT THE END OF POLL
I have furnished to the polling agents, who were present at the polling station at the close of the poll
and whose signatures are affi$ed below, an attested copy of each of the entries in the ballot paper
account in -orm 1? as reuired under rule 82*"+ of the !onduct of 9lection ,ule, 1A?1.
Signature....................
Date......................................................................................... Presiding Officer
,eceived an attested copy of the entries made in the ballot paper account.
.ignature of polling agents (
1. ................ *of candidate..............+ ". .............. *of candidate....................+
7. .................*of candidate..............+ 8. ............. *of candidate.....................+
2. ................ *of candidate..............+ ?. ............... *of candidate ..................+
@. ................ *of candidate..............+ 4. .............. *of candidate....................+
A. ................ *of candidate..............+
#he following polling agents who were present at the close of the poll declined to receive an attested
copy of the ballot paper account and to give a receipt therefor and so an attested copy of the ballot
paper account was not supplied to them (
1. ................ *of candidate................+ ". ................. *of candidate .................+
7 ................. *of candidate ...............+ 8. ................. *of candidate .................+
2 ................. *of candidate ...............+ ?. ..................*of candidate..................+
@ ................. *of candidate ...............+ 4. ................. *of candidate .................+
A ................. *of candidate................+

Signature ........................
Date .................................................................................... Presiding Officer
RECEIPT
FOR CHALLENGE FEE
*!%AP#9, 6II+
>oo& 1o........... Page 1o..............
Office of the Presiding Officer for Polling .tation 1o........... of .................. Assembly !onstituency
comprised within ................. Parliamentary !onstituency.
,eceived a sum of ,s. " *,upees two only+ in cash from .hri .............. !andidate09lection
Agent0Polling Agent on account of deposit for challenge under rule 7? of the !onduct of 9lection
,ules, 1A?1
Date ....................--------------------------------------------------------------------Presiding Officer
-orfeited to Dovernment
Presiding Officer
,eceived bac& the amount of ,s." *,upees two only+ under rule 7?*2+ of the !onduct of 9lection
,ules, 1A?1.
1ame and .ignature of !andidate09lection Agent0Polling Agent
Date......................
RECEIPT
FOR CHALLENGE FEE
>oo& 1o.............. Page 1o..................
,eceived a sum of ,s. " *,upees two only+ in cash from .hri ................ !andidate09lection
Agent .....................0 Polling Agent on account of deposit for a challenge under rule 7? of the
!onduct of 9lection ,ule, 1A?1.
Date ........................
Presiding Officer for polling .tation 1o.................. of ......................................
Assembly !onstituency comprised within the ................ Parliamentary !onstituency.
LETTER OF CO#PLAINT TO THE S'H'O' POLICE
ANNE&URE &
*!%AP#9, 6II+
#o
#he .tation %ouse Officer,
.......................
.......................
.ubject ( )))))))))))9lection to.......................Assembly !onstituency comprised within
................................................Parliamentary !onstituency)Impersonation at Polling
..........................tation ............... *number and name+.
)))))))))))))5ate of poll.....................................
))))
.ir,
I am to report that .hri......................... son of .hri........................., and resident of ...................... has
challenged the identity of the person who is being handed over to ........................ #his person
claimed to be ............... whose name appears at .erial 1o................... in Part 1o................... of the
electoral roll of .............. constituency. %e could not prove himself to be this elector. In my opinion he
is an imposter. I am to reuest you to ta&e necessary action as reuired under section 1@1)- of the
Indian Penal !ode.
Yours faithfully,
Place.....................
Date......................
Signature,
Presiding Officer

!opy forwarded to the ,eturning Officer for .....................
Assembly !onstituency and ..........................J
!opy forwarded to the ,eturning Officer for .........................
Parliamentary !onstituency and .........................J
Signature,
Presiding Officer
RECEIPT
#he above letter and the person referred to therein were handed over to me at............. *hour+
on ............... *date+ by the Presiding Officer.

Signature
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
*%ere insert e$)officio designation of the concerned ,eturning Officer........................
ANNE&URE &II
*!%AP#9, 6II A15 66+
9lection to ........................ form........................ *name of !onstituency+ 1o. and 1ame of Polling
.tation ....................................................
P(t I
LIST OF %OTERS FRO# >HO# DECLARATION AS TO THEIR AGE HA%E
BEEN OBTAINED
.I.
1O.
1ame of voter
Part 1o. and
.erial 1o. in
electoral roll
Age as entered
in electoral roll
Age as
assessed
by the
Presiding
Officer
1 " 7 8 2
*1+
*"+
*7+
*8+
etc.
..................................................................
P(t II
LIST OF ELECTORS >HO HA%E REFUSED TO #AKE DECLARATIONS AS TO
THEIR AGE
.I.
1O.
1ame of voter
Part 1o. and
.erial 1o. in
electoral roll
Age as entered
in electoral roll
Age as
assessed
by the
Presiding
Officer
1 " 7 8 2
*1+
*"+
*7+
*8+
etc
Dated....................... )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))..ignature of Presiding Officer))