Polling and counting of votes

Secrecy allows voters to vote without fear. Exam tip: connect secrecy with free and fair elections.

After polling ends, the ballot box or Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is sealed and kept in secure custody so that the votes recorded in it cannot be tampered with. A party flag or campaign leaflet has no role in protecting votes after polling. Exam tip: remember that sealing and securing the EVM/ballot box is a key post-poll procedure.

Counting is the process of tallying votes for each candidate. Exam tip: think of counting as the final tally.

Votes are counted after polling ends. Exam tip: remember the order polling first, counting later.

Counting takes place in a secure designated place. Exam tip: remember the role of the counting centre.

After counting is finished, the result is declared. Exam tip: treat result declaration as the final step of counting.

Verification ensures only the correct voter casts the vote. Exam tip: treat verification as an essential process.

After voting, indelible ink is applied to the voter’s finger. It shows that the person has already voted and helps prevent double voting. A voter’s name is not removed from the electoral roll, and a cast vote cannot be changed. Exam tip: remember that indelible ink is used to prevent repeat voting.

Voting is done properly in a peaceful atmosphere. Exam tip: remember peaceful polling as good election practice.

The voter records the choice on the EVM or ballot paper. Exam tip: read vote marking carefully.

The main advantage of an EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) is that it makes voting easier and generally faster for voters. It also reduces difficulties related to printing and counting paper ballots. Nomination, campaigning, and preparation of voter lists are separate election processes and are not changed by an EVM. Exam tip: associate EVMs with easier voting and quicker counting.

Ballots were kept safely in the ballot box. Exam tip: distinguish between ballot box and ballot paper.

Casting the vote is a main part of the election process. Exam tip: treat polling as the core of elections.

After polling, ballot papers or voting data from electronic voting machines are kept in secure custody so that votes can be counted fairly and cannot be tampered with. They are not destroyed immediately; counting takes place through a prescribed procedure. Exam tip: remember the sequence—secure custody after polling, followed by counting.

To cast a vote, a person must be registered in the electoral roll as a voter. Being a candidate, campaigner, or counting officer does not itself make a person eligible to vote; such a person can vote only if registered as a voter. Exam tip: link voting eligibility with inclusion in the electoral roll.

For voting to be fair, the same electoral rules must apply to all voters and candidates. This prevents any individual or party from getting an unfair advantage and allows voters to vote freely. Allowing only one party is against the principle of a fair election. Exam tip: key features of fair elections include equal rules, secret ballot, and an independent Election Commission.

An identity card helps polling officials verify that the person voting is the registered voter. This reduces the chance of someone else voting in that voter’s name. Votes are counted after polling, so option B is incorrect. Exam tip: connect an identity card with voter verification and fair voting.

A long queue shows people are voting. Exam tip: you can treat a queue as a sign of turnout.

The candidate with more votes wins. Exam tip: treat counting as the step that decides the result.

Voting happens according to the procedure set by the election authority. Exam tip: remember the importance of the election procedure.