Polling and counting of votes

Before a person is allowed to vote, their identity is verified using the electoral roll and an approved identity document. This ensures that only the eligible voter casts the vote. Age matters for eligibility, but identity verification is the first check at the polling station. Exam tip: remember the sequence as identity check, record/signature or mark, and then voting.

To vote the name must be on the voter list. Exam tip: remember the importance of the voter list.

In voting the voter records a choice as a vote. Exam tip: think of voting as choice marking.

EVM stands for Electronic Voting Machine. It is used by voters to record their votes during polling. ‘Election Voter Mark’ may sound election-related, but it is not the standard expansion of EVM. Exam tip: remember that M in EVM stands for Machine.

The polling officer manages the voting process. Exam tip: remember the role of the polling officer.

An identity card helps verify the correct voter. Exam tip: treat ID proof as an essential document.

After polling ends, the votes recorded in ballot boxes or Electronic Voting Machines are counted during the counting stage. Nomination and campaigning take place before polling, and electoral rolls are prepared or revised before voting. Exam tip: remember the sequence—nomination, campaign, polling, counting and result.

Counting shows who got more votes. Exam tip: treat counting as the final decision step.

Rigging interferes with the freedom and fairness of an election, so it is prohibited during voting. Checking a voter’s identity, applying indelible ink, and maintaining order at the polling station are necessary parts of a lawful voting process. Exam tip: an act that undermines free and fair elections is generally prohibited.

A peaceful atmosphere makes voting easier. Exam tip: remember peaceful polling as a good election rule.

A long queue means voters are casting their votes. Exam tip: treat queue as a sign of turnout.

The voter marks the symbol of the chosen candidate. Exam tip: remember symbol and choice.

A name on the list is necessary for voting. Exam tip: study eligibility with the voter list.

Voting requires the right to vote, also called franchise. In a democracy, eligible citizens use this right to elect their representatives. The right to sue is related to seeking legal remedy, not to casting a vote. Exam tip: remember that ‘franchise’ means the right to vote.

An EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) allows a voter to cast a vote easily by pressing a button, and it makes counting faster than counting paper ballots. Therefore, option A is correct. An EVM does not increase nominations, stop campaigning, or alter the voter list. Exam tip: remember EVMs for quicker, simpler and more organised voting and counting.

Counting looks at votes received by each candidate. Exam tip: remember tally as the key word.

After voting, indelible ink is applied to the voter’s finger. The mark does not wash off easily and helps show that the person has already voted, reducing the chance of repeat voting. Oil, soil, and water are not used as permanent voter-identification marks. Exam tip: remember that the finger mark after voting is indelible ink.

Ballot paper was used in the older voting method. Exam tip: remember the difference between ballot paper and EVM.

Counting takes place under the supervision of election officials. Counting agents appointed by candidates may also be present to observe the process and ensure transparency. Saying that only election officials are present is incomplete because candidates' agents are also important observers. Exam tip: For questions on counting, remember election officials and candidates' counting agents.

During counting, the valid votes received by each candidate are counted. The candidate who receives the highest number of valid votes in the constituency is declared the winner. Dates for campaigning and filing nominations are fixed before polling and counting. Exam tip: counting leads to the declaration of the election result and the winning candidate.