Polling and counting of votes

Correct answer: A. Proving identity

Explanation: Correct answer: A, proving identity. At the polling station, the voter first approaches the authorised polling staff and establishes that they are the person named in the electoral roll. An identity check helps prevent impersonation and ensures that voting is done by an eligible person. After the required verification, the voter is allowed to proceed through the remaining polling steps and cast one vote according to the rules. A is correct because identity verification comes before the actual act of voting. B is wrong because counting occurs later, after polling ends, and is not done by ordinary voters. C is wrong because campaigning is not the voter’s task inside the polling station and could pressure others. D is wrong because ballot papers or voting equipment are prepared by election authorities. Memory cue: identify first, vote next, count later.

Correct answer: B. To verify eligible voters

Explanation: Correct answer: B, to verify eligible voters. The voters’ list, or electoral roll, contains the names of people registered as eligible to vote in a particular area. Polling staff use it to check whether a person’s name is recorded and to maintain an official record of participation according to election rules. This supports orderly and fair polling and helps prevent a person from voting in another person’s name. B is correct because the list is directly connected with voter eligibility. A is wrong because candidate income is not the purpose of an electoral roll. C is wrong because the list does not grant permission for campaigning. D is wrong because it cannot alter counted votes or election results. Memory cue: the electoral roll answers “Who is registered to vote?”, not “Who won?” or “Who earned more?”

Correct answer: C. Presses the button against the preferred candidate

Explanation: Correct answer: C, pressing the button against the preferred candidate. An EVM is an Electronic Voting Machine. After the voter’s identity and eligibility have been checked, the voter enters the private voting area and presses the button beside the chosen candidate’s name or symbol. The machine records that selection according to the voting procedure. C is correct because pressing the corresponding button is the action that casts the vote on an EVM. A is only part of the earlier identification process; saying a name does not itself record a vote. B is unrelated to voting and campaigning is not allowed inside the booth. D is wrong because counting is a later official process, not an action by the voter while using the EVM. Memory cue: on an EVM, choose the symbol and press the matching button.

Correct answer: B. By receiving the highest number of valid votes

Explanation: Correct answer: B, by receiving the highest number of valid votes. After polling ends, authorised officials count the valid votes recorded for each candidate. The totals are compared, and the candidate with the highest valid vote total is declared the winner according to the applicable election rules. B is correct because the result is based on voters’ recorded choices, not on the size of a campaign display. A is wrong because posters show publicity, not votes. C is wrong because speech length does not measure the number of votes received. D is wrong because a large rally may show attendance or organisation but cannot replace the official vote count. Memory cue: campaigns seek support, but valid votes decide the result.

Correct answer: A. Because equality and fairness are necessary in elections

Explanation: Correct answer: A — equality and fairness are necessary in elections. A democratic election must give voters an equal opportunity to participate and must apply the same lawful procedure to everyone. Common rules help prevent special treatment, confusion, pressure, or unfair advantage at the polling station. Option A is correct because equal procedures protect the value of each vote and increase trust in the result. Option B is wrong because candidates do not make personal rules for voters; election rules are established and enforced by the proper election authorities. Option C is wrong because campaigning and polling are different stages, and campaigning is not the reason for identical polling rules. Option D is wrong because votes are counted at authorised counting centres, not in voters’ homes. Memory cue: same rules, equal chance, fair result.

Correct answer: A. When the correct button is pressed on the EVM

Explanation: Correct answer: A — when the voter presses the button for the chosen candidate on the EVM. First, the voter’s name and identity are checked according to the polling procedure. The voter then enters the private voting compartment or designated voting area and makes a choice. Pressing the appropriate button records that choice electronically, and the voting unit gives the prescribed confirmation signal. Option A is correct because this is the act that casts and records the vote. Option B is wrong because a voter slip helps with identification or polling information; it does not record a vote. Option C is wrong because standing in a queue only means waiting for one’s turn. Option D is wrong because result announcement happens much later, after counting. Memory cue: queue is waiting, button is voting, counting is later.

Correct answer: A. To avoid wrong counting and disputes

Explanation: Correct answer: A — to avoid wrong counting and disputes. Counting must be careful, systematic, and based on the votes recorded in the election. Officials need to follow the prescribed procedure, check figures, and maintain proper records. If people hurry, they may misread a figure, count a vote incorrectly, or make a recording mistake. Such errors can create disputes and reduce public confidence in the result. Option A is correct because accuracy is essential for a trustworthy election. Option B is wrong because campaigning should not be increased during counting. Option C is wrong because counting does not change the number of eligible voters. Option D is wrong because counting determines the result; it does not allow candidates to be changed. Memory cue: careful counting protects correct results and electoral trust.

Correct answer: A. The problem of bogus or double voting

Explanation: Correct answer: A — the problem of bogus or double voting. Identity verification compares the person at the booth with the relevant voter records and helps confirm that the person is the authorised voter listed for that polling station. It therefore makes it harder for someone to impersonate another voter or attempt to vote more than once. Option A is correct because identity checks support the fairness and integrity of polling. Option B is wrong because the number of candidates is decided during nomination and withdrawal, not by checking voter identity. Option C is wrong because speeches are part of campaigning and are unrelated to booth identification. Option D is wrong because election symbols help voters identify candidates on the ballot or EVM; they are not the problem solved by identity checking. Memory cue: identity check protects “one voter, one vote.”

Correct answer: A. Votes are cast in polling and counted in counting

Explanation: Correct answer: A — votes are cast during polling and votes are counted during counting. Polling is the stage when eligible voters record their choices for candidates or, where applicable, a voting option. After polling ends, the votes are kept and handled under prescribed safeguards. Counting is a later stage in which authorised officials count or verify the recorded votes and prepare the result. Option A is correct because it clearly separates the two stages. Option B is wrong because results are not declared during polling, and counting is not campaigning. Option C is wrong because voters cast votes, while authorised officials conduct counting; the statement reverses the roles. Option D is wrong because the two terms describe different activities. Memory cue: polling puts votes in; counting adds them up.

Correct answer: A. For disabled or needy voters

Explanation: Correct answer: A — disabled or otherwise needy voters may receive appropriate assistance. An inclusive election should enable every eligible voter to participate, including a person who has a disability, difficulty in moving, difficulty in reading, or another genuine need recognised under the polling arrangements. Assistance is meant to remove an access barrier, not to give an electoral advantage or influence the voter’s choice. Option A is correct because it supports equal participation. Option B is wrong because assistance cannot be based on wealth. Option C is wrong because candidates are not the intended beneficiaries of voter assistance. Option D is wrong because campaigners are not entitled to special help merely because they campaign. The helper must follow the rules and must not decide the voter’s choice. Memory cue: accessibility helps a voter participate; it does not choose for the voter.

Correct answer: A. To help voters choose the correct candidate

Explanation: Direct answer: A is correct. On an EVM, each contesting candidate is shown with identifying information such as the candidate’s name and election symbol, alongside a corresponding button. The voter can compare the displayed information with the intended choice and press the button in that candidate’s row. This is especially helpful when voters recognise a symbol more easily than a written name or when several candidates are contesting. The button records the voter’s selected choice; it does not make the choice for the voter. Option B is wrong because the button does not send anyone home. Option C is wrong because it records a vote and does not cancel counting. Option D is wrong because constituencies are determined before polling and cannot be changed by pressing a candidate’s button. Memory cue: name and symbol identify; button records.

Correct answer: A. To make voting orderly and peaceful

Explanation: The correct answer is A: a queue helps manage voters in an orderly and peaceful way. At a polling station, many eligible people may arrive at the same time. Standing in a line reduces pushing, crowding, confusion, and disputes, while allowing polling staff to verify voters and guide them one by one. A queue does not decide whom anyone should vote for; it only organises access to the voting process. B is wrong because the purpose is not to drive voters away, but to help them reach the polling desk fairly. C is wrong because secrecy is protected inside the voting compartment or voting procedure, not removed by a queue. D is wrong because voters choose candidates privately, not by standing in a particular line. Memory cue: the queue manages people; the secret ballot protects choice.

Correct answer: B. Winning candidate

Explanation: The correct answer is B: the candidate who receives the highest number of valid votes is generally declared the winning candidate. During counting, votes are assigned to the respective candidates and valid totals are calculated according to the election rules. The candidate whose total is highest wins the constituency under the usual plurality system used in such elections. A is wrong because a voter is a person who casts a vote, not the candidate who wins. C is wrong because the presiding officer manages the polling station and is not selected by receiving votes. D is wrong because an election observer monitors or reports on the process and does not compete as a candidate. The word “valid” matters: the result is based on votes accepted under the rules, not on guesses, rumours, or invalid entries. Memory cue: the highest valid total identifies the winner.

Correct answer: A. To ensure that the machine is working properly

Explanation: Correct answer: A. An EVM is checked before polling so that officials can confirm that it is functioning properly and is ready to record votes. Polling is the stage when eligible voters cast their votes, while counting happens later. A pre-poll check can reveal technical problems before voters begin using the machine and helps the process run smoothly. It also supports confidence that votes will be recorded as intended, although a check by itself is only one part of a free and fair election. Option A is correct because it states the practical purpose of the check. Option B is wrong because speeches belong to campaigning, not machine testing. Option C is wrong because a voter's age is determined from official records, not changed by an EVM. Option D is wrong because the purpose is reliable voting, not hiding results. Memory cue: check before voting means readiness and reliability; counting comes after polling.

Correct answer: A. On the basis of the candidate receiving the most valid votes

Explanation: Correct answer: A. In an election, votes are counted after polling ends, and the candidate with the greatest number of valid votes in the constituency is declared the winner under the usual constituency system. A valid vote is one that has been recorded according to the applicable voting rules; campaign activity does not replace the voters' actual choices. Option A is correct because the result is based on the counted valid votes. Option B is wrong because shouting slogans may be part of campaigning but does not give a candidate any votes automatically. Option C is wrong because spending more money cannot legally determine the result; the count, not the cost, matters. Option D is wrong because poster size has no role in declaring the winner. A useful memory cue is: campaign may influence voters, but only valid votes decide the result.

Correct answer: A. To elect representatives according to the people's choice

Explanation: Correct answer: A. Elections provide a way for people to choose representatives who will make decisions and perform public responsibilities on their behalf. Polling records the choices of eligible voters, and counting converts those recorded choices into an official result. This connects popular choice with political representation. Option A is correct because it describes the purpose of both stages together. Option B is wrong because campaigning takes place before polling and is only one part of an election, not its final purpose. Option C is wrong because voter identity documents are used for identification where required and are not goods to be sold. Option D is wrong because building government offices is not the purpose of voting or counting. The key distinction is between an election process and unrelated government activities. Memory cue: polling expresses the people's choice; counting identifies the representative chosen by that choice.

Correct answer: A. To keep polling orderly and fair

Explanation: Correct answer: A. Calling voters in an orderly sequence helps the polling staff manage the queue, check each voter's details properly, and reduce crowding or confusion. It allows eligible voters to cast a ballot without people pushing ahead or receiving special treatment. Option A is correct because orderly management supports both smooth operation and fair treatment. Option B is wrong because speeches are part of campaigning and should not interrupt the voting procedure. Option C is wrong because counting begins after polling has ended and the required procedures have been completed, not while voters are being called. Option D is wrong because the electoral roll is needed to verify eligible voters; it is not removed through orderly calling. The exact queue arrangement may vary by polling station, but the basic principle is orderly, impartial service. Memory cue: orderly calling protects the queue and the voter's turn.

Correct answer: A. To prevent one person from voting twice

Explanation: Direct answer: A is correct. At a polling station, officials check a voter’s identity against the electoral roll and approved identification details. This helps confirm that the person is the eligible voter named in the records and helps prevent impersonation or repeated voting. The purpose is not to judge which candidate the voter supports; voting must remain secret and free. A is correct because identity checking helps stop one person from voting in another person’s name or trying to vote more than once. B is wrong because vote counting is done through the authorised counting process, not by candidates at the identity desk. C is wrong because checking identity is meant to enable orderly voting, not automatically postpone it. D is wrong because campaigning at the polling station is not the purpose of identity verification. Memory cue: identity check means “right voter, one lawful vote.”

Correct answer: A. Possibility of multiple voting

Explanation: Direct answer: A is correct. Indelible ink is marked on a voter’s finger after the person is processed for voting. The visible mark gives polling staff a practical way to notice whether someone is attempting to vote again during the election. It supports the rule that each eligible voter should cast only one vote in that polling process. A is correct because the mark discourages and helps detect repeat voting. B is wrong because the ink does not reveal which candidate was chosen; secrecy is protected by the private voting procedure. C is wrong because candidate qualifications are dealt with during nomination and scrutiny. D is wrong because election expenditure is regulated through separate rules and monitoring. Memory cue: indelible ink marks the voter, not the voter’s choice.

Correct answer: A. Voter can correctly identify the candidate of choice

Explanation: Direct answer: A is correct. An electronic voting machine displays the candidates’ names and election symbols so that a voter can connect the intended candidate with the correct voting button. This is especially useful when voters recognise a party or candidate by a symbol, and it reduces the chance of pressing the wrong choice. A is correct because the display helps voters make an informed and accurate selection. B is wrong because an EVM does not announce the election result to the voter immediately; counting and result declaration occur later under authorised procedures. C is wrong because displaying names and symbols cannot give every candidate equal votes. D is wrong because the purpose is voter identification, not to provide an officer a way to alter a vote. Memory cue: names and symbols help voters choose; they do not count or change votes.

Correct answer: A. Equal opportunity and peaceful polling

Explanation: Direct answer: A is correct. A queue gives voters an orderly turn instead of allowing people to push ahead, crowd the entrance, or use influence to receive special treatment. It helps the polling staff manage the flow of voters, reduces conflict, and gives eligible voters a fair opportunity to cast their vote. A is correct because equal access and peaceful administration are important features of fair polling. B is wrong because a queue is not a campaign arrangement and campaigning near the polling process may influence voters. C is wrong because a voter’s choice remains secret and is never publicly announced as part of queuing. D is wrong because buying votes is an electoral malpractice, not a democratic value. Memory cue: a fair queue means fair turn, not public voting.

Correct answer: A. To maintain accurate records

Explanation: The correct answer is A: round-wise results are recorded to maintain accurate records. Counting is carried out in stages, and recording the result of each stage creates a clear written trail of how the total was reached. Officials and authorised representatives can compare figures, check additions, identify an entry error, and preserve the information for later verification or an official record. This supports transparency and accountability. Option B is wrong because recording is not intended to waste or increase time; it improves orderly work. Option C is wrong because a counting round does not mean that voting is repeated. Option D is wrong because candidates are not removed merely because a round has been completed. Memory cue: count in rounds, record each round, then verify the final total.

Correct answer: A. Results are obtained quickly

Explanation: The correct answer is A: results can generally be obtained more quickly through electronic counting. In an EVM, votes are recorded electronically and the authorised counting procedure can retrieve and total the recorded figures without manually sorting and counting every paper ballot. This can make counting faster and more systematic, although security checks and prescribed procedures remain important. Option B is wrong because using an EVM does not reduce the number of people who vote; turnout depends on voters and election conditions. Option C is wrong because the number of candidates is decided during nomination, not by the counting method. Option D is wrong because the voter list is prepared separately and is not changed by counting. Memory cue: EVM affects the method and speed of counting, not voter choice, candidate nomination, or the electoral roll.

Correct answer: A. Tie

Explanation: The correct answer is A: the situation is called a tie. A tie occurs when two candidates receive the same number of votes, so neither has more votes than the other at that point. The election authority must then follow the relevant legal procedure for resolving or reporting the tied result; the exact remedy depends on the applicable rules. Option B, majority, is wrong because a majority means more votes than another candidate or the required opposing total, not equal votes. Option C, repoll, is wrong because equal votes alone do not automatically mean that polling was defective or that a repoll must occur. Option D, counting, names the process used to total votes, not the result of equality. Memory cue: equal result = tie; counting is the process, majority means more.

Correct answer: A. Careful verification

Explanation: The correct answer is A: careful verification is necessary to prevent counting errors. Verification means checking the recorded figures, totals, forms, machine records or ballot papers where applicable, and the consistency of entries. A second check can reveal mistakes in addition, transcription, classification, or reporting before the result is finalised. Option B is wrong because hurry increases the chance of overlooking an error. Option C is wrong because guessing replaces evidence with an unreliable assumption. Option D is wrong because secret voting protects the privacy of a voter’s choice; it does not itself check whether votes have been counted accurately. Fair counting requires both secure records and careful checking. Memory cue: accurate counting depends on evidence and verification, never speed without checking or guesswork.