Ten Lok Sabha constituencies in Mumbai and Thane will go to polls tomorrow.
Facts you should know
- You can vote only if your name is in the electoral rolls
- Having an Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is not enough if your name does not appear in the rolls
- You can vote even if you do not have an EPIC but your name is in the rolls, on producing any one of the 14 alternative documents (For a detailed list see box below)
- Remember to carry the EPIC and another additional document establishing your identity as a voter and produce it before the concerned authority at your polling booth.
- Usually, representatives of parties and candidates would have left voters’ slips giving the details of your booth at your doorstep in the run-up to the polls.
- Exercise your franchise as early as possible in the day to avoid proxy voting by shady elements in your name.
How to vote using EVM
- Check whether your name is in the electoral rolls with representatives of various candidates who would have pitched camps near the polling booths. You can also check whether your name is there in the electoral rolls inside the booth from the voters’ list available with booth officials.
- If your name is in the list and you don’t have an EPIC, just jot down your serial number on a chit.
- Now get into the booth. If there is a queue, stand in it and wait for your turn to present yourself before the first available official. Give details like your name and serial number in the voters’ list or else produce your voter’s slip or EPIC. This will help the booth officials in confirming whether your name is indeed on the voters’ list with them.
- In case you don’t have an EPIC, the officials will have a look at your other identity documents. On confirmation of your identity, you will be asked to sign in a voters’ register.
- Another electoral officer will then put indelible ink on the left hand forefinger.
- The electoral officer will hand over a slip containing your serial number.
- You can then hand over the slip to the Presiding Officer for re-confirmation of your identity.
- After completing these formalities, the voter will be allowed to approach the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) kept in a corner and covered on three sides to maintain the secrecy of the vote.
- The EVM will contain the candidates’ names and their respective symbols against each name.
- A glowing light on top of the EVM is the sign of the machine working.
- There will be a red light and a blue button next to each name.
- Voter shall have to press the blue button against the candidate of his/her choice.
- The red light will glow on the pressing of the blue button and a whistle-like sound will also be heard to indicate that the ballot has been cast. If the red light does not glow, the voter can press the blue button again.
- If the red light again fails to glow, draw the attention of officers to help you.
- A control panel next to the EVM which registers your vote, will show the number of voters who have exercised franchise till then.
Beware of electoral malpractices
- As a voter you should also know the aspects that are considered as corrupt practices or electoral offences
- Offering or accepting money or any other gratification either to vote for or not to vote for a particular candidate.
- Inducement by way of liquor, feast, gifts and cash to vote for or not to vote for a particular candidate.
- Inducement to vote or not to vote for a particular candidate on the grounds of religion, caste, community, sectarian beliefs or place of birth.
- Threat to an elector of ex-communication if he votes for or against a particular candidate.
- Offer of free conveyance to any elector to go to or from any polling station.
Help is just a call away
- The Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) has instituted a voter helpline 1290. You can dial the number and state your name and address to know your nearest polling station.
- Voters can also dial a private helpline 67824700 to access the details about their polling station.
- Information about the electoral process is available on the Election Commission’s websites www.ceo.maharashtra.gov.in / www.eci.gov.in
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