The document provides an overview of EVMs and VVPATs used in Indian elections, including their history, legal provisions, technological changes, storage and security procedures. It discusses the key aspects of EVMs like their standalone design without any wireless connectivity, self-diagnostic features, and one-time programmability. It also summarizes the processes for First Level Checking of EVMs, where machines are inspected, tested and certified before each election. Passed machines get green stickers while defective ones are sent for repair. Political party representatives can oversee the FLC process.

1. EVM & VVPAT
INDRODUCTION , STORAGE , FLC , COMMISSIONING AND POLL DAY
MANAGEMENT
PREPARED BY – JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN, R.A.S.
1

2. WHAT WE WILL LEARN TODAY -
1 About EVMs & VVPAT ( history and legal provisions)
2 What’s new after last election
3 Brief information about strong room , FLC and
Preparation of EVMs
4 Use of EVMs / VVPATs on poll day
- Mock Poll
- Critical issues and handling contingencies
- Poll close
5 checklist and Do’s & Don’ts
6 Self assessment
2

3. INCEPTION & MILESTONES
1980
1982
1988
1998
1999
2004
Demonstration bye ECI
ECI issued directives under Article 324 for the
use of EVM after reaching a wide consensus
EVMs were used on the pilot basis in Parur AC
in Kerala. Election was set aside in 1984 by
Hon’ble Supreme Court on ground of
jurisdiction of ECI .
law was amended and a new section 61 a was
included in the Representation of the People Act
1951.( came in to force in 1989)
EVMs were used in 16 Legislative ACs across 3
states( MP, Rajasthan & New Delhi)
EVMs were used in 46 Parliamentary
constituencies 3

4. TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES
M1 EVMs
M2 EVMs
M3 EVMs
Introducti
on of
VVPAT
2013
Manufactured till 2006 with regular upgradation.
Manufactured between 2006 to 2010 (4 bu can be
cascaded together catering to 64 candidates.
Latest generation of EVMs produced since 2013
24 BU can be cascaded together for catering to 384
candidates ( including NOTA) inserting power pack in
5th,9th,13th,17th &21st BU Units.
To improve the transparency and verifiability in poll
process
Voter Verifiability Paper Audit Trail
The conduct of Election Rules,1961 were amended
and VVPATs were first used in the by-election for
Noksen AC in Nagaland. 4

5. LEGAL PROVISIONS
Rule 49
Rule 49B
Rule
49C
Rule
49E
Rule 49L
Rule
49M
Rule
49MA
Rule
Design of EVM (CU & BU )
Preparation of EVM by the RO
Arrangements at the polling stations
Preparation of EVM for poll
Procedure for voting by EVM
Maintenance of secrecy of voting by electors within the
polling station and voting procedures.
Procedure in case of complaint about particulars printed on
paper slip.
Recording of votes of blind or infirm electors.
Presiding Officer’s entry in the voting compartment during
5

6. LEGAL PROVISIONS
Rule 49R
Rule 49S
Rule 49T
Rule 49U
Rule 49V
Rule 49W
Rule 49X
Rule 55C
Rule 56
Rule 56D
Rule 57C
Rule 92
Closing of poll
Account of votes recorded in Form 17C
Sealing of voting machine after poll
Sealing of other packets
Transmission of voting machines,etc.,to the RO
Adjournment of poll
Closing of voting machine in case of booth
capturing
Scrutiny and inspection of EVM before counting
Counting of votes
Scrutiny of paper trail
Sealing of voting machines
Custody of EVM and papers relating to election 6

7. IMPORTANT JUDICIAL
DECISIONS
Sept 27,2013
Oct 8,2013
April 8, 2019
People’s Union for Civil Liberties vs Union of India
Challenging Rules 41(2)and (3) and 49O to the extent that it
violate secrecy of voting.(to comply section 128).
The commission was directed to provide NOTA button in EVM to
enable voters to exercise their right not to vote any candidate.
Subramanium Swamy vs ECI
The commission was permitted to introduce VVPAT in gradual
stages to achieve confidence of voters in EVM and for free and
fair elections.
N.Chandrababu Naidu vs Union of India
Mandatory verification of 5 EVM per AC/AS instead of one EVM
as provided by guidelines No. 16.6 for greatest satisfaction of
voters and for full accuracy of the results.
Conclusion-EVM are credible , reliable and totally tamperproof.
7

8. KEY FEATURES OF M-3
EVMS/VVPATS
Standalone
Machines
Unauthorized
Access
Detection
Module
Automatic self
diagnostics
No Radio
Frequency
Transmission
One Time
Programmable
Not connected with the external world through any wired or
wireless network medium.
Disables EVM permanently, if any attempt is made to access
microcontroller or memory.
On every switch on , EVM checks its own health parameters
each time.
Tempering by any wireless coded signal using any protocol is
ruled out. EVM can not be communicated through any wireless
protocol.
The software used is burnt into a OTP chip at the time of
manufacturing so that it can not be altered.
For date and time stamping of all events (every key press is
8

9. WHAT’S NEW AFTER LAST
ELECTION
Safety and
storage of
Reserve
EVMs
At the time
of
Dispersal
Modified Pink
paper seal
& Modified
green paper seal
As far as possible , reserve EVMs/VVPATs shall be provided to SO
on poll day. In case reserve EVMs are to be provided before poll
day , EVMs shall be kept in govt building with proper security. In
absence of govt building , shall be kept in police station with prior
approval of CEO. All EVMs provided to polling parties/SO shall be
under cover of Armed force at all times. The place of storage of
reserve EVMs will be earmarked in advance and intimated to all
contesting candidates/agents.(ECI order17/08/2021)
Copy of trouble shooting instructions (Annx-24) and adequate
number of Black Paper Envelope for storing the Mock Poll paper
slips removed from the VVPATs to be provided.( EVM manual
2022).
9
FRONT
SIDE
BACK SIDE
TWO SAME
PART

10. CONT.
For visual
identificati
on of
Reserve
EVM/VVPA
T
Storage of
mock poll
paper slips
'RESERVE' sticker on carrying cases
Carrying cases of Reserve EVM/VVPAT should be sealed
with thread and address tags to avoid doubt on poll day.
Thread and address tag shall be removed in presence of
polling agents during replacement and sticker of 'MOCKPOLL
REPLACED' shall be pasted on replaced units by SO.( pink for
ac elections and white for pc elections.(ECI order
18/09/2020)
After mock poll , mock poll ballot paper slips of VVPAT
shall be removed from drop box and shall be kept in
Black paper envelope , Envelope shall be sealed by
modified pink paper seal.
10
Sealing of
VVPAT
slips

11. STORAGE OF EVM & VVPAT
EVM
Warehou
se
EVM
Strong
Room
Designated building for storing during non-election period at Dist. or
at Tehsil ( exceptional case ) level.
For storing EVMs from FLC to completion of EP filing period:-
1 FLC Strong Room – Having FLC-OK Machines after completion of FLC
2 Repair Strong Room – Having FLC-rejected and un-polled non-
functional/rejected machines during Awareness ,Training ,
Commissioning ,Dispersal , Mock poll (cat. C)
3 Training & Awareness Strong Room – Pertaining to Training and
Awareness.
4 AC/AS Strong Room – After First Randomization of EVM
5 Polled Strong Room – Having Polled EVMs/VVPATs (Cat. A) & Polled
non-functional EVMs/VVPATs (Cat. B) after completion of poll till
counting of votes.
6 Reserve Strong Room – Having unused/reserved (Cat. D) after
completion of poll
11

12. STORAGE OF EVM/VVPAT
EVM
WAREHOUS
E
EVM
STRONG
ROOM
TO STORE EVM AND VVPAT IN NON- ELECTION PERIOD, MEANS FROM C+45
DAYS TO NEXT FLC.
TO STORE EVM AND VVPAT IN ELECTION PERIOD, MEANS FROM FLC TO EP
PERIOD.
FLC
STRON
G
ROOM
REPAIR
STRON
G
ROOM
TRAINING
AND
AWARENES
S STRONG
ROOM
AC/AS
STRON
G
ROOM
POLLED
STRON
G
ROOM
RESERV
E
STRON
G
ROOM
DISTRIC
T
STRON
G
ROOM
FLC
OK
REJECTED AND
NON
FUNCTIONAL(CAT.
C)
SEPARATED
AFTER FLC
OK
AFTER FIRST
RANDMIZATIO
N CAT A(POLLED) &
CAT B (POLLED
NON
FUNCTIONAL)
CAT
D(UNUSED
AND
RESERVE)
CAT
A&B(AFTER
COUNTING
12

13. WAREHOUSE
Physica
l
aspect
s
Security
&Safety
Protocol
measur
es
Inspecti
on
By DEO
 Single entry/exit , Sealed all doors/windows using
brick/concrete , Main Switch outside , Free from
dampness/pests/water logging/leakage/cracks. Exhaust fan
on front side.
 Before storing, obtain certificate from the authority to ensure
the quality and physical aspects.
Double Lock (DEO & DYDEO) , Minimum Half Section of Armed Police , CCTV
Camera , Log book , Videography during opening/closing , Fire safety
system.
To inform Recognized Political Parties about time and date before
opening/closing , Allow them to remain present during opening/closing ,
Conduct Videography , In case of exigencies get prior/post facto approval
of CEO to shift machines . Maintain Master Stock Register(MSR) in Annx-1.
Monthly – Report to CEO in Annx-2.
Quarterly – Report to CEO in Annx-2.
April ,July ,October , January.
In presence of Representatives of Recognized Political Parties.
13

14. NON-ELECTION PERIOD
(WAREHOUSE)
FROM COUNTING+45 DAYS TO NEXT FLC
EVM WARE HOUSE IN DOUBLE LOCK, ONE LOCK OF DEO AND SECOND OF
DY. DEO
SECURITY OF HALF SECTION OF ARMED STATE POLICE AND UNDER CCTV COVERAGE (MIN
STORAGE OF 30 DAYS)
INSPECTION BY
DEO
MONTHL
Y
QUARTERL
Y
REPORT IN ANNX-
2
INSPECTION OF INTERNAL
CONDITION IN PRESENCE OF
RCOGNISED POLT PARTY
REPRESENTATIVES(IN
APRIL,JULY,OCT,JAN.), REPORT IN
ANNX-2
MAINTAIN A
MASTER STOCK
REGISTER(MSR) IN
ANNX-1 FOR
WAREHOUSE 14

15. FIRST LEVEL CHECKING
Responsibility
Requirement
of EVM/VVPAT
When
To insure
Arrangements
Manpower
 DEO & He will appoint FLC Supervisor( in charge of FLC)
 For General Election , 125% to 135% of the number of
polling stations. For bye elections , 200% for AC & 150%
for PC.
P-120 days in case of GE to State Assembly
P-180 days in case of GE to Lok Sabha
Within one month of occurrence of vacancy in case of
bye-election.
Working timings from 9 am to 7 pm including
Holidays.
Presence of Representatives of Recognized Political
Parties.
Specious hall , proper light, properly secure area,Free
from electronic components, Single entry/exit, DFMD,
CCTV, Web casting, one PC/laptop, two mobiles to 15

16. FIRST LEVEL CHECKING
Work to be
done
Checkin
g and
other
task as
per SOP
 Cleaning of machines by staff of DEO
 Visual inspection by authorized engineers of
BEL/ECIL
 Functionally checks by authorized engineers of
BEL/ECIL
 Symbol Loading in VVPAT using SLU by engineers
Check response of all switches and certification in Annx-5 by
engineers that all components of EVM are original.
Opening of cabinets of BU/CU for visual inspection by Political
representatives.
Green FLC-OK sticker for passed units & Red sticker with reason
on rejected units will be pasted with sign of OIC and engineers.
Defective EVMs to be sent to BEL/ECIL for repair within 7 days of
completion of FLC.
Pink paper seal on FLC-OK units with sign of OIC , engineers and
representatives of political parties.
Electronic repair or changing of electronic component is
16

17. FIRST LEVEL CHECKING
Conduct
of
Mock
poll
Data
uploading
Sealing of
plastic
cabinet of
CU
Mock poll of 6 votes against each candidate button and result
talling.
A Load Test on 1% randomly selected units connecting 4 BU to 1
CU and 1 VVPAT and tallying slip count to CU count.
Additional mock poll in 1% EVMs/VVPATs (1200 votes), in 2%
EVMs/VVPATs (1000 votes) & in 2% EVMs/VVPATs (500 votes) in
presence of representatives of political parties and result tallying.
They shall be allowed to select units randomly for mock poll and
obtain signature in Annx-7&8. Obtain signature in ANNX-9 as
token of no discrepancies found in CU count and slip count.
Upload data of Unique ID of FLC-OK units ( by staff of DEO ) and
Unique ID of rejected units ( by engineers of BEL/ECIL) to EMS
using EMS mobile app.
17
Modified pink paper seal has two part of
same unique number. Split both part and
past on CU . Number of PPS will be
entered in EMS. Copy of Annx-11 of
account of CU &PPS will be provided to
political parties.

18. ABOUT FIRST
RANDMIZATION
FLC
STRON
G
ROOM
10%
UNITS
TRAININ
G AND
AWRENES
S
STRONG
ROOM
MARKING ON EMS
AC/AS
STRON
G
ROOM
FIRST
RANDMIZATION
AFTER
TRG/AWR,
THESE
MACHINES CAN
BE USED IN POLL
PROCESS AFTER
DE-NOVO FLC
AND
RANDMIZATION.
RECEIVING IN BY
EMS
WILL BE USED IN….
1- EVM DEMONSTRATION
CENTRE(EDC)
2- MOBILE DEMONSTRATION
VAN(MDV)
3- IN DIGITAL OUTRACH FOR
AWRENESS
YELLOW
STICKER
18

19. TRAINING & AWARENESS
Awareness
campaign
when
Physical
Demonstrati
on (EDC &
MDV )
 EVM Demonstration Centers ( EDC)
 Mobile Demonstration Vans (MDV)
 Digital Outreach
3 months prior to announcement of elections till
announcement of election, but Digital outreach may be
intensified after announcement
Use only M-3 EVMs/VVPATs
At DEO Office and RO headquarters , with proper signage and
Publicity.
No. of MDV to be decided as per geographical conditions of AC/AS.
Designated officer as in charge and equipped by audio-video
equipment. 19
Selection of EVMs/VVPATs from FLC-OK
units (10%) & marking on EMS and pasting
YELLOW sticker.

20. TRAINING AND AWARENESS
Protocol
Training to
manpower
List of machines to be provided to political parties &
Representatives will be invited to witness process of
opening/closing strong room for the purpose of taking out
machines under videography. Maintain log book for movement.
Storage of these machines will be in separate designated strong
room .
Deputed officials should be well trained.
Insure shredding of slips on daily basis carefully.
Use these machines for hands-on-training to polling personnel.
THESE MACHINES MAY BE RE-INTRODUCED AS POLL RESERVE AFTER
DE-NOVO FLC.
20
Special attention for 0 SLIP ERROR – Replace paper roll in time at the time
of use of EVMs / VVPATs for Training and Awareness.

21. COMMISSIONING OF EVM/VVPAT
When
To
Start
Arrangements
Manpower
Flow chart of
commissioning
After the date of withdrawal of candidatures.
Second randomization will be done to separate units polling
station wise.
RO will draw schedule and will inform candidates to be present
and to participate in mock poll process and will take their sign in
Annx-19.
A large hall , free from electronic devices, single entry/exit, security
with DFMD and CCTV coverage, other necessary arrangements.
RO/ARO as in charge of commissioning . Authorized staff of RO/DEO
and authorized engineers of BEL/ECIL.
Separate team for conducting mock poll of 1000 votes on 5%
randomly selected EVMs and VVPATs.
21
Arranging units
polling station
wise
Preparation of
BU
Preparation
of VVPAT
Preparation
of CU
MOCK POLL
Keeping
units in
carrying
cases
Record
Keeping
Sealing of
strong room

22. PREPARATION OF BU
Checking
Preparati
on
Sealing
 Opening of outer cover of BU by engineers to examine and
certify in Annx-20 that all components are original and
show to candidates.
Fixation of the ballot paper under ballot paper
screenon the upper side of top cover and sealing of
screen from inside using address tag and seal of RO.
Setting of Thumb Wheel Switch at desired position
like 01 for BU-1, 02 for BU-2 and so on.
Unmask all candidates buttons including NOTA
button of BU and mask all remaining buttons.
Seal the upper cover of BU by thread passing
through holes on top and bottom end at right side
using address tag.
Seal plastic cabinet of BU with Pink Paper Seal. Two
part of PPS shall be pasted on lower and upper sides
of the cabinet of BU.
Braille Sticker “Ballot Unit-1”and so on will be
affixed on TOP MIDDLE PART of BU. 22

23. PREPARATION OF VVPAT
Paper roll
Power
pack
Symbol
Loadin
g
Sealing
 Install a fresh paper roll.
 Install a new power pack to the VVPAT unit
and shut the door of battery compartment .
Do not seal the compartment so that power
pack can be replaced in case of low battery.
Loading Serial number, names of candidate and symbols in
VVPAT with help of engineers using SLU. RO/ARO to check
the test print and to approve as per ballot paper.
Seal the latches of Paper roll compartment by thread using
address tag and seal of RO.
Ensure switching OFF of CU and keep the paper roll knob in
horizontal position (Transport position) before sealing paper
roll compartment.
23

24. PREPARATION OF CU
Candidat
e setting
Mock
Poll
Sealing
 Install new power pack in CU
 Connect cable of VVPAT with CU and cable of BU with VVPAT.
 Unlock paper knob of VVPAT (Rotate to Working Position).
 Switch ON the CU and Press candidate set button. Display
Panel of CU shows Set Candidate_
 Press last button (NOTA) of BU to set Candidate in CU.
One vote to each candidate to check that the VVPAT is
printing the paper slips accurately.
Switch OFF the CU and lock paper roll knob of VVPAT
(Transport position).
Seal cover of the Battery and Candidate Set section of
CU using thread seals and address tags.
Allow the candidates/agents to affix their signature
on address tags.
24
DURING COMMISSIONING , ONLY DEFECTED UNIT WILL BE REPLACED .

25. SOME OTHER IMPORTANT
THINGS
Higher
rate
Mock
Poll
Identification
of reserve
units
Safe custody
of SLU
Braille
Signages and
DBS
 Mock Poll of 1000 votes on 5% randomly selected
EVMs/VVPATs. ( 5% of CU )
 Tally the slip count with CU count. Allow candidates/agents to
select randomly machines for mock poll.
 Allow them to do mock poll and get their signature in Annx-
22 .
 Install new paper roll and power pack in these EVMs/VVPATs.
Paste Pink sticker for AC and White sticker for PC elections as ‘RESERVE’ on
carrying cases of reserve units. Seal carrying case with address tag.
SLUs brought by engineers will be in safe custody of RO/ARO from arrival in
constituency to the completion of commissioning.
After commissioning , SLUs along with list of Serial Number of SLU will be
hand over to DEO by engineers and DEO will return on day after Poll.
Print Braille signages and affix on TOP MIDDLE PART of BU.
After finalization of candidates , prepare Dummy Ballot Sheets containing
serial number and name of candidates as per ballot paper for Visually Impaired
Voters. 25

26. DISPERSAL DAY
Opening of
Strong
Room
Ballot
Units
&
Control
Units
VVPATs
 Inform candidates/agents about time and date of
opening of strong room in writing.
WHAT TO CHECK------
Address tags to insure that it is pertaining to assigned polling station.
Pink Paper Seal of BU/CU are intact.
Ballot Paper is installed properly.
Ballot buttons up to NOTA are unmasked.
Thumb Wheel Switch on BU is on proper position.
Switch ON the CU ( Without connecting to BU and/or VVPAT ) to check
Battery status and number of contesting candidates .Therefore , switch
OFF the CU.
VVPAT knob is horizontal (Transportation mode). If knob is vertical ,
keep the knob horizontal.
26
Don’t connect units & Don’t
remove any seal . Don’t keep
VVPAT paper knob in vertical
position.
During dispersal , change only concerned
defected unit.

27. POLL DAY
Layout
of
polling
station
Set up
of
EVMs
and
VVPAT
s
•Voting compartment will be in three
folds and of plastic sheet.
•Tape the connecting cable properly.
•Proper electricity arrangements
•Sufficient light should be available
inside the compartment. No direct light
over compartment.
•Place the compartment in such a way
that secrecy of vote can be maintained.
27

28. MOCK POLL
When
to
start
Set up
of EVM
Start of
mock
poll
 Start mock poll 90 minutes before scheduled poll time, if 2
or more polling agents available.
 Wait for only 15 minutes , if one or no agent available.
Place BU and VVPAT in actual Voting Compartment . These should not
be moved after mock poll.
Place CU on Table of PRO/PO ( in charge of CU ).
Connect cable of BU to VVPAT and cable of VVPAT to CU.
Unlock (Working Position) paper roll knob of VVPAT.
Show that VVPAT is empty
Switch ON the CU and Demonstrate no vote in CU.
Cast at least 50 votes and record number of votes given to each
candidate including NOTA ( insure same vote cast to each).
After mock poll , press CLOSE button of CU.
28

29. MOCK POLL
Result of
mock poll
To clear
mock
poll
data
 Press RESULT button of CU to ascertain mock poll result
and tally slip count to CU data. Do separate test slips
before slip count.
Press CLEAR button of CU to clear mock poll result from CU
and show 0 vote to polling agents.
Stamp mock poll VVPAT slips with stamp “MOCK POLL SLIPS”
Keep mock poll slips in Black Envelope and Seal the envelope
with Pink Paper Seal.
Switch OFF the CU and seal the CU with Green Paper Seal ,
Special Tag and Address Tag.
Show empty drop box of VVPAT and seal it with Address
Tag.
Fill mock poll certificate ( part-1 of PRO Report-Annx-
27)carefully. 29
Sealing of
VVPAT
slips

30. MOCK POLL CERTIFICATE
30
ANNX-27
PART-1A

31. MOCK POLL CERTIFICATE
31

32. SEALING OF EVM & VVPAT
Before
start of
sealing
Pink Paper Seal
(Two Parts)
Green Paper
Seal
Common
Address Tag
Special Tag
Press TOTAL button of CU to confirm Zero vote and insure empty
drop box of VVPAT.
32
FRONT
SIDE
BACK
SIDE
Seal the drop
box of
VVPAT with
the thread
using
Address Tag
before Actual

33. SEALING OF CU
Fixing of
Green
Paper
Seal
Special
Tag
Sealing
of outer
door of
Result
Section
Affix GPS on the inner side of door of
Result section and close the door in such a
way that two ends of the GPS project
outwards from the sides of the inner
compartment.
Seal the inner door of the Result Section by
a thread using Special Tag .
Close the outer door of the Result section
ensuring that loose ends of the GPS
protrude out from the sides of the closed
door. Seal outer door by passing thread
through hole in left side using Address Tag.
Remove the wax paper from ‘A’ of GPS and
paste on the outer doorand Removing wax
paper from ‘B’ side paste on top of the ‘A’ 33

34. ACTUAL POLL
Poll Start
Vote
castin
g
After identification of voter by PO-1, Entry will be made in
17A by PO-2 and In charge of CU will issue vote pressing
BALLOT button of CU. Busy lamp of CU and Ready lamp of
BU will go on.
Voter will press button of candidate of
his choice on BU and will see Display in
VVPAT display screen for 7 seconds.
After display , slip will cut and drop in
drop box of VVPAT with a beep sound in
CU as token of vote cast. Same process
will be for next voter and so on.
34
PRO WILL PRESS TOTAL BUTTON OF CU
AND WILL CHECK TOTAL VOTE POLLED
IN REGULAR INTERVAL AND WILL TALLY
WITH 17A.

35. HANDELING CONTINGENCIES
Replacement during mock
poll
Replacem
ent of
units
during
Actual
poll
And
Reports
Replace only defected unit and make entry
in Part-4 of PRO Report ( Annx-27)
If CU or BU does not work properly –
Replace full set & enter details in part-5 of PRO Report. And
Conduct mock poll by casting one vote to each candidate.
If CU shows “Low Battery” for VVPAT -
Replace power pack of VVPAT, No Mock Poll required.
If VVPAT does not work properly ,means printer error showed by
CU -
Replace VVPAT only , No Mock Poll Required.
If CU show low Battery or battery does not function properly -
Replace power pack of CU in presence of SO and polling agents
& enter details in part-2 of PRO Report.
35
If CU Displays PRINTER ERROR for VVPAT as ERROR CODE 2(2.1 to 2.14 ) ,
VVPAT will be changed .
IF CU DISPLAY
‘LINK ERROR’,
CHECK CABLE
CONNECTIONS BY
VISUAL INSPECTION
(DON’T REMOVE OR
RECONNECT).
IF ERROR STILL
PERSISTS, REPLACE
WHOLE SET.

36. TROUBLE
SHOOTING
INSTRUCTI
ONS
36

37. CRITICAL ISSUES OR ERRORS
IN EVM
ERRORS IN CU & BU DISPLAYED IN CU
LINK ERROR
PRESSED
ERROR
INVALID
LOW BATTERY
( on pressing
ballot button)
Interconnecting cable is snapped/ Thumb wheel switch
of BU has not been set properly- Check the
connections/ Replace BU or Set.
Any of the candidate’s button in the BU is kept pressed
or jammed – Check BU with Polling Agents.
Button on the cu has been pressed out of
sequence(CRC) – CRC ( Close-Result-Clear) should be
followed.
Change battery
37

38. ERRORS IN VVPAT DISPLAYED
ON CU
2.1 ERROR
2.3 ERROR
2.7 ERROR
2.8 ERROR
2.9 ERROR
2.10
ERROR
2.13
ERROR
2.14
Printer mechanism error – Replace VVPAT
Printer no response error – Replace VVPAT
Paper fall error – Replace VVPAT
Printer memory error – Replace VVPAT
Contrast error – Save VVPAT screen from direct
light
Paper length error – Replace VVPAT
No paper – Replace VVPAT ( on poll day)
Deplete sensor defective – Replace VVPAT
38

39. CO
NT.
NN SLIP LEFT
0 SLIP LEFT
POWER ON LED
NOT OK
WHITE LED
NOT OK
WHITE LED
BLINKS
CONTINOUSLY
VVPAT NOT
RESPONDING
Depletion warning – keep Reserve VVPAT
Paper roll depleted – Upload paper roll or
change VVPAT
Connection issue or led is defective – Replace
VVPAT
Connection issue or led is defective – Replace
VVPAT
Unit is inoperative – Replace VVPAT
39

40. HANDELING INVALID ERROR
Invalid
display
For
Example
If BALLOT
button of
CU
pressed
and CU
displays
‘INVALID’
, It means
‘CLEAR’
button is
unpresse
d & so on
.
Pressing any button of CU , Displays as ‘INVALID’
It shows that pressed button is not in correct CRC
order and any previous button is unpressed in CU.
In this
situation ,
Press
‘CLEAR”
button. If
same invalid
display
repeats,
then press
next
previous
button
‘RESULT’.
40

41. CRITICAL ISSUES OF VVPAT
Failed to
print
paper
slip or
slip
remains
uncut.
Wrong
Printing
Complaint
in Rule 49
MA
If found
true
If found
false
 Do not try to remove/cut hanging slip from paper roll . Allow
to remain hanging as it means that the vote has not
recorded in CU.
 It will not be counted in counting of slips.
 Enter time and date in PRO dairy, also enter total votes
casted till then.
 Enter name and serial number in electoral roll of that voter
who was allowed to cast his vote after replacement of
VVPAT. Also note down if he/she casted vote or went away.
PRO will get a Declaration in Annx-26 from complainant regarding
allegation and warn the elector about the consequence of making a
false declaration.
Make a second entry for the elector in Form 17A, and permit for TEST
VOTE in presence of PRO and polling agents and observe the paper slip.
Report to RO to stop further recording of votes in that machine and act
as per directions.
Make a remark against second entry mentioning the serial number and
name of candidate to whom test vote casted , obtain sign of that voter
and make entry regarding such test vote in item 5 in part 1 of Form 17
C . 41

42. : SURENDRA JAIN SLMT PALI (RAJ)
RULE RULE 49 MA MA
DECLARATION
UNDER RULE 49 MA
42
ANNX-
26

43. RULE 49 MA
BALLOT
ACCOUNT
FORM 17 C
43

44. CLOSURE OF POLL
Closing
poll
Sealing
At
collecti
on
centre
 Close the poll at the time fixed for the purpose , but
 PRO will ensure that after last voter has voted.
 Press CLOSE button of CU and note the total votes in the
EVM in item 6 of part-1 of Form 17 C. Note time & date
in PRO diary.
Switch OFF the CU and disconnect BU , CU and VVPAT.
PRO will remove power pack in presence of polling agents and seal the
carrying case of VVPAT. These power packs will not be stored in strong
room. Power packs will be deposited separately at collection centre.
Deposit all sealed EVM and VVPATs and election records to the RO.
Deposit Reserve and mock poll Defective EVMs and VVPATs along with
left out power packs of CU and VVPAT at collection centre .
44

45. OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS
Intermedia
te Strong
Room
Sector
Officers
Earmark a Govt. Building at the cluster point for
safely storage of EVMs and VVPATs for P-2/P-3
Dispatch and for collection on Day after poll day.
Reserve EVMs/VVPATs and extra power pack shall be provided to SO on
Poll Day , in case reserve machines are provided on one day before Poll,
insure Protocol of safely storage of machines.
Account of replacement of EVM/VVPAT and power pack of CU ( part-2 ,4
& 5 of PRO Report) will be collected by SO and will be submitted to RO
with certificate in ANNX-28.
Reserve and Defective un-polled EVM/VVPAT will be carried by SO with
proper Labeling like “RESERVE” , “MOCK POLL REPLACED”.
The place of Reserve units should be earmarked and intimated in time to
candidates.
45

46. POLL DAY
RESERVE EVM MANAGEMENT
ANNX-
28
46
BY:J.P.(RAS)

47. COLLECTION AND STORAGE OF
EVM / VVPAT
Categories
of
EVMs/VVP
ATs
Strong
Room
Protocol
 CATEGORY A – Polled EVMs & VVPATs
 CATEGORY B – Defective Polled EVMs & VVPATs
 CATEGORY C – Defective Un-Polled EVMs & VVPATs
 CATEGORY D – Unused Reserve EVMs & VVPATs
1 Polled Strong Room ( Category A & B)
2 Repair Strong Room (Category C) – Not in the vicinity of AC/AS Polled Strong
Room
3 Reserve Strong Room (Category D) – Not in the in vicinity of AC/AS Polled
Strong Room
Do not keep any election related material in Polled EVM/VVPAT Strong room other
than Form – 17C , Part-1(mock poll certificate ) & part-2 & part-3 of PRO Report ,
Envelope of mock poll slips.
Security norms to be followed as per Directions of ECI strictly and proper
arrangements for all contesting candidates to be insured for a close watch on Polled
strong Room.
Category C & D EVM/VVPAT to be stored in separate strong Room under written
information to all candidates.
47

48. REPOLL
EVM/VVPAT
Strong Room
Draw from the unused reserve list and inform all
candidates/agents.
Insure to indicate on Address Tag mentioning that machines are
being used in Re-poll with date and polling station.
Paste “Re-poll EVM/VVPAT” on carrying cases.
After re-poll , reopen the strong room in presence of
candidates/agents and observer tor storage of Re-polled EVMs.
Place re-polled EVMs/VVPATs together with the old EVMs/VVPATs.
Paste “TO BE COUNTED” sticker at the time of placing the “Re-
polled EVM” in the Strong Room.
Paste “NOT TO BE COUNTED” sticker on old EVMs.
Enter the Unique ID number of the EVMs/VVPATs used in re-poll in
EMS.
48

49. 49
EVM – VVPAT
SOME IMPORTANT
POINTS
CHECKLIST AND
DO’S/DO’NTS
POLL DAY REF…ECI MANUAL
ON EVM AND
VVPAT-2022

50. DISPERSAL DAY
CHECKLIST-WHAT TO CHECK?
BALLOT UNIT(s)- ----
Address Tags of BU to ensure BU(s) is pertaining to your assigned polling
station.
Pink Paper Seal of BU are intact.
Ballot Paper is installed properly.
Ballot buttons up to NOTA (Candidate Blue Buttons) are unmasked
Thumb wheel position is 01 for first BU (If more than 01 BU is used, Thumb
wheel position for 2nd BU is 02, for 3 BU is 03 and so on)
CONTROL UNIT(s)-----
Address Tags of CU to ensure CU is pertaining to your assigned polling
station.
Pink Paper Seal of CU is intact.
Switch ON the CU (without connecting to BU and/or VVPAT) to check Battery
status and number of contesting candidates. Thereafter, Switch OFF the CU.
50

51. CONT.
VVPATs
Address Tags of VVPAT to ensure that VVPAT is
pertaining to your assigned polling station
Power Pack (Battery) is installed.
VVPAT knob is horizontal (i.e. Transportation mode). If
VVPAT knob is vertical (i.e. Working mode), keep the
knob. horizontal.
Don’t connect VVPAT with CU/BU at the time of
dispersal.
Handle VVPAT with care at dispersal counter and
during transportation.
Don’t take out VVPAT from carrying case at the
dispersal site. 51

52. MOCK POLL ON THE DAY OF POLL
1. Start Mock Poll 90 minutes before scheduled poll time, if
2 or more polling agents present.
2. Wait for 15 minutes, if one or no polling agents available.
3. Place BU & VVPAT in actual Voting Compartment. These
should not be moved after mock poll.
4. Place CU on Table of Presiding Officer/Polling Officer (In-
charge CU)
5. Connect cable of BU with VVPAT and Cable of VVPAT with
CU
6. Unlock (Working Position) Paper Roll knob of VVPAT
7. Show that VVPAT is empty
8. Switch ON the CU
9. Demonstrate no vote in CU
10. Cast at least 50 votes and ensure votes to be recorded
52

53. CO
NT.
11. After mock poll votes, press 'CLOSE' button of CU
12. Thereafter, press ‘RESULT' button of CU to ascertain mock poll result and
tally with record
13. Remove mock poll VVPAT slips from VVPAT and tally with CU result
14. Press 'CLEAR' button of CU to clear mock poll result from CU and show to
polling
15. Stamp mock poll VVPAT slips with stamp ‘MOCK POLL SLIP’
16. Keep mock poll VVPAT slips in Black Envelope and then seal the envelope
with Pink Paper Seal
17. Switch OFF the CU and Seal the CU with Green Paper Seal, Special Tag and
Address Tag
18. Show empty drop box of VVPAT and then seal the drop box with Address
Tag
19. Fill Mock Poll Certificate Part-I of Presiding Officer's report - Annexure-27
carefully 53

54. POLL DAY
CHECKLIST(D0’S)
SEALING OF CU AND VVPAT AFTER MOCK POLL
Switch Off the CU before sealing.
Seal inner and Outer doors of the CU with Green Paper Seal , Special Top and
Address Tag.
Seal the Drop Box (VVPAT slip compartment) of VVPAT with Address Tag.
START OF ACTUAL POLL
Switch on the CU.
Press total button of CU to show ‘0’ votes in CU before first vote cast.
PO-1 will enter in register of voters(FORM 17A ) that total vote in CU
checked and found total’0’ after checking of CU with PRO.
Issue first ballot and start poll.
54

55. CONT.
CLOSING OF POLL
Press CLOSE button of CU.
Press TOTAL Button of CU to note total polled votes in CU
and also Poll start time (PST) and poll end time(PET).
Switch off the CU before disconnecting the cable of BU and
VVPAT and VVPAT cable from CU.
Remove Power pack (battery) from VVPAT
Keep BU, CU, VVPAT in their respective carrying cases and
seal each carrying case with address tag.
55

56. DON’T DO
DURING DISPERSAL TO POLLING STATIONS
Don't forget to ensure EVM/VVPAT is related to the particular polling station
for which it has been allotted.
Don't take away any EVM & VVPAT to any unauthorized place like residence ,
hotels etc.
Don't forget to switch OFF the CU while connecting or disconnecting the EVM
units and VVPAT using cables
Don't pull the cable of BU & VVPAT while disconnecting from the CU.
Don't connect Ballot Unit, Control Unit and VVPAT during dispersal.
Don't keep VVPAT knob vertical (Working mode) while transporting.
Don't stay at any place other than designated place.
Don't remove any seal from BU, CU and VVPAT.
Don't use vehicle other than vehicle provided for dispersal.
56

57. CONT.
DURING MOCK POLL ON POLL DAY
Don't start mock poll, if no or one election agent is present. Wait for 15 minutes.
Don't stop mock poll without casting at least 50 votes.
Don't keep BU, CU and VVPAT on one table for mock poll. (Keep BU & VVPAT at voting
compartment)
Don't forget to cast at least one vote to each candidate button including NOTA during
mock poll
Don't leave any mock poll slips inside the VVPAT slips compartment after completion
of mock poll on poll day.
Don't forget to delete mock poll data from the CU before starting of actual poll.
Don't keep mock poll VVPAT slips unstamped in black envelop.
Don't forget to tally EVM count with VVPAT slips count during mock poll.
Don't forget to fill Mock Poll Certificate (Part-I of Presiding Officer Report)
Don't start actual poll without sealing Result Section of CU and Drop Box of VVPAT
and taking signatures of polling agents. 57

58. CONT.
ACTUAL POLL-
Don't Switch OFF and Switch ON CU while actual poll is going on.
Don't disconnect and connect cobles while actual poll is going on.
Don't conduct mock poll when only VVPAT or Power Pack of CU/VVPAT/BU is
replaced
Don't set up Voting Compartment near open window or door.
Don't set up Voting Compartment just below the highly illuminated bulb/light.
58

59. CONT.
DURING POLL
Don't forget pressing of close button of CU after completion of poll.
Don't conduct mock poll in case of replacement of only VVPAT during the actual
poll.
Don't hang any high illumination bulb over VVPAT at Voting Compartment
Don't Switch ON the Control Unit at the time of connecting and disconnecting of
Ballot Unit, Control Unit and VVPAT
Don't Switch ON Control Unit when VVPAT paper roll knob is in lock position
(horizontal position)
Don't forget to tape the interconnecting cable of BU/VVPAT to the leg of then
table with 'transparent' adhesive tape.
Don't forget to press both side latches of connector while disconnecting the
cable
Don't enter into the voting compartment to educate illiterate how to cast vote.
Use cardboard BU for this purpose.
59

60. CONT.
CLOSING OF POLL
Don’t CLOSE button of CU before ----------- poll close time
or completion of poll.
Don't disconnect cables without Switching OFF the CU.
Don't leave Power Pack of VVPAT in VVPAT after completion
of poll.
Don't leave carrying cases without sealing and obtaining
signature of Polling Agents after poll.
Don't use any other vehicle other than assigned vehicle for
depositing polling materials at collection centre.
60

61. CONT.
AFTER POLL
Don't keep polled units and reserve units in the same strong room
Don't transport EVM and VVPAT in unauthorized vehicle (not
notified for transport of EVM and VVPAT)
Don't store the "C" & "D" category of EVMs in the vicinity of "A" &
"B" category of EVMs & VVPATs.
Don't forget to intimate all the contesting candidates about the
storage place of category A, B, C and D.
Don't keep polled units of two or more Assembly
Constituency/Segment in the same strong room, after poll
Don't transport EVMs and VVPATs without escort after poll from
polling stations to collection centre.
61

62. REFERENCE
RO
HANDBOOK
ECI MANUAL
ON EVM
&VVPAT
EDITION-August,2022
CHAP T E R 12,13,14,15
EDITION – 7 , December 2022
62

63. SELF ASSESSMENT
After first randomization, EVMs are Kept in the custody of -
Maximum % age of EVMs and VVPATs can be taken out for training and
awareness purpose -
Second Randomization of EVMs and VVPAT is done , when ?
Second Randomization is done by -
What is the purpose of second randomization of EVMs and VVPATs-
 if a voter claims that the VVPAT is printing wrong slips then which rule will
be applicable for test vote -
After the closing of poll, battery (Power pack) is removed from -
If all LED of BU start blinking during actual poll then replace -
how many minutes before the start of poll, the mock poll is to be performed -
In case of replacement of the complete set of EVM and VVPAT during the
actual poll, mock poll shall be conducted by casting ------------ vote each
unmasked candidate button 63

64. CONT.
Before conducting mock poll on poll day presiding officer shall show to the
polling agents –
if EVMs found defective during the commissioning ,dispersal, mock poll and
actual poll-
who is responsible for Commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs ?
High rate of mock poll is done in -------- EVMs and VVPATs during
commissioning of EVM and VVPATs -
Stickers to be pasted on training and awareness machines-
At the time of sealing the strong room after commissioning in addition to
RO/ARO, following shall also be asked to remain present -
If the contesting candidates are 32, Then numbers of ballot units are required
per polling station-
During counting the number of VVPATs whose paper slips are to be counted
mandatorily per AC is-
 After counting election petition period is - 64

65. CONT.
Representative of political parties/contesting candidates should be
invited for which of the following-
 who is custodian of symbol loading unit during commissioning of EVM
-
In case, the Bu is not working properly during mock poll, which unit
should be replaced?
Arrange the following processes in sequence of its occurrence-------
1. Randomization 2. Dispersal 3. FLC 4. Candidate setting
Where are EVMs/VVPATs kept after commissioning ?
In EVMs category "C" stands for -----
65

66. 66