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ElectionGuide

Booth preparation — polling day guide

Practice the EVM voting process interactively, then review the before-you-go checklist and day-of steps so nothing surprises you on polling day.

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Interactive EVM & VVPAT Simulator

Interactive EVM & VVPAT Simulator

Practice before polling day — candidates are fictional for neutrality

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Intro
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Vote
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VVPAT
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Done
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Ballot Unit (BU)

The blue panel with numbered candidate buttons. You press the button next to your chosen candidate. A red light and beep confirm your selection.

⚡

Control Unit (CU)

Operated by the Polling Officer. The CU activates the BU for one vote per voter by pressing the 'Ballot' button after verifying your identity.

📋

VVPAT

Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail. A paper slip with the candidate symbol, name, and serial number appears for 7 seconds for you to verify before dropping into a sealed box.

The EVM is tamper-proof, standalone, and not connected to any network. It stores votes in internal memory until counting day.

Before you go

Verify your polling station
Confirm your booth address at electoralsearch.eci.gov.in and plan your route.
Carry valid photo ID
EPIC (Voter ID) is preferred, but any of the 12 ECI-approved IDs works: Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN card, or others.
Know the polling hours
Polling is typically 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you are in the queue before closing time, you must be allowed to vote.
No election material inside
Political symbols, party colours, or campaign material must not be brought into the polling station premises.

Polling day — step by step

  1. Join the queue and wait for your turn.

  2. Present your EPIC or alternate ID to the Polling Officer at the table.

  3. The Polling Officer locates your name in the Electoral Roll Part and marks the register.

  4. Indelible ink is applied to your left index finger.

  5. Enter the screened voting compartment.

  6. Press the button next to your chosen candidate on the Ballot Unit. A beep and red light confirm your vote.

  7. Wait for the VVPAT slip to appear in the transparent window (7 seconds). Verify it shows your candidate's symbol and name.

  8. Leave the booth. Do not photograph or reveal your vote.

Key information

VVPAT slip is not a receipt
The slip drops into a sealed box after 7 seconds. This protects ballot secrecy.
Voter Helpline: 1950
Free, in all Indian languages. Call for booth issues, complaints, or to report violations.
48-hour silence period
All political campaigning stops 48 hours before polling. You may still freely vote.

Accessibility provisions

At the polling station

  • All booths must be on the ground floor with a ramp
  • Priority queuing for PwD and senior citizens (75+)
  • Wheelchairs available on request
  • One companion is allowed to assist the voter

Home voting — 85+ and PwD

  • Apply for postal ballot via Form 12D
  • Submit to Returning Officer before the deadline
  • A polling team visits your home on a scheduled date
  • Your vote is sealed and counted on counting day