LS Polls — Understanding Voting Process: Your Role, Rights, And Redressal Mechanisms

Understanding the voting process is vital for every citizen participating in elections. Here's a detailed guide to navigating through casting your vote effectively.

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Voting is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy. ABP Live brings a comprehensive guide to navigating the voting process, understanding your rights, and accessing grievance redressal mechanisms. The information used in the article has been curated from the voters' guidelines outlined by the Election Commission of India (ECI). 

All About The Voting Procedure: 

• Inside the voting compartment, press the blue candidate button on the Balloting Unit against your chosen candidate's name and symbol. Press the button only once.
• Upon pressing the button, a red lamp will glow beside the candidate's name, and a beep sound will confirm your vote, indicating that it's been recorded.
• Remember, maintain the secrecy of voting throughout the process

Declining to Cast Your Vote: If you decide not to vote after receiving your voter's slip, inform the Presiding Officer immediately. They will record your decision, and you can leave the polling station without voting.

Challenged Vote: If your identity as a voter is challenged, provide proof of identity such as your EPIC or any other supporting document. If the challenge is not established, you'll be allowed to vote; otherwise, you'll be debarred.

Vote Already Cast: If informed that your vote has already been cast, notify the Presiding Officer immediately. You'll be given a Tendered Ballot Paper to sign and mark your choice. This paper is kept separately and not cast on the EVM.

READ | How Voting Works: Step-By-Step Guide To The Polling Process Ahead Of General Elections 2024

Grievance Redressal Mechanisms:

According to ECI's voters' guidelines, if you have any grievances regarding the electoral roll, Electors Photo Identity Card, or any other election-related matter, you can approach various officers:

- Chief Electoral Officer: At the State Level
- District Election Officer: At the District Level
- Returning Officer: At the Constituency Level
- Assistant Returning Officer: At Taluka/Tahsil Level
- Electoral Registration Officer: At the Constituency Level
- Presiding Officer: At Polling Station
- Zonal Officer: For a group of Polling stations

Click here to learn more about the voting process. 

Additionally, during every election, the Commission appoints Observers from outside the state. If you have any grievances or problems, you should approach them for assistance.

Follow ABP Live's 'Elections 2024' page for all the latest stories on the much-awaited general elections.