FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE (EVM) - M3

USER MANUAL

PREPARED AND PUBLISHED BY

BHARAT ELECTRONICS LTD.
Jalahalli P.O., Bengaluru - 560 013.

Under the Authority of

ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
 Copyright ©

Election Commission of India

The contents of this Manual should not be reproduced

either in part or in full without the consent of the
Election Commission of India, New Delhi.

FIRST EDITION - MARCH 2018

 ABBREVIATIONS

BEL : Bharat Electronics Ltd.

BU : Ballot Unit

CU : Control Unit

DI : Data Interface

ECI : Election Commission of India

ECIL : Electronics Corporation of India Ltd.

EVM : Electronic Voting Machine

PDT : Polling Date

PDY : Poll Day

PET : Poll End Time

PST : Poll Start Time

RTC : Real Time Clock

 CONTENTS

Chapter/Para No. Description Page No.

CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION

1-5 Preliminary 1
6-7 Opening of Carrying Cases 3
8 Inspection 3
9-16 Ballot Unit 4
17-27 Control Unit 7
28 Display Panel 12
29 Beep Tones 22

CHAPTER-2 FUNCTION OF BUTTONS / SWITCHES

1-2 Ballot Unit 23
3-11 Control Unit 23

CHAPTER-3 COMMISSIONING OF EVM BY RETURNING OFFICER

1 Preliminary 26
2-3 Ballot Unit 26
4 Opening of Ballot Paper Screen 27
5-6 Fixing of Ballot Paper 27
7 Masking of Candidates’ Buttons 28
8 Setting of Thumbwheel Switch 29
9 Battery (Power Pack) Installation in Ballot Unit 30
10 Sealing of Ballot Unit 30
11 Control Unit 30
12 Battery (Power Pack) Installation in Conrol Unit 31
13 Setting the Number of Contesting Candidates 32
14 Sealing the Battery (Power Pack) Section 34
15-16 Sealing the Candidate Set Section 35

CHAPTER-4 COMMISSIONING OF EVM BY PRESIDING OFFICER AT

POLLING STATION ON THE DATE OF POLL
1 Preliminary 36
2 Ballot Unit 36
3-8 Control Unit 36
9 Mock Poll 38
10-13 Actual Poll 41
14 Procedure during Poll 43
15-18 Procedure at the Close of Poll 44
 CONTENTS (Contd..)

Chapter/Para No. Description Page No.

CHAPTER-5 PROCEDURE AT THE COUNTING PLACE

1-12 Preliminary 47

APPENDIX SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

A Preparation of EVM (Candidate Setting) by Returning Officers 50
(At the Returning Officer’s Headquarters)
B Day of Poll (At the Polling Station) 51
C Day of Counting (At the Counting Place) 52
D Defects and Remedies 52
E Dos and Don’ts 54
F Storage of EVMs 55
G Disposal of EVMs 57
 -1-

ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE (EVM) - M3

USER MANUAL

CHAPTER - 1

INTRODUCTION

PRELIMINARY
1. The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is a reliable system for conducting elections in
which one candidate has to be elected out of many candidates. The EVM is designed
for single post and single vote.
Electronic V oting Machine - Basic Concept
Voting
Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is a portable instrument for conducting elections to
Parliament and Legislative Assembly.
The Electronic Voting Machine is a microcontroller-based instrument designed to modernize
the Election process. It is simple to operate, portable and can be installed in a short
period. There is no scope for invalid votes and total secrecy of voting data is maintained.
The EVM facilitates quick and accurate counting.
Need for Electronic Voting Machines
The Electronic Voting Machine simplifies the Election process for the benefit of both
Election Officials and voters. The huge expenditure involved in printing millions of
ballot papers, storing and transporting them to booths etc. is obviated by the use of
EVMs. In the EVM, only one ballot paper is fixed below the transparent acrylic sheet of the
Ballot Unit. EVMs can be reused in subsequent elections by simply pressing a button to
erase the votes recorded in the earlier poll and changing the ballot paper in the Ballot
Unit.
The voter has to only press a button against the candidate of his / her choice to cast a
vote. An audio-visual signal confirms to the voter that the vote has been recorded.
2. EVM consists mainly of two units :
(a) Control Unit (CU)
(b) Ballot Unit (BU) with cable for connecting it with the Control Unit.
A Ballot Unit caters upto 16 candidates. A cascade of 24 Ballot Units can be connected
to one Control Unit (Catering to 384 candidates including NOTA).
 -2-

Special Features of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)

- Unique Serial Number : Each Control Unit (CU) has a unique Serial Number,
which matches with the metal strip number and Bar Code on the rear side of the CU.
- Real Time Clock (RTC) : The real time clock is used to display the current time and
date. The current date and time is displayed with power on and on pressing the
Total button. Any malfunction of the RTC shall be displayed by CLOCK ERROR.
- Status of Battery Power : Battery Power status is displayed. If change of
battery is required, it also displays CHANGE BATTERY.
- Authentication : Every Ballot Unit that is connected for voting is authenticated
before use.

- Diagnostics : Unit is used for self diagnostics that ensures proper working.
- Power save mode : The unit goes into power save mode when it is idle, thus
enhancing the life of the battery pack.
- Print : The result of poll data can be printed, if required.
- Braille : Moulding of Braille numerals on the Ballot Unit for visually challenged
persons.
3. EVM operates on a special power pack (commonly known as Battery). The polling information
once recorded is retained in its memory even when the battery (power pack) is removed.
4. The machine, which is according to the design approved by the Election Commission of
India (ECI), is manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation
of India Limited (ECIL). It is the end product of considerable experience and extensive
trials in Indian Elections under the guidance of the Election Commission of India.
5. This chapter aims at introducing the machine and familiarising the electoral officials with
its functioning.

HANDLE
HANDLE SIDE
LATCH

SIDE
LATCH

FIG. 1 - BU and CU carrying cases (Closed condition)

 -3-

OPENING OF CARRYING CASES

6. The Ballot Units and Control Units are supplied in separate carrying cases. A carrying
case can be opened by pulling the latches on both sides of the handle, as shown in
Fig. 1(A).
7. Remove the units from the carrying cases carefully by using both hands.
HANDLE

SIDE
LATCH
SIDE
LATCH

TOP
TOP
COVER
COVER

CONTROL
BALLOT UNIT
UNIT

INTERCONNECTING
CABLE
FIG. 1(A) - BU and CU carrying cases (Open condition)

INSPECTION
8. After opening the carrying cases, verify that the cases contain the items shown in
Fig. 2 (i.e., Ballot Unit along with the interconnecting cable and Control Unit).
INTERCONNECTING
CABLE

BALLOT
CONTROL UNIT
UNIT

FIG. 2 - Items of EVM

 -4-

The battery (power pack) for EVM will be supplied separately by the manufacturer (To be
installed in Control Unit and Ballot Unit) [Refer Fig. 2(A)].

SOCKET

BATTERY
BATTERY
(POWER PACK)
(POWER PACK)
TOP VIEW
BOTTOM VIEW

FIG. 2(A) - Battery (Power Pack) of EVM

BALLOT UNIT
9. The Ballot Unit is an unit in which the voter operates to exercise his / her franchise.

1 0 . The Ballot Unit (Refer Fig. 3) consists of :

(a) Interconnecting cable

(b) Ready lamp

(c) Thumbwheel switch window

(d) Candidates’ buttons (16 Nos.)

(e) Candidates’ lamps (16 Nos.)

(f) Provision for insertion of ballot paper.

(g) Provision for insertion of a Battery (power pack), if more than four BUs are
used. This battery (power pack) should be inserted in the 5th, 9th, 13th, 17th
and 21st BU.
READY LAMP THUMBWHEEL
SWITCH WINDOW

CANDIDATES’
STAND BUTTONS (16 NOS.)
CANDIDATES’
BALLOT PAPER LAMPS (16 NOS.)
SCREEN
CANDIDATES’ SERIAL
NUMBER (1 TO 16) IN
INTERCONNECTING
BRAILLE SIGNAGE
CABLE

9-PIN MALE
CONNECTOR

FIG. 3 - Ballot Unit

 -5-

CONNECTOR COMPARTMENT
(FOR CASCADING)

BATTERY COMPARTMENT (Battery

to be inserted in 5th, 9th, 13th,
17th & 21st BU only)

FIG. 3A - Rear view of Ballot Unit

1 1 . The interconnecting cable is a protected round cable, one end of which is permanently
attached to the Ballot Unit. The other end is attached to the connector with a hood
(Fig. 4) for connecting it to the Control Unit. One side of BU cable spring clip is in
RED colour. Also one side of the female socket in rear side compartment of CU is in
RED colour for easy identification at the time of insertion.

CABLE

BLACK COLOUR
SPRING CLIP
RED COLOUR
SPRING CLIP
HOOD

9-PIN MALE
CONNECTOR

FIG. 4 - Interconnecting cable with connector

1 2 . The Ready Lamp is on the top left side of the Ballot Unit. This lamp glows GREEN GREEN,
when the Ballot button on the Control Unit is pressed by the Presiding Officer to
enable the voter to cast his / her vote. After the voter casts his / her vote, it goes OFF
OFF.
1 3 . The Thumbwheel Switch Window is on the top right side of the BU and it consists of
two thumbwheels. The right thumbwheel inside the Ballot Unit can be operated to
reveal through the window, the numbers ‘0’, ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’ up to ‘9’. The left thumbwheel
can be operated to reveal through the window, the numbers ‘0’, ‘1’ and ‘2’ only.
When only one Ballot Unit is to be used, the right thumbwheel is operated to show
the number ‘1’ and the left thumbwheel is operated to show the number ‘0’. When
second Ballot Unit is to be used, the right thumbwheel is operated to show the
 -6-

number ‘2’ and the left thumbwheel is operated to show the number ‘0’. When
twenty four Ballot Units are to be used, the right thumbwheel is operated to show
the number ‘4’ and the left thumbwheel is operated to show the number ‘2’.

1 4 . The voter records his / her vote by pressing the Candidate’s button against the
name and symbol of the candidate of his / her choice. When the button is pressed,
Candidate
the Lamp (Candidate
Candidate’s s Lamp
Lamp) on the left side of that button glows RED and the
voter’s choice is recorded. A beep sound is also heard.
1 5 . The top face of the Ballot Unit has a transparent acrylic screen for inserting a ballot
paper, containing Sl. No., Name and Symbol of the contesting candidate.
1 6 . The top cover of the Ballot Unit can be opened by pressing simultaneously, towards the
right, the latches at the top and bottom of the right edge of the unit. The inside of the unit
is as shown in Fig. 5. Sixteen Candidates’ buttons are visible, each having an associated
masking tab. The buttons, which are required to be used, should not be masked. The
buttons not required to be used should be masked with their associated masking tabs.
The Ballot Unit can be held in the inclined condition by using the stand provided at the
bottom. A 9-pin socket is provided at the bottom side of the Ballot Unit [Fig. 5(A)] for
cascading the Ballot Units (in case of more than 16 contesting candidates).

TOP
PORTION

LATCHES
FOR
ACRYLIC
SHEET

MASKING
TABS
READY LAMP

THUMBWHEEL
SWITCH

RELEASE
BOTTOM LATCH
PORTION
CANDIDATES’
BUTTON

FIG. 5 - Inside view of Ballot Unit

 -7-

CONNECTOR DOOR

CABLE

CLAMP

FIG. 5(A) - View of cable cascading to Ballot Unit

CONTROL UNIT
1 7 . The Control Unit controls the polling process. It is operated by one of the Polling
Officials.

1 8 . Top portion of the Control Unit consists of 5 sections (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) :

(a) Display Section

(b) Battery Pack Section

(c) Candidate Set Section

(d) Result Section
(e) Ballot Section
DISPLAY SECTION

BUSY LAMP

CANDIDATE SET SECTION

ON LAMP

BATTERY RESULT SECTION

(POWER PACK)
SECTION
STAND BALLOT BUTTON

CLOSE FLAP
BALLOT SECTION
TOTAL BUTTON

FIG. 6 - Front view of Control Unit

 -8-

BATTERY
(POWER PACK)
SECTION
COVER

PROVISION PROVISION
FOR FOR CANDIDATE SET
THREAD SEAL RESULT THREAD SEAL SECTION COVER
SECTION
COVER

FIG. 7 - Side view of Control Unit

1 9 . The Display section consists of two lamps, ON & BUSY BUSY, and a display panel, which
consists of 24 red coloured 17 segment alpha-numeric characters in two equal rows
(Fig. 13). The functions of the lamps and the display panel are explained in Paras 26, 27
and 28 of this Chapter.

2 0 . The Battery (Power Pack) section (Fig. 8) has an outer door, which opens from left to
right. On opening its cover by pressing the latch on the left-hand side, the battery connector
is seen. The Battery (Power Pack) section can be closed and sealed by thread seal
[Fig. 8(A)].

OUTER COVER FOR

LATCH BATTERY (POWER PACK)
SECTION
PLUG

BATTERY (POWER PACK) COMPARTMENT

FIG. 8 - View of Battery (Power Pack) section

 -9-

BATTERY
(POWER PACK)

PROVISION FOR
THREAD SEAL

FIG. 8(A) - View of Battery (Power Pack) section with battery (power pack)
and thread seal provision

21. The Candidate Set Section [Fig. 8(B)] has an outer door, which opens from right to
left. On opening its cover by pressing the latch on the right-hand side, a Cand. Set
button is seen. The Candidate Set section can be closed and sealed by thread seal
as shown in Fig. 8(B).

CAND. SET BUTTON

PROVISION FOR
THREAD SEAL

FIG. 8(B) - View of Candidate Set Section and thread seal provision
2 2 . Top cover of the Result section has an elliptical aperture covered by a flap on the
left hand side under which the Close button is located. The right portion of the
Result section has an inner compartment with its door (Fig. 9).
 - 10 -

PROVISION FOR RESULT BUTTON

THREAD SEAL

LATCH INNER
COMPARTMENT
CLOSE
BUTTON

FIG. 9 - View of outer compartment of Result Section

2 3 . The door of the inner compartment has two elliptical apertures through which two
yellow coloured buttons marked Result and Print are seen; i.e the inner door can
be opened by inserting the thumb and a finger through the two apertures above the
Result and Print buttons and then pressing the inner latches simultaneously, slightly
inwards in no case, this inner door should be forced open without releasing
the latches in the manner described above, to avoid any damage to this
most vital compartment
compartment. On opening the door of the inner compartment we can
see on its inner side a green paper seal and also there is one more white colored
Clear button available, as shown in Fig. 10.

FRAMES FOR
PAPER SEAL
RESULT
BUTTON

PROVISION INNER LATCHES

FOR THREAD
SEAL
INNER COMPARTMENT
COVER
PRINT
CLEAR BUTTON
BUTTON

FIG. 10 - View of inner compartment of Result Section

24. In the Ballot section, two blue coloured buttons, namely, Total & Ballot as
indicated and an opening for Buzzer are available as shown in Fig. 11.
 - 11 -

OPENING FOR
BUZZER
TOTAL BUTTON
BALLOT BUTTON

FIG. 11 - View of Ballot Section of Control Unit

2 5 . The rear side portion of the Control Unit has a compartment with a cover. This cover
is hinged in the rear side and opens swinging downwards, when the latch in the
middle is pressed downwards. The cover, when opened, will reveal a plug in the
middle for plugging the interconnecting cable from the Ballot Unit and a power switch
in the left for switching the EVM ON or OFF (Fig. 12).

SOCKET FOR
PLUGGING THE
INTERCONNECTING
CABLE FOR SLAVE POWER
UNITS SWITCH
(9-PIN FEMALE
CONNECTOR)
REAR SIDE
COVER

BLACK COLOUR RED COLOUR

HOOD HOOD

FIG. 12 - Rear view of Control Unit

ON Lamp

2 6 . The ON lamp is located at the top left corner of the display section. When the power
switch is pushed upwards to the ON position, the lamp glows GREEN to indicate that
the EVM is ready for use (Fig. 13).

BUSY Lamp

2 7 . The Busy Lamp is located at the top right corner of the Display section. It glows
RED
RED, when the Ballot button is pressed by the polling official to enable the voter to
record his / her vote. It goes OFF when the voter has recorded his / her vote
(Fig. 13).
 - 12 -

DISPLAY PANEL

ON LAMP BUSY LAMP

FIG. 13 - View of Display Section

DISPLAY PANEL
2 8 . Display panel displays the data on two rows each having 12 characters.
Various type of messages which appear on this display panel and their meanings are
given below :

(I) POWER-ON DISPLAY FORMAT (ON EVERY POWER-ON) :

The CU checks the self- diagnostics of Power ON LED, Buzzer, BUSY LED and Display.
If error during diagnostics, the CU flashes the corresponding messages.

EVM IS ON
ECI

aSELF CHECK
IN PROGRESS
CU POWER ON LED diagnostics :
If the CU POWER ON LED self-diagnostics is not OK then the CU displays the following
message.

POWER ON LED
NOT OK

CU BUZZER diagnostics :
If the CU BUZZER self-diagnostics is not OK then the CU displays the following message.

BUZZER
NOT OK
 - 13 -

Busy LED diagnostics :

If the CU Busy LED self-diagnostics is not OK then the CU displays the following
message.

BUSY LED
NOT OK
Display diagnostics :
If the CU display self-diagnostics is not OK then the CU displays the following
message.

DIGIT 02
NOT OK
CU Battery diagnostics :
If the CU battery voltage/capacity is not within the safe operating range then the CU
flashes the following message.

CHANGE
BATTERY
BU Self-diagnostics :
When BU self-diagnostics is not OK, the BU sends the following information to CU.
If the Candidate key is not OK, the BU sends the following message to CU. The CU
flashes it on its display. E.g., BU 01 Key 06 not OK.

BU 01
KEY 06 NOT OK
If the READY LED is not OK then the BU sends the following message to CU, the
CU flashes it on its display. E.g., BU 01 Ready LED NOT OK.

BU 01
READY LED
READY LED
NOT OK
 - 14 -

When 5th, 9th, 13th, 17th and 21st BUs are connected to CU without battery the CU
displays the following message. E.g., BU 05 has no battery.

BU 05 WITHOUT
BATTERY
If the battery is not OK then the BU sends the following message to CU, the CU flashes
it on its display.

BU 05
CHANGE BATRY
The CU flashes the following message after Self-diagnostics :

SELF CHECK
IN PROGRESS
Current Date & time of the system is displayed as follows :

DTE 04 -01 -14

TME 10 -01 -36
Serial Number of the system is displayed as follows :

SL NUM
BCUAA00001
Number of contesting candidates. E.g., Candidates 16.

CANDIDATES
16
Battery status of the system depends on the battery current consumption, the
following message is displayed.

BATRY HIGH
95 PERCENT
 - 15 -

If the battery status is medium, the following message is displayed.

BATRY MEDIUM
73 PERCENT
If the battery status is Low, the following message is displayed.

BATRY LOW
45 PERCENT
If the battery status is marginal, the following message is displayed.

BATRY MARG
26 PERCENT
If the battery status is below marginal, then the following message is displayed.

CHANGE
BATTERY
On unit discovery the CU flashes the following message.

DISCOVERING
UNITS
After discovering units, CU displays the following message if one BU is connected.

DISCOVERED
BU 01
After discovering units, the CU displays the following message if two BUs are connected.

DISCOVERED
BU01 BU02
 - 16 -

During authentication with the BU, the CU flashes the following message.

BU01 GN1
TESTING
On authentication of the BU, the CU flashes the following message.

BU01 GN1
OK
If Authentication fails, then the following message is flashed Continuously :

BU01 GN1
NOT OK
When communication time out occurs during communication with the BU or BU
position (Thumbwheel switch) not set properly, the following message will be
displayed.
BU01 NOT
RESPONDING
When no units are connected, the CU displays the following message.

NO UNITS
CONNECTED
When CU is in Clear state or Ballot state, if the number of BUs connected is not
matching with the number of candidates set or if no BU is connected, the CU
displays the following message.

INCORRECT
NUMBER OF BU

PRESS
BALLOT KEY
 - 17 -

If user presses the Ballot key or when correct number of BUs are connected the
following message will be displayed.

EVM IS
READY
When CU is in Clear state or Ballot state, if CU does not detect BU the following
message will be flashed on press of Ballot key.

BU NOT
CONNECTED
If CU could exchange certificates with all the connected units, only then the following
operations are allowed.

(II) CLEAR OPERATION DISPLAY FORMAT :

When the Clear operation is initiated by pressing the Clear key on the CU, the
following message is displayed while the clearing of previously stored data is in
progress.

DELETING
POLLED VOTES
After clearing is completed, the following messages are displayed sequentially, to
show that votes have been reset to zero. Each message is displayed for about
7 seconds with beep sound and the interval between messages is about 2 seconds.
Number of candidates contesting - E.g., 9 candidates.

CANDIDATES
9
 - 18 -

Number of votes polled for election.

TOTAL POLLED
VOTES - 0
Votes cleared for first candidate.

CAND - 1
VOTES - 0
-
-
CAND - 9
VOTES - 0
As on till last candidate.

END

(III) BALLOT DISPLAY FORMAT :

If a key is stuck on the BU, then the following message is displayed.

PRESSED
ERROR BU01
If the number of candidates configured is 5 and number of BUs connected is 2 then the
CU flashes the following message.

DISCONNECT
BU02
If the number of candidates configured is 26 and number of BUs connected is 1 then
the CU flashes the following message.

BU02 NOT
CONNECTED
 - 19 -

(IV) CLOSE DISPLAY FORMAT :

The following messages are displayed sequentially, on close operation.

CLOSING

Current Date & time of the system is displayed as follows :

DTE 04 - 01 -14
TME 10 -10 -36
Serial Number of the system is displayed as follows :

SL NUM
BCUAA00001
Number of contesting candidates.

CANDIDATES
16
Total polled votes message is displayed as shown below :

TOTAL POLLED
VOTES - 1013
POLL
CLOSED

(V) RESULT DISPLAY FORMAT :

On press of Result key, the following message is displayed while the result is
being computed. Before flashing the following message, the CU shall verify the
hash of the voting data and flashes the following message.
 - 20 -

COMPUTING
RESULT
After the result computation the following messages are displayed sequentially. Each
message is displayed for about 7 seconds with beep sound and the interval between
messages is about 2 seconds.

POLL RESULT
PDT 04 -01 -14
Poll start time and end time is displayed as follows :

PST 10 -01 -14

PET 16 -01 -14
Serial Number of the system is displayed as follows :

SL NUM
BCUAA00001
Number of contesting candidates-9 :

CANDIDATES
9
Total polled votes is displayed as follows :

TOTAL POLLED
VOTES - 1013

CAND - 1
VOTES - 136
-
-
-
CAND - 9
VOTES - 150
 - 21 -

And so on till the last candidate.

END

(VI) TOTAL DISPLAY FORMAT :

On press of the Total key the following information is displayed. Each message
is displayed for about 7 seconds with beep sound and the interval between
messages is about 2 seconds.

Battery status of the system :

If the battery status is high, the CU displays the following message :

BATRY HIGH
95 PERCENT
Current Date & time of the system is displayed as follows :

DTE 04 -01 -14

TME 10 -01 -36
Number of contesting candidates. E.g., 9 :

CANDIDATES
9
Total votes polled is displayed as follows :

TOTAL POLLED
VOTES - 1013
 - 22 -
( V I I ) OTHER MESSAGES :
Indicates a button on the Control Unit has been pressed out of sequence.

INVALID

Indicates that the maximum number of votes (2000) for which the machine
is designed has been polled.

FULL

Indicates the Print operation is under progress.

PRINTING

Indicates that the RTC time and date is not OK.

CLOCK ERROR

Indicates that the Control Unit cannot be further used.

INOPERATIVE

Indicates that date has changed since the first vote recorded in the EVM
when time crosses midnight 12 PM.

ELECTION Since the poll time is from

7 AM to 5 PM
EXCEEDED
Note: Blinking of green LED on BU indicates that Ballot Unit cannot be further used.

BEEP TONES

2 9 . Whenever the Control Unit displays any information a buzzer in the Unit gives a
beep sound. As explained below, the duration of the beep sound varies according to the
nature of information displayed :
(a) A beep of not less than 5 seconds after a voter casts his / her vote.
(b) A beep of 2 seconds, after any change in the information as indicated in the
display panel, for example, when displaying total, candidate set, individual results,
etc.
(c) Short interrupted beeps to draw attention to any malfunctioning, disconnection
and errors, etc.
(d) A beep of 4 seconds when a button is pressed out of sequence.
(e) A beep of 10 seconds when the voting data is being cleared.
 - 23 -

CHAPTER - 2

FUNCTION OF BUTTONS/SWITCHES

BALLOT UNIT
Candidates
Candidates’ Button (Fig. 3)
1. Against each candidate’s name and symbol, there is a blue button button, the access to
which is through an oval hole in the Ballot Unit. A voter has to press the button
against the candidate of his / her choice to record his / her vote for that candidate.
The power OFF of the green Ready lamp & glowing of red colour candidate arrow
lamp is a visual indication to the voter that his / her vote has been recorded for the
candidate of his / her choice. At the same time, beep sound emanates from the
Control Unit informing all present in the polling station that the vote has been recorded.
The glow of candidate lamp and beep sound will last for atleast 5 seconds depending
upon the time taken by the voter to press the candidate button after releasing of
ballot button by the Presiding Officer / Polling personnel. After the completion of the
voting process Busy lamp on the CU goes OFF OFF.

Thumbwheel Switch (Figs. 3 and 5)

2. The thumbwheel switch has markings from 0 to 9. The right thumbwheel can have
positions ‘0’, ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’, ....... ‘9’ and the left thumbwheel can have positions ‘0’,
‘1’, ‘2’ as explained in Para 8 of Chapter-3. The position of the thumbwheel switch
can be seen through the window at the right top side of the Ballot Unit.

CONTROL UNIT
Power Switch (Fig. 12)
3. To switch ON the EVM, the Power switch is to be pushed upwards.

Cand. Set Button (Fig. 8(B))

4. The Cand. Set button is used for setting the EVM for the number of candidates
contesting including NOTA in the election. For details, refer Paras 13 (c) and (d) of
Chapter-3.

Clear Button (Fig. 10)

5. The Clear button is required to be pressed for clearing the polled data in the
machine. For details, refer Paras 7 and 9 of Chapter-4.
 - 24 -

Ballot Button (Fig. 11)

6. Ballot button is pressed for enabling a voter to record his / her vote. When this
Ballot button is pressed, the Busy lamp in the Control Unit and the Ready lamp
in the Ballot Unit will start glowing upto the time the voter presses the Candidate
button on the Ballot Unit. The button will again become operational for the next
voter only when the earlier voter has recorded his / her vote.

Total Button (Fig. 11)

7. When the Total button is pressed, the Display Panel of the Control Unit shows the
Battery status, Current Date and Time, Total number of candidates and the total
number of votes recorded till then (this button may be pressed at any time after a
voter has recorded his / her vote or before the Ballot button is pressed to enable
him / her to record his / her vote, but not when the Busy lamp is ON).

Close Button (Fig. 9)

8. Once the Close button is pressed, no further voting is possible. This button is to be
pressed at the close of the poll. When this button is pressed, machine displays
CLOSING, Current Date and Time, Serial number of the Control Unit, the number
of candidates and total votes polled. Finally, display terminates with POLL CLOSED
message.

Result Button (Figs. 9 and 10)

9. When the Result button is pressed, the Display Panel of the Control Unit shows the
result of the poll for which it is used in the following sequence :

• Computing result

• Poll result with date

• Poll Start Time (PST) and Poll End Time (PET)

• Serial number of the Control Unit

• No. of candidates

• Total number of votes polled

• Votes polled for each candidate sequentially.

After the above display, the display panel will show the word END. The result
can be seen any number of times by pressing this button.

Print Button (Fig. 10)

1 0 . This button is used for printing the result data.
 - 25 -

1 1 . It is essential to note and fully comprehend the proper sequence in which the various
buttons of Control Unit have to be operated. Such proper sequence is shown :

Cand. Set

Result
Clear
Close
Print

Ballot

Note : Pressing of any button out of proper sequence may not produce the desired
effect or result of the Control Unit or the Ballot Unit.
 - 26 -

CHAPTER - 3

COMMISSIONING OF EVM BY RETURNING OFFICER

PRELIMINARY
1. Before supplying the EVMs to the Presiding Officers for use at polling stations, the
machines are prepared by the Returning Officer for such use.

BALLOT UNIT COMMISSIONING

OPENING OF TOP COVER
2. After taking out the Ballot Unit from the carrying case, the top cover of the unit may
be opened carefully by pressing simultaneously, towards the right, the latches at the
top and bottom on the right edge of the unit (Fig. 14) and swinging the cover up (Fig.
5).
3. The Ballot Unit is prepared by the Returning Officer by :
(a) Inserting the ballot paper.
(b) Masking the Candidates’ buttons, which are not required to be used.
(c) Setting the thumbwheel switch (as explained in Para 13 of Chapter-1).
(d) Sealing the unit.

PROVISION FOR THREAD SEAL

LATCHES TO BE PRESSED IN
DIRECTION

FIG. 14 - View of Latches

OPENING OF BALLOT PAPER SCREEN

4. Open the Ballot paper screen, which is a transparent acrylic sheet, hinged to the
top cover on the extreme left side. The latches of the screen are inside of the top
cover (Fig. 15). By pressing the latches simultaneously, first slightly towards right
and then downwards, the ballot paper screen will become free for opening on the
upper side of the top cover (Fig. 16). While opening the screen, care should be
taken to ensure that it is not damaged.
 - 27 -

RELEASE LATCH OF
BALLOT PAPER
SCREEN

PLASTIC PINS WITH

HOLES (USED FOR
THREADED SEALING
OF BALLOT PAPER
SCREEN)

RELEASE LATCH OF
BALLOT PAPER
SCREEN

FIG. 15 - Inside view of Top Cover

PROVISION FOR
THREAD SEAL

RELEASE LATCHES
BALLOT PAPER
OF BALLOT PAPER
SCREEN
SCREEN

FIG. 16 - View of Upper Side of Top Cover

FIXING OF BALLOT PAPER

5. Place the ballot paper in the space provided for the purpose on the upper side of the
top cover. Align the ballot paper properly so that each candidate’s name and his /
her symbol are in line with the corresponding candidate’s lamp and button. After
ensuring this alignment, close and press fit the ballot paper screen to secure the
ballot paper firmly underneath that screen (Fig. 17).
 - 28 -

BALLOT PAPER
SCREEN

FIG. 17 - Properly aligned Ballot Paper

NOTE : Alignment of the ballot paper is an important step. Please do this

carefully. There should not be any misalignment, as it will create
confusion in the voter’s mind.

6. After the ballot paper is firmly fixed and the ballot paper screen is pressed fit on the
upper side of the top cover, the screen is to be sealed on the inner side of the top
cover. This is done by passing the thread through the two holes on the screen
specially provided for the purpose (Fig. 15) and by putting the thread seal on the
prescribed address tag showing the particulars of the election with the seal of the
Returning Officer.

MASKING OF CANDIDATES’ BUTTONS

7. If the number of candidates including NOTA on the ballot paper is less than 16, the
white masking tabs should be moved onto the Candidates’ buttons that are not to
be used.

NOTE : For example, if the number of candidates including NOTA is nine,

the first nine (i.e., 1 to 9) Candidates’ buttons are left unmasked and
the remaining seven (i.e., 10 to 16) shall be masked as shown in
Fig. 18.
 - 29 -

UNMASKED CANDIDATES’
BUTTONS

MASKED CANDIDATES’
BUTTONS

FIG. 18 - Ballot Unit set for nine candidates

SETTING OF THUMBWHEEL SWITCH

8. The Thumbwheel Switch window is on the top right side of the BU and it consists
of two thumbwheels. The right thumbwheel inside the Ballot Unit can be operated to
show through the windows, the numbers `0‘, `1’, `2’, `3’ upto 9. The left thumbwheel
can be operated to show the numbers `0’, `1’ & `2’ only. If only one Ballot Unit is to
be used, set this switch to the position marked `01’. If two Ballot Units are to be
used, set the thumbwheel switch position to ‘01’ in the first Ballot Unit in which the
names of the candidates at Sl. Nos. 1 to 16 appear, and in the second Ballot Unit set
this switch to the position marked `02’. If three Ballot Units are to be used, the
thumbwheel switch will be set to the position marked ‘01’ in the first Ballot Unit in
which the names of candidates at Sl. Nos. 1 to 16 appear, to the position marked
`02’ in the second Ballot Unit in which the names of contesting candidates at Sl. Nos.
17 to 32 appear, and to the position marked ‘03’ in the third Ballot Unit. Likewise, if
the 24th Ballot Unit is also to be used if the number of contesting candidates is 384,
then the thumbwheel switch will be set to the position marked `24’ in the last Ballot
Unit (Fig. 19).

0 1 0 2 0 3
............ 2 4

FIG. 19 - Thumbwheel switch set to position ` 01 ’ , ` 02 ’ , ` 03 ’ upto ‘ 24 ’

 - 30 -

BATTERY (POWER PACK) INSTALLATION IN BALLOT UNIT

9. Open the door of the Battery (power pack) section at the bottom of the Ballot Unit
by pressing gently the latch provided on the bottom side. Install the Battery (power
pack) specially supplied by mating the socket of the Battery (power pack) to the
plug. Ensure that the Battery (power pack) is pressed tight (Fig. 20). The battery
(power packs) have to be installed only in the 5th, 9th, 13th, 17th and 21st Ballot
Units.

FIG. 20 - Installing the battery (power pack) in Ballot Unit

SEALING OF TOP COVER OF BALLOT UNIT

1 0 . (i) Close the Ballot Unit by bringing the top cover back to its original position. Pass
the two threads, through the holes at the top and bottom provided for the
purpose and seal each thread with the Returning Officer’s seal.

(ii) Fix pink paper seal on lower most portion of BU in such a manner that no
candidates’ button or name or symbol is hidden by the seal. The BEL Engineer
shall sign on the seal.

NOTE : While sealing take care that direct flame does not come in contact
with the Ballot Unit and the molten wax does not fall on any part
of the machine.

CONTROL UNIT COMMISSIONING

1 1 . The Control Unit is to be prepared by the Returning Officer by :

(a) Installing the Battery (Power Pack)

(b) Sealing the Battery (Power Pack) section

(c) Setting the number of contesting candidates

(d) Sealing the Candidate Set section

 - 31 -

BATTERY (POWER PACK) INSTALLATION IN CONTROL UNIT

12. Open the outer door of the Candidate Set section by pressing slightly the latch
provided on the left side. Install the Battery (power pack) specially supplied by
mating the socket of the Battery (power pack) to the plug. Ensure that the Battery
(power pack) is pressed tight (Fig. 20) and [Fig. (8(A))]. The status of the battery is
displayed when the unit is switched ON and also on pressing the Total button. The
display sequence shows HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW state of the battery (Power Pack).

Change Battery (Power Pack)

1 2 a . CHANGE BATTERY is displayed when the battery (power pack) voltage / capacity
is not within safe operating range. The battery (power pack) voltage / capacity is
monitored for each ballot operation. When the voltage goes below the safe operating
range, the message CHANGE BATTERY is displayed after every vote is registered
in the machine. It is recommended that the battery (power pack) be changed at the
earliest.

PLUG

BOTTOM SURFACE
OF BATTERY (POWER PACK)

FIG. 21 - Installing the Battery (Power Pack) in Control Unit

NOTE : It is advisable always to use new battery (power pack) at the start of
polling.
 - 32 -

SETTING THE NUMBER OF CONTESTING CANDIDATES

1 3 . After connecting the Battery (power pack), open the compartment at the rear of the
Control Unit as explained in Para 25 of Chapter-1, and proceed as follows for setting the
number of contesting candidates :

(a) Connect the Ballot Unit to the Control Unit by plugging the connector of the
interconnecting cable (Fig. 4) into the 9-pin female connector in the compartment
(Fig. 12). As the connector and the plug are multi-pin connectors, it will need some
practice to plug them properly. The connector goes into the socket only one way,
which can be found out easily by looking at the orientation of the pins. The
RED coloured latch of the connector and RED coloured side of the plug together
come to the same side when plugged properly. As the pins are delicate, do not
force the connector in such a way, as it may damage or bend the pins. The EVM
will work only when this connection is made properly.

(b) After plugging the connector properly, push the power switch upwards to ON
position. It will give a beep sound and the ON lamp (Fig. 6) on the Display
section of the Control Unit will glow GREEN
GREEN.

EVM IS ON
ECI
The CU flashes the following message after Self-diagnostics :

SELF CHECK
IN PROGRESS
Current Date & time of the system is displayed as follows :

DTE 04 -01 -14

TME 10 -10 -36
Serial Number of the system is displayed as follows :

SL NUM
BCUAA00001
Number of contesting candidates :

CANDIDATES
9
 - 33 -

Battery (power pack) status of the system, depends on the battery current
consumption, the following message is displayed.

BATRY HIGH
95 PERCENT
On unit discovery the CU flashes the following message.

DISCOVERING
UNITS
After discovering units the CU displays the following message.

DISCOVERED
BU01
During authentication with the BU, the CU flashes the following message.

BU01 GN1
TESTING
On authentication of the BU, the CU flashes the following message.

BU01 GN1
OK

EVM IS
READY
(c) After EVM IS READY message is displayed on EVM, press the Cand. Set
button (Fig. 8) in the Candidate Set section. Thereupon the display panel in the
Display section will flash the message :

SET
CANDIDATE - - -
 - 34 -

NOTE : If, however, the display panel shows the word INVALID, it signifies
that the data relating to some previous operation is in the machine.
In such situation, the previous data has to be cleared for setting the
number of contesting candidates. For this purpose, press the Close
button and wait till all the displays (including the display POLL
CLOSED) appears on the display panels. Thereafter, press the
Result button. Wait till display ENDdappears. Thereafter, press the
Clear button for clearing the machine again wait till the display END
appears and then press Cand. Set button. SET CANDIDATE- - -
will now be displayed on the display panel.

(d) When the message SET CANDIDATE - - - start flashing on the display panel
on the Control Unit, press the button against NOTA in the Ballot Unit. For example,
if there are nine contesting candidates including NOTA, press the 9th button.
On that button being pressed, the display panel will stop flashing the
message SET CANDIDATE- - -. Instead, the full panel will start displaying
the following information :

CANDIDATES
9
This way the machine is set for nine contesting candidates including NOTA.
NOTE : The number of contesting candidates can be set in any number
of Control Units by using only one Ballot Unit. In such Ballot Unit,
mask all the Candidates’ buttons except the button of the last
contesting candidate. In the above example, mask the buttons
of candidates 1-8 and 10-16 and button of the NOTA
(candidate number 9) is left unmasked.

(e) Switch OFF the EVM by pushing the power switch downwards to OFF position.
Then switch ON the EVM and confirm that the number of contesting candidates
is as per the set value. Next, switch OFF the EVM and disconnect the
interconnecting cable from the Control Unit. For this purpose, the spring type clips
on both sides of the connector hood should be pressed inward simultaneously
and then the connector pulled out. Then close the door of the compartment at the
rear of the Control Unit.

SEALING THE BATTERY (POWER PACK) SECTION

14. Close the door of Battery (Power Pack) section. Pass a thread through the holes provided
on the left side and seal with the seal of Returning Officer. Then close the Battery (Power
Pack) section. Pass a thread through the two holes provided on the left side and seal
with the seal of Returning Officer. While sealing take care that direct flame does not
come in contact with Control Unit and molten wax does not fall on any part of the
Control Unit.
 - 35 -

SEALING THE CANDIDATE SET SECTION

1 5 . Close the door of the Candidate Set section. Pass a thread through the holes provided on
the right side and seal with the seal of Returning Officer. While sealing, take care that
direct flame does not come in contact with the Control Unit and molten wax does not fall
on any part of the Control Unit.
1 6 . Put back the Ballot Unit and the Control Unit in their respective carrying cases. They are
ready for transportation to the Polling Station.
 - 36 -

CHAPTER - 4

SETTING UP OF EVM BY PRESIDING OFFICER AT

POLLING STATION ON THE DAY OF POLL

PRELIMINARY
1. Before EVM is put in to actual use at the polling station, further preparations are
necessary. These have to be done by the Presiding Officer at the Polling Stations in
the presence of the candidates / their election agents or their polling agents. The
Presiding Officer shall start the preparations about an hour before the time fixed for
the commencement of the poll and polling agents should also, therefore, be present
at the polling station at that time. The preparations, which are required to be made,
are explained in the following paragraphs.

BALLOT UNIT
2. The Ballot Unit is already duly prepared in all respects and no further preparations of
this unit is required on the date of poll, except that its interconnecting cable has to
be plugged in to the Control Unit. Further, the Presiding Officer has to check that :

(a) The ballot paper is properly fixed in the ballot display panel under the ballot
paper screen, and

(b) The seals put by the Returning Officer at the top and the bottom portions on
the right hand side are intact.

(c) The Pink paper seal at the lower most portion of the ballot unit is intact.

CONTROL UNIT
3. The Presiding Officer should check that the seal put by the Returning Officer on the
Battery pack section and Candidate Set section on the left side is intact.

4. Thereafter, he / she should open the bottom compartment of the unit as explained in
Para 23 of Chapter-1 and take the following steps :

(a) Connect the Ballot Unit to the Control Unit by plugging the connector of the
interconnecting cable in the socket in the said compartment as explained in Para
13 (a) of Chapter-3.

(b) Put the power switch to ON position. Now the EVM is ON. It will give a beep
sound and ON lamp (Fig. 6) on the Display section of the Control Unit will glow
GREEN continuously.
(c) Close the rear side compartment.
 - 37 -

5. After the above mentioned steps, the Presiding Officer should open the cover of the
Result section by pressing slightly inwards the latch provided on the left side.
6. Thereafter, the door of the inner compartment of the Result Section should be
opened by inserting the thumb and a finger through the two apertures above the
Result and Print buttons and then pressing the inner latches simultaneously, slightly
inwards (Fig. 10). In no case, this inner door should be forced open without releasing
the latches in the manner described above, to avoid any damage to this most vital
compartment.
7. After opening the inner compartment, all counts should be set to ‘0’ and for this
purpose, press the Clear button (BU should be connected to CU). This operation
takes about 10 seconds and the buzzer is ON during this clearing process. On
pressing this button, the Display Panel will start displaying the following information
sequentially :
When the Clear operation is initiated by pressing the Clear key on the CU, the
following message is displayed while the clearing of previously stored data is in
progress.

DELETING
POLLED VOTES
After clearing is complete, the following messages are displayed sequentially, to
show that votes have been reset to zero. Each message is displayed for about
7 seconds with beep sound and the interval between messages is about 2 seconds.
Number of candidates contesting.

CANDIDATES
9
Number of votes polled for election.

TOTAL POLLED
VOTES - 0
Votes polled by first candidate.

CAND - 1
VOTES - 0
As on till last candidate.

END
 - 38 -

NOTE : The unit should not be switched OFF during the clear operation. It
is advisable to switch OFF the unit after the completion of all the
display messages. If on pressing the Clear button, the Display Panel
does not display the information as indicated above, it means that
some of the earlier operations needed for clearing the machine have
not been performed. To clear the machines, ensure that Ballot Unit
and Control Unit have been appropriately linked. Press the Close
button and thereafter press Result button. Now press the Clear
button. The Display Panel will start displaying the information as
indicated above.
8. The display of the above information on the Display Panel is for showing it to the Polling
agents present at the polling station that no votes are already recorded in the machine.

MOCK POLL
9. After demonstrating as above that no votes are already recorded in the machine, a
mock poll should be held by recording some votes as per ECI’s instructions in Mock
Poll. For that purpose, perform the following operations :

(a) Press the Ballot button on the Ballot section of the Control Unit. On pressing
the Ballot button, Busy lamp in the Display Section will glow RED RED.
Simultaneously, the Ready lamp on the Ballot Unit will also start glowing GREEN
GREEN.

(b) Ask any polling agent to press, according to his / her choice, any of the
Candidate’s button on the Ballot Unit.

(c) On Candidate’s button being pressed, the Ready green lamp will go OFF and
the Candidate’s lamp near the Candidates’ button will start glowing RED
RED. Also,
a beep sound will be heard from the Control Unit. After a few seconds, the red
light in the Candidate’s lamp, red light in the Busy lamp on CU and the beep
sound will go OFF
OFF. This will be the indication that the vote for the candidate
whose button has been pressed, has been recorded in the Control Unit and the
machine is now ready to receive next vote.

(d) Repeat the process explained in the preceding Paras 9 (a), (b) and (c) for
recording votes for each of the candidates. Keep a careful count of the votes
recorded with respect to each candidate.

(e) When the votes are being recorded, press the Total button on the Ballot section
to verify at any time that the votes recorded in the machine tally with the
number of votes which have been polled upto that stage.

NOTE : Total button should be pressed only after the vote has been
recorded for any candidate and the Busy lamp in the
Display section is OFF.
 - 39 -

(f) At the end of the mock poll, press the Close button in the Result section. On
the Close button being pressed, the panel in the Display section will show the
following information sequentially :

The following messages are displayed sequentially, on close operation.

CLOSING

Current Date & time of the system is displayed as follows :

DTE 04 -01 -14

TME 10 -10 -36
Serial Number of the system is displayed as follows :

SL NUM
BCUAA00001
Number of contesting candidates-9 :

CANDIDATES
9
Total polled votes message is displayed as shown below :

TOTAL POLLED
VOTES - 36

POLL
CLOSED
(if the number of polled votes is 36)
 - 40 -

(g) Now, press the button marked Result in the Result section. On that button
being pressed, the Display Panel will start showing the following information
sequentially :

COMPUTING
RESULT

After the result computation the following messages are displayed sequentially.
Each message is displayed for about 7 seconds with beep sound and the
interval between messages is about 2 seconds.

POLL RESULT
PDT 04 -01 -14

Poll start time and end time is displayed as follows :

PST 10 -01 -16

PET 16 -01 -16

Serial Number of the system is displayed as follows :

SL NUM
BCUAA00001

Number of contesting candidates :

CANDIDATES
9
 - 41 -

CAND - 1
VOTES - 36
And so on till the last candidate :

END

(h) On press of Clear key if ballot unit is not connected the following message
shall be displayed.

BU NOT
CONNECTED
Next, press the Clear button to clear the count of votes recorded during the
mock poll, as explained in Para 7 of this Chapter.

ACTUAL POLL
1 4 . EVM can now be used for actual poll.

1 5 . However, before the commencement of actual poll, the Result section should be
sealed.

NOTE : Power switch should be OFF during sealing process.

After switching OFF the Control Unit, perform the following operations :
(a) Fixing of green paper seal and closing of inner compartment :
(i) Green paper seal has to be passed through the two frames provided for
the purpose on the inner side of the door of the inner compartment of the
Result Section. The seal should be fixed in such a way that its green
surface shows through the aperture from the inner side. After fixing the
seals, the door of the inner compartment should be closed in such a
manner that the two open ends of the paper seal project outwards from
the sides of the inner compartment as shown in Fig. 22.
 - 42 -

On the green surface of the paper seal projecting outwards, the Presiding
Officer should affix his signature in full immediately below the serial number
of the seal. It should also be signed by the candidates / polling
agents as are present and desirous to put their signatures. Note down the
serial numbers of the paper seal used and also allow the candidates /
polling agents present to note down those numbers.

(ii) Seal the inner door. For this purpose pass a thread through the two holes
provided for the purpose on the left side of the inner door and put a thread
seal with the seal of the Presiding Officer. Note down the serial number of the
special tag.

OUTER COVER

GREEN PAPER
SEAL

INNER DOOR

FIG. 22 - Fixing of green paper seal

(b) Closing of Result section :

(i) The outer cover of the Result section has to be pressed for closing this section.
Before pressing the outer cover, fold the open ends of the green paper seals
neatly, in such a manner that no part of the paper seals protrudes from either
side of the cover. After pressing the outer cover, the Result section should be
sealed by passing a thread through the two holes provided for the purpose on
the left side of the outer cover and putting a thread seal with the seal of the
Presiding Officer.

(ii) Take care that direct flame does not come in contact with the Unit and molten
wax does not fall on any part of the machine. Now use the (A B C D) outer
paper strip seal with self-adhesive at A B C D portions to get glued to the green
seal strip. This has to be learnt practically.

1 6 . Now the EVM is ready in all respects for use in actual poll.

1 7 . Before commencing the poll, however, place the Ballot Unit inside the voting
compartment. This compartment should be located at sufficient distance from the
table of the PresidingOfficer where the Control Unit shall be kept and operated by
him / her. The interconnecting cable between the Ballot Unit and the Control Unit
has a length of approximately five metres. Therefore, the voting compartment should
be reasonably distanced.
 - 43 -

Also, the cable should be so routed that it does not obstruct the movement of the voters
inside the polling station and they don’t have to tread or trip over it. The cable may be
tied to one of the table legs at Control Unit side as well as at Ballot Unit side.

PROCEDURE DURING POLL

1 4 . The polling shall commence at the hour fixed for such commencement. Press the
Total button and ensure that the total votes are zero zero. After all the procedural
requirements relating to identification of voter, application of indelible ink on his /
her forefinger and obtaining his / her signature / thumb impression in the Register
of Voters have been completed with regard to the first voter, the voter concerned
has to be allowed for recording his / her vote. For that purpose, press the Ballot
button on Ballot section of the Control Unit which would make the Ballot Unit ready
for recording of the vote by that voter as has been explained in Para 9 (a) of this
Chapter.

CAUTION : Confirm the recording of votes by the machine duly pressing

the Total button, after completion of first or second vote.

Repeat that procedure in the case of every subsequent voter. It should be ensured
that only one voter goes inside the voting compartment to vote. Special care should
be taken to ensure that a voter goes in that compartment in the same order in
which his / her name has been entered in the ‘Register of Voters’. Also ensure that
the Ballot button is pressed only when the earlier voter has come out of the voting
compartment. At any time, if the total number of votes polled has to be
ascertained Total button should be pressed. The Display Panel will then
show the total number of votes polled by that time with other data like,
Battery status, Current Date and Time and number of contest ing
contesting
candidates. Please remember that the Total button is to be pressed only
when the Busy lamp is OFF.

CAUTION : Do not open ‘Close button flap’ during poll.

Total display format

On press of the Total key the following information is displayed. Each message is
displayed for about 7 seconds with beep sound and the interval between the
messages is about 2 seconds.

Battery status of the system

If the battery status is high, the CU displays the following message.

BATRY HIGH
95 PERCENT
 - 44 -

Current Date & time of the system is displayed as follows :

DTE 04 -01 -14

TME 10 -06 -36
Number of contesting candidates :

CANDIDATES
9
Total votes polled is displayed as follows :

TOTAL POLLED
VOTES - 136

PROCEDURE AT THE CLOSE OF POLL

1 5 . After the time is fixed for the close of the poll and the last voter has recorded his /
her vote, the EVM has to be closed so that no further recording of votes in the
machine is possible. For that purpose, perform the following operations :
(a) Open the compartment at the rear of the Control Unit in the manner as explained
in Para 25 of Chapter-1.

(b) Remove the interconnecting cable in the manner explained in Para 13(e) of
Chapter-3.

(c) Open the black cap attached with the Result section over the Close button and
press the Close button.

(d) When this button is pressed, the display panel will show the following information
sequentially :
The following messages are displayed sequentially, on close operation.

CLOSING

Current Date & time of the system is displayed as follows :

DTE 04 -01 -14

TME 16 -00 -36
 - 45 -

Serial Number of the system is displayed as follows :

SL NUM
BCUAA00001
Number of contesting candidates :

CANDIDATES
9
Total polled votes message is displayed as shown below :

TOTAL POLLED
VOTES - 1136
POLL
CLOSED

Now the EVM will not accept any further votes

(e) Note down in the prescribed form the total number of votes polled at the
polling station as displayed in the display panel.

(f) Replace the black plastic flap attached with the Result section over the Close
button.

(g) Switch OFF the EVM by pushing the power switch to OFF position.

(h) Close the rear compartment.

NOTE : In the exceptionally odd case, if the last voter chooses not to
record his / her vote after the Ballot button has been pressed to
allow him / her to vote or in the case of an inadvertent
pressing of the Ballot button when there is no voter left to record
his / her vote at the close of the poll, the Busy lamp will be seen
glowing RED
RED. In such a case when the interconnecting cable is
removed as indicated at (b) above, the Busy lamp will stop glowing
R E D and the operations (c) to (h) above, should be performed
thereafter, for closing the EVM so that no further recording of
votes in the machine is possible.

1 6 . Put back the Ballot Unit and Control Unit in their respective carrying cases.
 - 46 -

1 7 . (a) Seal the carrying cases by passing the thread through the two holes provided
for the purpose on both sides of the carrying cases and put thread seal on the
prescribed address tag showing the particulars of the polling station with the
Presiding Officer’s seal and also with the seals of such polling agents as are
present and desirous of putting their seals.

(b) While sealing, take care that direct flame does not come in contact with carrying
cases and the molten wax does not fall on any part of the machine.
1 8 . Now the EVM is ready to be transported from the polling station to the Storage Centre
(i.e., Strong Room).
 - 47 -

CHAPTER - 5

PROCEDURE AT THE COUNTING PLACE

PRELIMINARY
1. The counting of votes recorded in the EVMs shall be done in the presence of the
candidates and / or their agents and as per instructions of the ECI in vogue at that
time.

2. At the counting place, only the Control Unit is required for ascertaining the result of
poll at the polling station at which that EVM was used.

3. If the green paper seal is found not to be the same as those which had been fixed by
the Presiding Officer at the polling station before the commencement of the poll or if
they have been found to be tampered with, keep aside the Control Unit and bring it
to the counting supervisor’s notice, do not proceed to ascertain the result of the
votes recorded in that unit. The matter should be informed to the Commission for
its direction by RO/OBS.

4. After checking that all seals on the Control Unit are intact, switch ON the Control Unit
by pushing the power switch to ON position. The ON lamp will then glow GREEN GREEN.

5. Pierce the green paper seal over the Result button. Press Result button.

6. On Result button being pressed, the total number of votes recorded for each
candidate at the polling station shall be displayed automatically in the Display Panel
in the following sequence :

The following message is displayed while the result is being computed. Before
flashing the following message the CU verifies the hash of the voting data and flashes
the following message on the press of Result key :

COMPUTING
RESULT
 - 48 -

After the result computation the following messages are displayed sequentially.
Each message is displayed for about 7 seconds with beep sound and the interval
between messages is about 2 seconds.

POLL RESULT
PDT 06 -01 -14
Poll start time and end time is displayed as follows :

PST 10 -10 -14

PET 16 -00 -36
Serial Number of the system is displayed as follows :

SL NUM
BCUAA00001
Number of contesting candidates :

CANDIDATES
9
Total polled votes is displayed as follows :

TOTAL POLLED
VOTES - 36
CAND - 1
VOTES - 126
-
-
-
CAND - 9
VOTES - 150
And so on till the last candidate.
 - 49 -

And so on till the last candidate.

END

7. If required, Result button can be pressed any number of times to enable the
Returning Officer, the candidates and / or their agents to note down the above
result.

8. Switch OFF the unit by pushing the power switch in the rear side compartment to
OFF position and close the compartment.

9. After the result has been noted, close the cover of Result section. Reseal it in the
manner explained in Para 11(b) of Chapter-4 with the seal of the Returning Officer
and the candidates / their agents who are desirous of affixing their seals.

1 0 . Remove the seal of the Battery (power pack) section and open its outer door. Remove
the battery (power pack). Close the outer door and reseal the Battery (power pack)
section.

1 1 . Put back the Control Unit in its carrying case, which may then be kept in the bigger
storage case.

1 2 . All such storage cases containing the Ballot Units and Control Units shall then be
ready for transportation to District Treasury / storage place for safe custody in due
course.
 - 50 -

APPENDIX

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

A. PREPARATION OF EVM (CANDIDATE SETTING) BY RETURNING OFFICERS

(AT THE RETURNING OFFICER’S HEADQUARTERS)

BALLOT UNIT CONTROL UNIT

1. Take out the BU from its carrying case. 1. Take out the CU from its carrying
case.

2. Insert the ballot paper properly under 2. Install new Battery (power pack).
Ballot paper screen and seal it.

3. Mask the candidates` buttons not required 3. Connect the Ballot Unit
to be used.

4. Set the thumbwheel switch to position 4. Switch ON the unit. Check that
01, marked 02, 03 or 24 appropriately. the serial number displayed
to Set ‘01’ if only one Ballot Unit is used. matches with the metallic
number on the rear side of the
Unit.

5. Seal the Ballot Unit with thread seal and 5. Clear the unit.
paper seal.

6. Insert Battery pack in 5th, 9th, 13th, 17th and 6. Set the number of contesting
21st BUs, if more than four BUs are used candidates.
in the election.

7. Put the BU in carrying case . 7. Press the Total button and

check if the time and date are
displayed correctly. The
CLOCK ERROR indicates
failure of the Real Time Clock
(RTC).

8. Switch OFF the unit and

disconnect the Ballot Unit from
the Control Unit.

9. Seal the Candidate Set section

and Battery section.

10. Put the unit in its carrying case.

 - 51 -

B. DAY OF POLL (AT THE POLLING STATION)

(a) Before Commencement of Poll

BALLOT UNIT CONTROL UNIT

1. Take out the BU from its carrying case. 1. Take out the CU from its carrying case.

2. Check the Ballot Unit seals. 2. Check the Candidate Set and Battery
sections’ seal.

3. Place it in the voting compartment. 3. Connect the Ballot Unit to the Control
Unit.

4. Switch ON the Control unit.

5. Press Total button of the CU to ensure

that total vote is 0.

6. Conduct mock poll.

7. Clear the mock polled votes of the CU

and switch it OFF
OFF.

8. Fix duly signed green paper seal on the

door of the compartment of Result
section.

9. Seal the inner compartment of the

Result section with thread.

10. Seal Result section and switch the unit

ON
ON.

(b) During Poll

1. Press the Total button and ensure that the total number of votes polled is
zero.

2. Press the Ballot button on the Control Unit on completion of identification of

first voter, application of indelible ink and obtaining his / her signature / thumb
impression.
3. Allow the voter concerned for recording his / her vote. Wait for the red Busy
lamp and the beep sound to go OFFOFF. Confirm the recording of the voter’s poll
by pressing the Total button after completion of first or second voter’s casting
of vote.
4. Repeat step no. 2 for second voter and so on until end of poll. Ensure that at
intervals the total number of votes polled is tallying with actual voters allowed to
record their votes.

5. Do not open Close button flap during polling.

 - 52 -

(c) At The Close of Poll

1. Disconnect the interconnecting cable.
2. Remove the black plastic cap attached with Result section over the Close
button.
3. Press the Close button.
4. Press the Total button and note the total number of votes polled till close of
poll.
5. Close the black plastic cap attached with Result section over the Close button.
6. Open the rear compartment and switch OFF the unit.
7. Pack both the Control Unit and Ballot Unit and seal both the carrying cases.

C. DAY OF COUNTING (AT THE COUNTING PLACE)

1. Check the Control Unit carrying case seal, unpack it and place it on counting table.
2. Check if all seals are intact.
3. Open Result section and check if the green paper seal on the Result button
are intact and show the seal to candidates / agents.
4. Open the rear compartment seal and switch ON the Control Unit.
5. Pierce the green paper seal on the Result button and press the Result button
and note down the results displayed sequentially.
6. Close the Result section and reseal it.
7. Switch OFF the Control Unit and close the rear compartment.
8. Remove the battery (power pack) and reseal the Battery (power pack) section.
9. Reseal the Result section.
10. Put Control Unit in its carrying case.

D. DEFECTS AND REMEDIES

Sl. Nature of Defect Reasons Remedy

No.
1. ON lamp does not glow Battery (power pack) is not Insert the battery (power
when the EVM is switched fitted properly or it may pack) properly. If the
ON
ON. be drained. problem persists replace
battery.
2. No beep sound and The Control Unit is Replace the Control Unit
display indication when defective and not fit with the good one and
the EVM is ON
ON. for use. report to BEL.
 - 53 -

Sl. Nature of Defect Reasons Remedy

No.

3. Display shows INVALID The button pressed is Press the button in proper
and a beep sound is not in proper sequence sequence only.
heard. of operation.

a) When Cand. Set Ballot or Close EVM accepts Cand. Set

button is pressed. button was button only when it is cleared.
already pressed. Hence, press Clear button
on the EVM before pressing
Cand. Set button.
b) When Clear button is Result of the previous EVM accepts Clear button
pressed. poll is not seen. only when the result of the
previous poll is seen, at
least once. Hence press
Result button.
c) When Ballot button is Close button is This button will become
pressed. pressed to close the poll effective only when the
and hence no further previous result is seen and
polling is possible. the EVM is cleared.
d) When Result button The polling is not closed Close the poll by pressing the
is pressed. by pressing the Close Close button before
button. pressing Result
Result.
4. Display showing ERROR Control Unit is defective Replace the Control Unit
and a beep sound and not fit for use. with good one and report
is heard. to BEL.
5. Display is flashing SET The EVM is waiting for Press the last unmasked
CANDIDATE- - - the candidate’s button candidate’s button on the
on the Ballot Unit to Ballot Unit.
be pressed for setting
the number of candidates
contesting in the election.
6. No response to Total Busy lamp is ON Allow the voter to record his
button in the Control Unit. /her vote. Once the vote
is recorded, the Busy lamp
goes OFF
OFF.
7. When the Presiding Officer Interconnecting cable Fix the interconnecting
presses the Ballot button, for first BU has not been cable properly, if necessary,
Busy lamp does not glow. properly fixed or snapped by taking it out and refixing.
Instead BU01 NOT and there is no proper
RESPONDING appears link.
on the Display Panel and
short interrupted beep
sound is heard.
 - 54 -

Sl. Nature of Defect Reasons Remedy

No.

8. When the Presiding Officer Some voter must have Switch OFF CU. Go inside the
presses the Ballot button left one of the buttons voting compartment and
the Busy lamp does not in the Ballot Unit gently press all the buttons
glow. Instead PRESSED pressed or jammed and once on BU . The pressed
ERROR appears on the this may not be coming button will resume its
Display Panel and a short back to its original original position. Switch ON
interrupted and beep position. the CU. PRESSED ERROR
sound is heard. display beep sound will not
reoccur. Normal voting
can be continued by
pressing the Ballot Button
on CU.

9. Display panel indicates Battery (power pack) is Insert the battery pack
CHANGE BATTERY not fitted properly properly. If the problem
after accepting any key or it may be persists replace battery.
operation. drained.

10. Display panel indicates CU is disfunctional. Replace CU and continue

INOPERATIVE. voting in the replaced CU.

11. All candidate LED of BU BU is disfunctional. Replace BU and continue

are blinking. voting in the replaced BU.
E. DOs AND DON Ts
DON’Ts
DOs
1. Read the manual carefully before operating the EVM.
2. Press the latches gently and in the manner specified.
3. Protect the EVM from dust, heat, rain, fire and other such hazardous
environments.
4. Use the battery (power pack) specially supplied for use in EVM.
5. Inform Election Commission of India and BEL in case of any problem.
6. Remove battery pack from the Control Unit while storing for longer periods.
7. Ensure that the covers / doors of the compartments / sections in the Ballot
Unit and the Control Unit rest properly on the plain surface, when opened.
8. Ensure that the connector of the interconnecting cable mates properly with the
connector of the Control Unit before pressing in. This will mate in one direction
only.
DON Ts
DON’T
1. Do not exert undue pressure on the latches, hinges etc.
2. Do not keep EVM near heater or other hot objects.
3. Molten sealing wax should not fall on the EVM, while sealing.
4. Do not open by force the covers or doors of the various sections.
 - 55 -

5. Do not try to open the top portion of the Control Unit (by unscrewing the
screws).
6. Do not remove the seal of the battery (power pack) unless it is required for
use.
7. Do not hit / smash the connector fixed at the end of the interconnecting cable
against any hard surface / object.
8. Do not press the connector fixed at the end of the interconnecting cable into the
connector of Control Unit in reverse direction.

9. Do not pull the interconnecting cable while disconnecting it from the Control Unit
without pressing the spring type clips on the hood of the connector.

F. STORAGE OF EVM
EVMss

Instructions For Storing Bulk Carrying Cases

1. The bulk carrying cases have to be arranged as shown in Fig. 23 (LAYOUT OF

STORE). They can be placed one after the other as shown in Fig. 23.
2. The boxes can be stacked one above the other up to a maximum of four Nos. with
a wooden platform as shown in Fig. 24 (WOODEN PLATFORM). We do not recommend
the usage of tarpaulin for the floor.
3. Ballot Units and Control Units should be kept in separate bays for easy identification
and movement.
4. Fire extinguishers should be kept fixed to the sidewalls for every 15 meters.
5. The building / walls should be strong enough to withstand attacks from rodents.
6. The inner side of walls and floor should be cleanly maintained to avoid insects and
white ants.
7. In places where there is possibility of temperature going below 0 degree Celsius, it
is advisable to insulate the walls by Thermocole.
8. Storage should be such that the boxes are not exposed to direct sunlight.
9. Proper ventilation for good air circulation / lighting should be provided for the
building.
10. There should be no seepage of water from ceiling, sidewalls and floor. If required,
tarpaulin covers may be used to protect the boxes.
 - 56 -

FIG. 23 - Layout of Store

 - 57 -

FIG. 24 - Wooden Platform

G. DISPOSAL OF EVM s
The ECI’s instructions regarding disposal of EVMs to be followed strictly.