As the sun sets, the last voter departs. The PRO presses the "Close" button. The finality of that click is heavy. They seal the EVM in its carrying case, wrap it in cloth, and apply the wax seals. Escorted by police, the team carries the "black boxes" to the collection center. They are exhausted, but they carry the recorded will of a thousand people in their hands. The job is done.
❌ allow anyone to enter the voting compartment with the voter.
❌ throw away torn voter identification slips inside the booth. 📖 The Story of Election Day: A Polling Station Diary
At 7:00 AM, the doors open. An old woman, leaning on a stick, is the first in line. The First Polling Officer calls out her name from the electoral roll. The Second Officer marks her finger with purple indelible ink—a mark that says, "I have spoken."
The (पीठासीन अधिकाऱ्यांसाठी मार्गदर्शिका २०१४) is the essential manual for individuals managing polling stations during Indian elections. It provides step-by-step instructions on everything from handling Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to managing voters and political agents.
"Time for the Mock Poll," the PRO announces. They press buttons on the Control Unit, demonstrating to the skeptical agents that the machine is "Clear" and showing zero votes. Fifty trial votes are cast, and everyone watches as the count matches perfectly. The machine is then sealed with green paper seals—the silent guardians of democracy.
Election Handbook for PO in Marathi - पालघर Palghar