Voting for the fourth phase of 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in India is underway today, on April 23, 2019. The first, second and third phase of elections was held on April 11, 18 and 23. The round of the polls witnesses voting in 72 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 9 states. As the 4th phase of elections is here, people should know how to cast their votes. In order to become an eligible voter, a person must have voter ID issued by the Election Commission (EC). The Voter ID is also mandatory document for verification process before casting vote. How to Check Your Name In Voter List?

Search giant Google also marked the third phase of elections in India with the inked finger doodle. Clicking on the doodle takes the user to a page that explains "How to vote in #India". The page also gives information about the voting process which is very helpful for first-time voters. What Are Electoral Reforms? Know History of Polls in India Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

Lok Sabha Elections 2019 | How To Vote in #India? Use of EVM And Verify on VVPAT (Watch Video):

Here's How to Cast Your Vote?

  1. After entering the polling booth, show voter ID and other required documents to the election officer totalling your name in voter list. After he finds your name in the list, he will ink your finger and send you to EVM to cast vote.

  2. The polling officer that inked your finger will give you a slip and take your signature in Form 17A. Then, you have to deposit the slip at the third polling official and show your inked finger before proceeding to poll booth.

  3. The EVM machine used for polling operated on "press a button" mode. It typically comprises a 'Contro unit' and a 'Ballot unit.'

  4. With party symbol and candidate's name, the EVM machine contains a blue button. The voter needs to press the button adjacent to the political party of his choice. The machine then records the vote.

  5. The 'Control Unit', placed with the presiding officer, who releases a ballot by pressing the Ballot Button on the Control Unit.

  6. This enables the voter to cast vote on the balloting unit.

After the voter has pressed the button, it gets locked for any further vote. Hence, voters are advised to cast their vote in a single attempt. What Is EVM? FAQs Answered on Electronic Voting Machine Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

How does the VVPAT work?

  1. VVPAT, also known as Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, is an independent system attached with the Electronic Voting Machine that allows the voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended.

  2. When a vote is cast, a slip is printed containing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate and remains exposed through a transparent window for 7 seconds.

  3. Thereafter, this printed slip automatically gets cut and falls in the sealed drop box of the VVPAT.

How Can a Voter be Sure That Vote Has Been Recorded?

As soon as the voter pushes the blue button against the party of his choice, the lamp against the symbol of that particular candidate glows red and a long beep sound is overheard.

Thus, there are both visual and audio indications for the elector to be confirmed that his vote has been registered correctly.

In addition, VVPAT provides an additional visual affirmation in the form of paper slip to the elector so he can ensure that his vote has been correctly recorded for the contestant of his choice.

Before going to the polling booth, voters should carry two sets of documents- ID proof and address proof. If an individual carries driving or passport, it will serve both purposes. For Id proof, pan card and student ID can work while ration card, bank passbook, water/gas/electricity connection can work as address proof.

The stage is all set for polling in 117 Lok Sabha constituencies across 15 states and Union Territories on Tuesday in the third of seven-phased polls to elect a new government.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 29, 2019 11:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).