Photo bearing voter slips to be distributed 5 days before polling

Bhopal: Election Commission has directed regarding distribution of photo bearing voter slips during Lok Sabha elections. Booth level officers (BLOs) have been asked to complete distribution of voter slips 5 days before polling. The commission has said that voter slips should be printed on good quality paper so that photographs are clearly visible. If voter slips are distributed in bulk or in an unauthorised manner then it will be considered violation of Representation of People Act and Indian Penal Code which will entail both sentence and fine for the guilty.

In a letter, the commission has asked office of the Chief Electoral Officer that only one set of photo bearing voter slips should be prepared for one Vidhan Sabha constituency. The set should be verified by RO. BLOs will be given pre-printed copies of electoral register along with photo bearing voter slips. BLOs have been asked to write reasons for absence on voter slip if a voter is not found on the given address. A seal should also be put on it. Such voter (ASD voters) should be given instructions to carry other identification documents along with EPIC card to polling booth on the polling day.

It has also been directed that returning officers should chalk out a schedule for distribution of photo bearing slips, which should also be made available to representatives of political parties, specially booth level agents so that they can accompany BLOs at the time of distribution of voter slips. Signatures of BLAs should also be taken as witness. The commission has also directed not to distribute photo bearing voter slips in bulk and make their photo copies.