1. Preparation for the Mock Poll
The Mock Poll must start at least 90 minutes before the actual commencement of the poll.
Presence of Agents: The Presiding Officer (PrO) conducts the mock poll in the presence of polling agents representing different candidates.
Minimum Requirement: If no agents are present, the PrO must wait for 15 minutes before starting the process with the available polling staff.
2. The Mock Poll Process
To ensure a thorough check, the following steps are strictly followed:
Clear the Machine: The PrO presses the 'Clear' button on the Control Unit (CU) to show everyone that there are no previous votes stored.
Casting Votes: At least 50 votes must be cast during the mock poll.
Distribution: Votes should be distributed across all candidates, including the NOTA (None of the Above) option.
VVPAT Verification: For every vote cast, the VVPAT should print a small slip showing the candidate’s serial number, name, and symbol, which remains visible for 7 seconds before dropping into the drop box.
3. Verification and Result
Once the 50+ votes are cast:
The 'Close' button is pressed.
The 'Result' button is pressed to display the mock poll count.
The printed paper slips in the VVPAT drop box are counted and tallied with the result shown on the Control Unit. They must match exactly.
4. Clearing Mock Poll Data (Crucial Step)
Before the real voting starts, it is mandatory to:
Clear the mock poll results from the CU by pressing the 'Clear' button.
Empty the VVPAT drop box. All mock poll slips must be removed.
Certificate: The Presiding Officer must then sign the Mock Poll Certificate, which is also signed by the polling agents.
5. Sealing the Machines
After clearing the mock data:
The VVPAT drop box is sealed using the Address Tag.
The Control Unit is sealed using the Green Paper Seal, Special Tag, and Address Tag.
The machine is now ready for the actual poll starting at 7:00 AM.
Conclusion
The Mock Poll with VVPAT is the backbone of electoral transparency. It builds trust among candidates and voters alike, ensuring that every vote cast is recorded exactly as intended. Let us participate in the 2026 Kerala Elections with full confidence in our democratic process!