As West Bengal votes in Phase 2 tomorrow, the small VVPAT window gives every voter a short but important chance to confirm that the EVM recorded the intended choice.
Not much drama happens inside a polling booth. You stand in line, show your ID, press a button, hear a beep. Done? Almost.
For voters in West Bengal Assembly Election Phase 2, polling is scheduled for April 29 from 7 am to 6 pm across 142 constituencies, with counting set for May 4.
Voters have also been told to carry valid ID and follow booth rules, including no mobile phones inside the polling area.
The important bit comes just after you press the EVM button. The VVPAT, or Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, briefly displays a printed slip behind a transparent window. That slip shows the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate selected. It stays visible for seven seconds, then drops automatically into a sealed box.
Check Your Name and Booth Before Leaving
Before stepping out, check that your name is on the electoral roll and confirm your polling station. The Election Commission’s voter services portal and ECINET app can help voters search roll details and booth information. NDTV Profit also reported that voters can use the toll-free helpline 1950 for booth details.
Carry an accepted photo ID. Voter ID is the main document, but Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence and other approved photo documents may also be used if needed.
Step 2: Press, Pause, Watch
Inside the booth, do not rush. Press the blue button beside your chosen candidate on the ballot unit. A beep and red light confirm that the vote has been registered. Then look at the VVPAT window. Seven seconds is short, but enough if you’re alert.
Check three things: candidate serial number, candidate name and election symbol. That’s your quick cross-check. No selfie, no photo, no touching the slip. It falls into the sealed box on its own.
If Something Looks Wrong
If the VVPAT slip does not match the button you pressed, inform the Presiding Officer immediately, before leaving the polling station. Since ballot secrecy is involved, the voter who notices the mismatch must raise the complaint personally.
What Voters Should Keep in Mind
Reach early if possible. Carry water, maybe an umbrella too, because queues and late-April heat are not exactly a lovely combo.
Keep political symbols away from the booth, leave your phone outside where instructed, and treat those seven seconds like a receipt check at a shop, only more important.
Vote calmly, check the VVPAT slip for seven seconds, and speak to the Presiding Officer immediately if anything looks wrong. Those few seconds protect your choice.
