model check list for returning officers and assistant returning officers

9.14 Register of postal ballot papers (P. 14 of Ch. X of RO Hand Book) –
(i) A Register of PB issued to persons drafted for election duty (format given at
Annexure XXIV B of RO Hand Book) to be maintained and ensure procedure.
(ii) A separate register to keep a record of issue of PBs to all categories and PBs
received back. (Para 14.4 of Ch. X of RO Hand book)
9.15 Supply of second set of ballot papers (R. 26 of CE Rules, 1961 and Para 18 of Ch. X of RO
Hand Book) –
(i) Second postal papers along with connected papers, may be issued only if –
(a) it returned undelivered
(b) elector has inadvertently spoilt it or any connected paper in such a manner
that it cannot be used.
(ii) RO shall cancel the spoilt ballot papers so returned, seal them in a packet and
note the Sr. No. of PB.
9.16 Return of postal ballot papers (R .27 of CE Rules, 1961, Para 19, 20 and 22 of Ch. X of RO
Hand Book) –
(i) Every day a designated officer should take all the contents of the box, make
necessary entries in the Register, keep the register and the sealed covers of PBs
under proper lock and key. Entries in the register should be countersigned by
RO/ARO on each day.
(ii) PBs should be returned before commencement of counting. Such PBs shall be
treated as received in time.
(iii) PBs received late, i.e. after commencement of counting of votes, not to be counted
and must be rejected. Date and time of receipt to be noted on covers. Such entry
should be made in register also. However such rejected PBs not to be included in
Form 20 and 21-E.
(iv) Co-ordination with P&T Department regarding delivery of PBs.
(v) To facilitate speedy return of postal ballot papers a special box with secured locks,
should be kept in the office of RO, so that voters who have received PBs may come
and drop in that box their marked ballot papers.
9.17 Educating the persons on election duty about their right to vote and method during
first training class (Para 12 of Ch. X of RO Hand book)
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