EC order to avoid duplicate and double votes in AP

Vijayawada: No one can be enrolled as a voter at more than one place and no one can be enrolled as an elector more than once in any electoral roll.

The Election Commission quotes Sections 17 and 18 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 to press this point, it has been stressed here on Friday.

Acting on complaints from the YSRC on electors possessing duplicate votes, state chief electoral officer Mukesh Meena asked the district collectors (district election officers) to take precautions and maintain the integrity of the process.

Earlier, the YSRC wrote to the CEO, alleging that some electors were possessing duplicate votes in AP and neighbouring states, and seeking action against them.

The party also raised concern that following the conclusion of elections in other states, some voters might enroll afresh in AP with or without their de-registrations elsewhere.

In response, Meena wrote to all district election officers to be vigilant. “In all cases of objections on existing electors in the electoral roll on suspicion of being a duplicate or dead or shifted elector, the appropriate measure is to file Form-7 through the objector who is an elector of the constituency.”

“This can also be done through the concerned BLA in online mode or this can be submitted to the BLO/ERO/AERO along with proper supporting documents. This is subject to the condition that bulk forms in physical mode will not be accepted,” he stated.

The CEO also mentioned that applying for enrolment hiding the previous enrolment by giving a false declaration will entail penal action under Section 31 of the Representation of People Act, 1950. Further, Form 6 shall only be taken from the first-time applicant for enrolment as an elector.

He also advised the BLOs and AEROs that during scrutiny of form 8 for shifting names from other states, the officials must search the names of the applicants to avoid duplication, with the help of EPIC numbers on the ECI portal.

If the name is found in any other place, the same shall be recorded as comments on the forms by the BLO.

Meena said if any objection is received, a personal hearing is to be conducted and a final decision by the ERO can taken only after considering all aspects including supporting documents, field verification, remarks of BLO/AERO, objections raised by any elector/BLA if any, personal hearing, and additional measures like electoral search option in the ECI portal.

“In case a false declaration is filed by any applicant, the ERO must proceed against them by filing cases under the relevant acts. A list of additions and deletions is also placed on the CEO's website on a weekly basis,” stated the chief electoral officer.