POLLING AGENTS

Who is a polling agent?

• A polling agent is a person appointed as a representative of a political party as it is not possible for a candidate to be physically present at every polling booth on the day of the elections.
  
  
• Therefore, the Election Commission allows a candidate to appoint a polling agent who keeps an eye on the voting process.
  
  

What is the role of a polling agent?

• As per the Election Commission’s rules, a polling agent should be familiar with the rules and procedures to conduct elections using EVMs and VVPATs, and with the working of these machines.
  
  
• Towards this end, a polling agent attends the demonstrations arranged by the Returning Officer, where the functioning and operation of these machines are explained.