Poll authorities in capital to count voters who 'refuse'

Election authorities in the capital have decided to record the number of voters using the option of “refused to vote” in the Lok Sabha elections.

Election authorities in the capital have decided to record the number of voters using the option of “refused to vote” in the Lok Sabha elections.

HT Image

“We do provide the option to the voters deciding not to vote for any candidate. But since the EVMs do not have button for such a choice, the presiding officials have been instructed to provide the voter Form 17 A where there is a column for entering such a decision,” an election official said.

He elaborated, “A remark to the effect that he has decided not to record his vote -- Refused to Vote -- shall be made by the presiding officer in the remark columns against the entry relating to him in the register of voters under Rule 49 O during the V-day.”

He said the option was available to the voters last Delhi Assembly elections also but the number of voters exercising the option was not counted.

“This time we will ensure that the details are recorded for record sake,” the official added suggesting that it can help in knowing the voter’s mind as well. However, the option not to vote for any candidate does not have any impact on the result.

“This does not mean that an election will be invalidated if the number of such voters is more than the candidate’s victory margin,” the official said.