AP Municipal Elections 2026
Municipalities & Municipal Corporations
Duties • Handbook • Telugu Instructions • Forms • Covers
బ్యాలెట్ బాక్సుల ద్వారా పోలింగ్ నిర్వహించే సిబ్బందికి ఉపయోగపడే మార్గదర్శిని
AP Municipal Elections 2026 polling duty material: Find the Presiding Officer handbook, Telugu instructions, polling material checklist, ballot box procedure, important forms, cover colours and post-poll handover guidance in one place.
ఏపీ మున్సిపాలిటీలు, మున్సిపల్ కార్పొరేషన్ల ఎన్నికల విధులకు నియమితులైన ఉపాధ్యాయులు, ఉద్యోగులకు ఉపయోగపడేలా ప్రిసైడింగ్ అధికారి విధులు, పోలింగ్ ముందు ఏర్పాట్లు, పోలింగ్ నిర్వహణ, బ్యాలెట్ బాక్సుల సీలింగ్, ఫారాలు, కవర్ల వివరాలను ఇక్కడ అందిస్తున్నాము.
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PO, APO / Other Polling Staff Duties
Staff searching for “PO, APO, OPO duties” should follow the actual roles specified in their appointment orders. The supplied handbook describes the Presiding Officer and numbered Polling Officers.
| Role / responsibility | Main duties |
|---|---|
| Presiding Officer | Supervise the polling station; protect voting secrecy; prepare ballot papers and boxes; handle special cases; complete declarations, accounts and diary; secure and hand over election material. |
| Elector identification | Locate and verify the elector in the marked electoral roll using the prescribed identity documents. Mark the roll as instructed and maintain the required voter counts. |
| Indelible ink | Apply ink on the left forefinger as prescribed and ensure that the mark is properly made. |
| Ballot paper issue | Complete the relevant counterfoil, obtain the elector’s signature or thumb impression and issue the prepared ballot paper. Follow the separate Mayor / Ward Member arrangements wherever applicable. |
| Voting stamp and folding guidance | Explain the prescribed use of the arrow-cross stamp and ballot folding without influencing the voter’s choice. Ensure return of the stamp and deposit of the ballot as instructed. |
Polling Material Checklist – సామగ్రి తనిఖీ
- Ballot boxes: Correct boxes, working mechanisms, required labels and address tags.
- Ballot papers: Verify the election, serial numbers, bundles, quantity and counterfoils against the supply record.
- Electoral rolls: Marked copy and other supplied copies.
- Seals and stamps: Paper seals, PO metal seal, distinguishing-mark stamp, arrow-cross rubber stamp and ink pads.
- Indelible ink: Check the supplied set and its condition.
- Forms and covers: Ballot Paper Account, declarations, diary, special-case forms, prescribed envelopes and check memos.
- Sealing and stationery: Sealing wax, thread / tape, cloth or canvas bag and the other items listed in the official supply checklist.
సామగ్రిని స్వీకరించిన వెంటనే జాబితాతో సరిపోల్చాలి. లోపం, కొరత, దెబ్బతిన్న బాక్స్ లేదా తప్పు బ్యాలెట్ పేపర్లు ఉంటే పంపిణీ కేంద్రంలోనే సంబంధిత అధికారికి తెలియజేయాలి.
Handbook reference: Chapter III; Annexure 5 (printed p.82), Annexure 6 (p.84).
Step-by-Step Polling Procedure
1. Before polling – ముందస్తు ఏర్పాట్లు
- Attend training and practise the opening, closing and sealing of the allotted ballot-box model.
- Contact polling-party members, distribute duties and retain RO / route officer contact details.
- Arrange entry, exit, queues, officers’ seats and the voting compartment so the vote remains secret.
- Display the prescribed polling-area notice and list of contesting candidates. Verify polling agents’ appointment papers.
- Affix the distinguishing mark on the back of each ballot paper and its counterfoil. The PO must sign in full on the back of the ballot paper, not on the counterfoil.
- Show the empty ballot box to agents present and secure it according to the instructions for that model. Complete the prescribed commencement declarations and start at the officially appointed hour.
2. During polling – పోలింగ్ నిర్వహణ
- Identify the elector: Check the electoral-roll entry and an identity document permitted by the applicable SEC order. A voter slip alone is not conclusive identity proof.
- Mark the roll: Follow the handbook procedure for marking the entry and maintaining the male / female voter count.
- Apply indelible ink: Follow the prescribed left-forefinger marking procedure.
- Complete the counterfoil: Obtain the required signature / thumb impression before issuing the ballot paper.
- Protect secrecy: Guide the voter on marking and folding without suggesting a candidate. Ensure the folded ballot paper is deposited in the ballot box.
- Keep records current: Record significant events and timings in the PO diary as they occur.
3. Special cases – ప్రత్యేక సందర్భాలు
| Situation | Reference and action |
|---|---|
| Challenge to identity | Follow Chapter XII and record the case in Form XX; use the prescribed challenge-fee procedure. |
| Blind or infirm elector | Follow Chapter XVI, including the companion declaration and Form XVIII where applicable. |
| Someone has already voted in the elector’s name | Follow the tendered-ballot procedure in Chapter XVIII and Form XIX. Tendered ballot papers are kept in the prescribed separate cover; they are not put into the ballot box. |
| Spoilt / cancelled ballot paper | Follow the prescribed cancellation and accounting procedure; preserve the paper in its designated cover. |
| Serious disturbance or interruption | Follow Chapter XIX and report promptly through the prescribed authorities. Record the facts and protect election material. |
4. Close of poll – పోలింగ్ ముగింపు
నిర్దేశిత ముగింపు సమయానికి క్యూలో ఉన్న ఓటర్లందరికీ ఓటు వేసే అవకాశం ఇవ్వాలి. క్యూలో చివరి వ్యక్తి నుంచి ముందుకు వరుసగా సంతకం చేసిన సంఖ్యా స్లిప్పులు ఇవ్వాలి. ముగింపు సమయం తరువాత కొత్తగా వచ్చినవారిని క్యూలో చేర్చకూడదు. అర్హులైన చివరి ఓటరు ఓటు వేసిన తరువాత పోలింగ్ ముగిసినట్లు ప్రకటించాలి.
5. Ballot Paper Account, sealing and handover
- Close and secure the ballot-box slit. Follow Annexure 11 for the actual box model, then complete the prescribed tape / ribbon, seal, wrapping and labelling arrangements.
- Complete Form XXI Part I accurately and reconcile the ballot-paper categories with the records.
- Give an attested true copy of the ballot-paper account to one polling agent of each candidate present at closing, without waiting for a request. Obtain the prescribed acknowledgement.
- Complete the PO diary, declarations, paper-seal account and visit sheet. Keep their brown covers separately for reception.
- Hand over the boxes, packets and remaining materials at the designated reception centre and obtain acknowledgement.
Election Covers & Packet Colours
| Colour / category | Contents |
|---|---|
| GREEN Statutory packet | Seven sealed covers: marked electoral roll; signed unused ballot papers with counterfoils; other unused ballot papers with counterfoils; tendered ballots and Form XIX; ballots cancelled for voting-procedure violations; other cancelled ballots; counterfoils of used ballots, including tendered ballots. |
| YELLOW Non-statutory packet | Other roll copies; agents’ appointment letters; EDCs; challenged-votes list; blind / infirm voters’ list and companion declarations; age declarations and list; challenge-fee receipt book and cash, if any; unused / damaged paper seals; other prescribed papers. |
| BLUE Material packet | PO handbook, securely closed indelible ink set, self-inking pads, PO metal seal, arrow-cross stamp and distinguishing-mark stamp. |
| WHITE Remaining material | Other items not included in the preceding packets. |
| BROWN Separate covers | Ballot Paper Account, PO declarations, Paper Seal Account, PO diary and Visit Sheet. Send separately with the sealed boxes to the reception centre. |
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Important Forms, Annexures & Handbook Page Index
Applicability: This is the supplied municipal corporation handbook’s form index. For municipality duties, confirm the correct municipal form numbers and prescribed proformas with the RO before use.
These are printed page numbers from the handbook index; your PDF viewer’s page counter may differ.
| Form / material | Annexure | Printed page |
|---|---|---|
| PO functions at different stages | 4 | 78 |
| PO Check Memo | 5 | 82 |
| Polling material list | 6 | 84 |
| Polling station layout | 7 | 88 |
| EDC application – Form XXIII | 8 | 89 |
| Authorisation to vote outside polling area – Form XXIV | 9 | 90 |
| Postal ballot application – Form XXII | 10 | 91 |
| Operating ballot boxes | 11 | 92 |
| PO declarations | 12 | 100 |
| Compulsory voter identification order | 13 | 104 |
| Elector age declaration / PO age declaration | 14 / 15 | 107 / 108 |
| Record of paper seals | 16 | 109 |
| Letter to SHO | 17 | 110 |
| Challenged votes – Form XX | 18 | 111 |
| Challenge-fee receipt | 19 | 112 |
| Companion declaration | 20 | 113 |
| Blind / infirm voters – Form XVIII | 21 | 114 |
| Tendered votes – Form XIX | 22 | 115 |
| Ballot Paper Account – Form XXI | 23 | 116 |
| PO diary | 24 | 118 |
| Polling-agent appointment – Form XIV | 25 | 121 |
| Visit Sheet | 26 | 122 |
| Postal-ballot circular for election-duty staff | 27 | 123 |
| SEC-PMS mobile application manual | 28 | 134 |
Final Handover Checklist – చివరి తనిఖీ
- బ్యాలెట్ బాక్సుల సీల్స్, లేబుల్స్, అడ్రస్ ట్యాగ్‌లను తనిఖీ చేశారా?
- ఫారం XXI పార్ట్ I పూర్తి చేసి లెక్కలు సరిపోల్చారా?
- హాజరైన ఏజెంట్లకు ఇవ్వాల్సిన ధృవీకరించిన ప్రతులు ఇచ్చి రసీదులు తీసుకున్నారా?
- అన్ని పత్రాలను సరైన కవర్లలో ఉంచి, అవసరమైన చోట సీల్ చేశారా?
- PO డైరీ, ప్రకటనలు, పేపర్ సీల్ ఖాతా, విజిట్ షీట్ వేరుగా సిద్ధం చేశారా?
- మిగిలిన సామగ్రిని అప్పగించి స్వీకరణ రసీదు తీసుకున్నారా?
AP Municipal Elections 2026 Handbook & Telugu Material
| Material | Contents | PDF access |
|---|---|---|
| Presiding Officer Handbook – 2026 | Full supplied handbook: duties, ballot boxes, voting procedure, forms, annexures and election paper packing. | Download PO Handbook PDF |
| Presiding Officer Telugu Instructions | Telugu summary covering preparation, polling, ballot paper account, sealing and handover. | Download Telugu Instructions PDF |
The forms listed below are available inside the handbook at the indicated printed pages. Separate form-download files are not included on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this handbook cover EVM polling?
No. The supplied handbook is specifically for municipal corporation polling where ballot boxes are used.
Which form is used for the Ballot Paper Account?
Form XXI. The PO completes Part I after the poll and supplies attested copies to the eligible polling agents present.
Where are the election forms available?
The forms are included in the handbook annexures. Use the printed-page index above to find them.
Should the PO sign the ballot-paper counterfoil?
The handbook requires the PO’s full signature on the back of the ballot paper, not on its counterfoil. The distinguishing mark is affixed to both the ballot paper and counterfoil as prescribed.
Can voters already in the queue vote after closing time?
Yes. Electors present at the appointed closing hour may vote under the prescribed numbered-slip procedure. New arrivals must not join the queue after that hour.
How should the polling-party staff count be confirmed?
The supplied handbook contains inconsistent staff counts. Follow the current appointment order and RO or SEC instructions for the number of staff and allocation of duties.
Sources: Supplied “AP Municipal Elections 2026 PO Hand Book.pdf”, especially Chapters III–V, VII–IX, XII–XXIII and the annexure index; and “AP Municipal Elections 2026 Presiding_Officer_Telugu_Instructions_Ballot Boxes.pdf”. The Telugu document is a summary of the handbook. This post is an editorial study guide, not an election notification.