Karnataka Polls 2018: Are you voting for the first time? Here's a how-to reckoner for debutants

The Karnataka assembly election is round the corner with voting scheduled for May 12 and results will be declared on May 15.

Nearly 15 lakh first-time voters are registered in the state electoral roll for the upcoming election. If you are among those making their voting debut, here's everything you need to know:

> How to check your name in the electoral rolls?

Karnataka voters can find this information on the Chief Electoral Officer's website to check whether their names are on the voter list. Voters can also visit the Electoral Registration Officer of their area for the same.

In case your name is not listed on the electoral roll despite registering for it, you can check the status of the application using your mobile number here.

> How to find the polling station where you have to vote?

Through SMS: Voters can send their electoral photo identity card number to 9731979899 in the following format KAEPIC <"space"> ID Card number. For instance: KAEPIC XYZ1509201.

Tollfree: Voters can also call on the tollfree number 1950 to enquire about their polling station.

> What are the basic do’s and don’t’s as polling day approaches?

(i) It is advisable to not offer or accept money or any other gratification such as gifts, liquor, feast to either vote for or against a particular candidate. It is considered an electoral offence.

(ii) Persuading or threatening other voters to either vote or not to vote for a particular candidate on the grounds of religion, caste, community, sectarian beliefs or place of birth is also considered as corrupt practices.

(iii) Offering free conveyance to any voter to or from any polling station may also be viewed as an offence.

> What is the process of voting? How do you go about it?

When you reach the polling station, entry will be regulated by queues. There will be separate queues for men and women voters and the physically handicapped persons. Here's how to go about it:

Step 1:  Go to the First Polling Officer, who is in-charge of the marked copy of the electoral roll, to verify your identification — voter ID.

Step 2: Proceed to the Second Polling Officer who will mark your left forefinger with indelible ink. The officer will record your serial number in the electoral roll in the Register of Voters.  The officer will give you a signed voter slip with your serial number.

Step 3: Hand over the voter's slip to the Third Polling Officer. The officer will press the 'Ballot' button on the Control Unit of the voting machine and direct you to the voting compartment.

Step 4: Inside the voting compartment, press the button on the Balloting Unit against the name and symbol of the candidate of your choice. The red lamp will glow once you press on the candidate button. There will also be a beep sound heard to indicate that your vote has been recorded.

> What happens if someone else has cast a vote in your name?

If the First Polling Officer tells you on arrival that your vote has already been cast, inform the Presiding Officer immediately.