Tender, Challenge and Proxy Votes: 3 Key Voting Options Explained
As many young voters head to polling booths for the first time, the Election Commission has provisions to handle unexpected issues and ensure eligible voters are not turned away. Most voters cast their vote through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), while government employees may use postal ballots. Beyond these, three important methods—tender vote, challenge vote and proxy vote—are available in specific situations. Tender vote: If you reach the booth and find that someone has already voted in your name, you need not panic. After verifying your identity documents with the presiding officer, you can be allowed to vote using a ballot paper. This vote is not recorded on the EVM, and it is considered during counting only if the final result is extremely close.
