WHAT IS THE ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP OF BIHAR STATE ELECTION AUTHORITY?
Bihar State Election Authority is headed by Chief Election Officer who is assisted by many Deputy Chief Election Officers appointed by the State Government.

WHAT ARE THE POWERS OF THE ELECTION AUTHORITY?
The Election Authority have power, authority and jurisdiction for exercising superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls, and conduct of all elections to bodies such as Co-operative Societies, or any other institution, organization, establishment, which may be entrusted to it by the State Government.

WHAT IS THE ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FOR CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS?
The Election Authority, for conduct of election shall designate or nominate District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Block Development Officer, Circle Officer or such other officer as it may deem fit and proper as Election Officer for election of each institution, organization, establishment and may even designate one or more officer as Deputy Election Officer for assistance of Election Officer.

CAN OBSERVERS BE APPOINTED FOR ELECTIONS CONDUCTED BY THE ELECTION AUTHORITY?
The State Election Authority may nominate an observer, who shall be an officer of the State Government to watch the conduct of election or elections in an Institution/ establishment / organization or group of such bodies and to perform such other function as may be entrusted to it by the Election Authority.

WHAT ARE THE ELECTORAL OFFENCES UNDER THE ELECTION AUTHORITY ACT?
The following are some of the offences under the Bihar State Election Authority Act :

• Promoting enemity between classes in connection with election.
• Prohibition of public meetings during period of forty-eight hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll.
• Disturbance at election meetings.
• Restriction on the printing of pamphlets, posters etc.
• Maintenance of secrecy of voting.
• Officers etc, at elections not to act for candidates or to influence voting.
• Prohibition of canvassing in or near polling stations.
• Penalty for disorderly conduct in or near polling station.
• Penalty for misconduct at the polling station.
• Penalty for failure to observe procedure for voting.
• Penalty for illegal hiring or procuring of conveyance at elections.
• Breaches of official duty in connection with election.
• Penalty for Government servants for acting as election agent, polling agent or counting agent.
• Removal of ballot papers from polling station to be an office.
• Offences of Booth capturing.
• Other offences such as fraudulently defacing nomination paper etc.

CAN THE ELECTION AUTHORITY PRESCRIBE TOTAL POLL EXPENDITURE?
The total expenditure for a candidate in a particular election shall not exceed such amount as may be prescribed by the Election Authority.

HOW CAN AN ELECTION CONDUCTED BY THE ELECTION AUTHORITY CHALLANGED IN A COURT OF LAW?
An election conducted by the election authority can be challenged through an election petition?

WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF PROVISIONS REGARDING CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS IN OTHER STATE LAWS?
The Bihar State Election Authority Act, 2008 shall have overriding effect on provisions regarding elections contained in any other Act, Rule, Order, Notification or Scheme, as if the provision contained therein does not exist.