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    ECI revises EVM ballot paper design for better clarity and readability

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    By News Karnataka

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    ECI revises EVM ballot paper design for better clarity and readability

    New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced major changes to the design and printing of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballot papers, aimed at improving visibility and convenience for voters. The revised guidelines, notified under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, will be implemented starting with the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

    Colour photographs of candidates introduced

    For the first time, ballot papers on EVMs will carry colour photographs of candidates. According to the new rules, the candidate’s face will occupy three-fourths of the allocated photo space to ensure greater clarity for voters. This step is expected to reduce confusion at polling booths, especially for those with limited literacy or vision challenges.

    Standardised font and numbering system

    The Commission has also revised the font style and size to make names and numbers more legible. Serial numbers of candidates and the NOTA option will now be printed in the international form of Indian numerals, in bold font size 30.

    Names of all candidates, including NOTA, will be uniformly printed in the same font type and size, ensuring no visual bias. The move seeks to create a fairer and more accessible ballot layout.

    Improved ballot paper quality

    The EVM ballot papers will now be printed on 70 GSM paper for durability. For Assembly elections, the Commission has specified the use of pink-coloured paper with defined RGB values. Officials said that the consistent use of colour and quality will make ballot papers easier to distinguish and handle.

    Part of wider election reforms

    The ECI highlighted that this initiative is among 28 reforms introduced over the past six months to simplify election procedures and strengthen voter trust. Other reforms have focused on technology upgrades, voter facilitation, and reducing procedural bottlenecks.

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    “The aim is to enhance convenience for voters while ensuring transparency and consistency in the electoral process,” the Commission said in a statement.

    Starting with Bihar elections

    The upgraded ballot paper design will first be rolled out in Bihar, which is set to hold elections later this year. Based on the feedback from voters and poll officials, the design may be further refined before being implemented nationwide.

    Significance of the move

    Election experts have welcomed the decision, noting that the use of colour photographs and standardised printing practices will make the voting experience smoother and reduce errors in identifying candidates.

    With India being the world’s largest democracy, small design changes can have a big impact on inclusivity and accessibility, especially for elderly voters and those in rural areas.

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