SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions | SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Institutions: Election Commission of India | Ministry of Law & Justice
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has updated the guidelines under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, to make Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballot papers more readable. From upcoming elections (starting with Bihar), colour photographs of candidates will be printed on ballots, with the candidateβs face occupying three-fourths of the photo space for clarity. Candidate names (and NOTA) will be printed in bold, size 30 font using Indian (international form) numerals. Ballots will use 70 GSM paper, and for Assembly elections, a pink-colored paper (specific RGB value) will be used. These changes are part of 28 reforms in 6 months aimed at improving election experience.
These modifications are a step toward inclusive electoral design, helping voters-especially those with visual impairments, literacy challenges, or elderly voters-navigate ballots more easily. Better ballot clarity reduces misvotes and supports democratic fairness across demographics.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How will the ECI and state election bodies ensure consistency in printing, voter awareness, and error handling so that these new ballots deliver improved accessibility rather than confusion?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2167626