In a significant change to the voting process, the Election Commission of India has announced that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will now display color photographs of candidates along with their names and election symbols. This new system will be introduced for the first time during the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Following this, the same process will be adopted for elections in other states as well. This development aims to reduce voter confusion, especially when multiple candidates have similar or identical names.
Election Commission’s Decision to Include Color Photos
The Election Commission of India revealed this decision in a press release on Wednesday. According to the Commission, one of the most common sources of confusion during elections is candidates having the same or similar names. This often leads to voters casting their ballots for the wrong candidate. To address this issue, the Election Commission has decided to add color photographs of the candidates on EVMs, making it easier for voters to identify their preferred candidate by their name, election symbol, and most importantly, their photograph.
The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections will be the first to implement this new system, and subsequent elections in other states will follow suit. Voters will now be able to easily distinguish between candidates, especially in cases where their names are identical or sound alike. With the inclusion of candidates’ photographs, the voting process will become more straightforward and transparent.
Clarity in Candidate Identification
In its press release, the Election Commission emphasized that the photographs of candidates will occupy three-quarters of the space designated for each candidate’s name and election symbol. This arrangement will ensure that the candidates’ faces are clearly visible, allowing voters to make a more informed decision. Additionally, the font size used for the candidate’s name and election symbol will be consistent across all candidates and will be printed in a larger, bolder font to enhance readability. The font size for the names and symbols will be set to 30, ensuring that all details are easily legible.
This move is expected to help voters make more informed decisions, as the combination of a candidate’s name, symbol, and photo will offer a complete representation of the individual they are voting for. The clear and readable format aims to prevent any confusion at the polling booths, where voters might otherwise struggle to identify their chosen candidate.
Standardization of EVM Paper and Printing Process
Apart from the inclusion of color photographs, the Election Commission has also standardized the weight and quality of the EVM paper. The EVM paper will now be printed on 70 GSM (grams per square meter) paper, which is lightweight yet sturdy enough for the voting process. For the Bihar Assembly elections, the Election Commission has decided to use a special pink-colored paper for the ballot papers, adding another layer of distinction for voters.
The consistency in paper weight and color will contribute to the overall reliability and clarity of the voting process. With these new changes, voters will have a smoother experience, reducing the likelihood of mistakes or confusion.
Eliminating Confusion Among Candidates with Similar Names
One of the most critical reasons behind the decision to include color photographs on EVMs is to address the recurring issue of candidates with the same or similar names. In many elections, multiple candidates with identical names stand for election, which creates confusion among voters. Voters often end up casting their votes for a candidate with the same name as their preferred choice, leading to inaccurate results.
The new system will allow voters to visually verify their candidate’s identity by checking their photograph alongside their name and election symbol. This improvement aims to minimize human error and ensure that every vote counts toward the correct candidate. Voters will no longer have to rely solely on the candidate’s name or symbol to make their selection; they can now confidently identify the candidate by their photograph as well.
Voter-Friendly Changes and Benefits
This change will undoubtedly make the election process more accessible and voter-friendly. Voters, particularly first-time voters and those in rural or remote areas, often face difficulties in recognizing candidates. The new EVM format, with photographs clearly displayed, ensures that all voters, regardless of their education or background, can easily identify their chosen candidates.
The introduction of color photos will also assist elderly voters or those with visual impairments. For these individuals, relying on a photograph is often much easier than trying to differentiate between similar names or symbols. By enhancing the visual clarity of the voting interface, the Election Commission hopes to encourage greater voter participation and minimize errors.
Upcoming Elections and Implementation Timeline
The Election Commission’s announcement is timely, as the Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to take place soon. While the dates for the elections have not yet been officially confirmed, it is expected that the election schedule will be announced sometime next month, in October. The new system of color photographs on EVMs will be implemented for these elections, marking a significant step toward improving the electoral process in the country.
Following Bihar’s elections, the system will be adopted for other upcoming state elections as well. In 2026, elections are expected to be held in several states, including West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu. The Election Commission plans to roll out the new system in these states, ensuring that voters in these regions benefit from the enhanced identification system.
Election Commission’s Continuous Efforts to Improve Electoral Process
The Election Commission has long been committed to improving the electoral process in India. From introducing electronic voting machines to ensuring the integrity of the voting system, the Commission has continually worked to enhance transparency and accessibility in elections. The introduction of color photographs on EVMs is just the latest in a series of steps aimed at making the election process smoother and more efficient for voters.
In addition to these changes, the Election Commission is also focused on ensuring accurate voter lists. A special intensive revision of voter lists (SIR) is currently underway in Bihar, and the final list will be published by September 30. Once the list is finalized, the election dates will be declared, and voters will be able to cast their ballots with confidence.
The inclusion of candidates’ color photographs on EVMs marks an important milestone in India’s electoral process. By addressing the issue of voter confusion, especially in cases where multiple candidates share the same name, this change is expected to lead to a more transparent and efficient election. The decision will also help ensure that all voters, regardless of their background or ability, can easily identify their candidates and make an informed choice.
As this new system is rolled out, it is expected to set a precedent for future elections in India. With the Bihar Assembly elections being the first to implement this change, voters can look forward to a more streamlined and user-friendly voting experience. The Election Commission’s efforts to enhance the electoral process continue to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring fair and accurate elections in the country.
