ECI Revises Guidelines to Enhance EVM Ballot Paper Readability; Bihar to Use Colour Photos for First Time
For the first time, photographs of candidates will be printed in colour, with the candidate’s face covering three-fourths of the photo space for better visibility.
New Delhi, September 17: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a significant revision to guidelines governing the design and printing of EVM ballot papers under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. The changes, aimed at improving clarity and readability for voters, will take effect in the upcoming Bihar elections.
For the first time, photographs of candidates will be printed in colour, with the candidate’s face covering three-fourths of the photo space for better visibility. In addition, serial numbers of candidates and the NOTA option will appear in the international form of Indian numerals, printed in bold with a font size of 30.
To ensure uniformity, the names of all candidates and NOTA will appear in the same font type and size, large enough for easy reading. The ballot papers will be printed on 70 GSM paper, with Assembly election papers carrying a pink background in specified RGB values.
The reforms are part of the ECI’s 28 initiatives rolled out in the past six months to streamline election processes and enhance voter convenience. Officials confirmed that the new ballot papers will debut in Bihar before being extended to other states.
