ECI to have new ballot papers, coloured photographs of candidates on EVMS starting from Bihar elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday revised the guidelines for designing and printing EVM Ballot Papers under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, to make them more readable and voter-friendly.

The upgraded ballot papers will be rolled out in the upcoming elections, beginning with Bihar.

According to the ECI, the new ballot papers will feature colour photographs of candidates, with three-fourths of the allotted space dedicated to the face for improved visibility.


The initiative is part of 28 measures introduced in the past six months to streamline election processes and enhance convenience for voters, the ECI said in a press release.

The Commission has also decided to display serial numbers of candidates and the NOTA option more prominently.

These will be printed in the international form of Indian numerals, with font size 30 in bold for greater clarity. Names of candidates and NOTA will appear in the same font type and size to maintain uniformity.

In addition, ballot papers will be printed on 70 GSM paper. For Assembly elections, a pink-coloured paper of specified RGB values will be used.