For the first time, EVM ballot papers will feature colour photos of candidates and bigger, bold serial numbers. The change starts with Bihar elections.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a big change to make Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballot papers more clear and easy to read. For the first time in the history of Indian elections, colour photographs of candidates will be printed on the EVM ballot papers.
This new system will start with the upcoming elections in Bihar.
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According to the press note issued on 17 September 2025, the ECI said:
“The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised the existing guidelines under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, for the design and printing of EVM Ballot Papers to enhance their clarity and readability.”
The Commission explained that this move is part of its larger reform plan.
“The initiative is in line with the 28 initiatives already taken by the ECI in the past 6 months to streamline and improve election processes and enhance convenience for voters.”
From now on, candidate photos will be in colour for better recognition.
The note clarified:
“Henceforth, photographs of candidates will be printed in colour on the EVM Ballot Paper. The candidate’s face will occupy three-fourths of the photo space for better visibility.”
Along with photographs, serial numbers of candidates and the option of NOTA (None of the Above) will also be made clearer.
The ECI stated:
“Serial numbers of candidates/NOTA will be printed in the international form of Indian numerals. The font size will be 30 and in bold for clarity.”
To avoid confusion among voters, the design of names will be standardised.
“To ensure uniformity, the names of all candidates/NOTA will be printed in the same font type and font size large enough for easy readability.”
The paper quality used for printing ballot papers will also be upgraded. As per the new guideline:
“The EVM Ballot Papers will be printed on 70 GSM paper. For Assembly Elections, pink-coloured paper of specified RGB values shall be used.”
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This upgraded format of ballot papers will be first seen in the upcoming Bihar elections. The note concluded:
“The upgraded EVM Ballot Papers will be used in the upcoming elections, starting with Bihar.”
P. Pawan, Deputy Director of the Election Commission, signed off on the press note.
This reform is expected to make voting more transparent and easier, reducing confusion for voters and improving accessibility across the country.
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