Big Changes Coming to EVM Ballot Papers Ahead of Bihar Assembly Polls
The Election Commission of India has made a surprising move. For the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, it’s rolling out a redesigned EVM ballot paper — with colour photos, larger text, and better print quality. You might have seen the old version; black-and-white, cramped, and… not much to look at. This time, though, that’s changing.
Why now? And what exactly is different? Let’s take a closer look at what’s behind this update, what it means for you as a voter, and how it might shape the voting experience in Bihar.
The Key Changes — In Simple Terms
The changes introduced to the new EVM ballot paper design are designed with user-friendliness at their core. Here are the most noticeable improvements:
- Colour photographs of candidates instead of black-and-white ones
- Increased font size — for better readability, especially for elderly voters
- Uniform text formatting ensuring every candidate’s name and party symbol are clearly visible
- Improved paper quality on the ballot, printed on better-grade paper to avoid smudging and wear
You might think these are minor tweaks, but the logic behind them reflects a larger strategy — one aimed at improving transparency and accessibility.
Why the Upgrade?
In recent years, concerns about clarity and usability of EVM ballot papers have steadily risen. From blurry prints to barely legible fonts, some older designs sparked confusion. This time, the changes signal an effort to make voting more straightforward.
An official from the Election Commission said, “Improving the ballot interface is part of our commitment to voter satisfaction and confidence. Every voter—regardless of literacy level or age—should be able to identify their preferred candidate without strain.”
This made sense to a lot of people. After all, voting is fundamentally about making clear choices. If the ballot paper itself is unclear, what’s the point?
The Role of Colour Photos
So, why include colour photographs? The EC believes visuals play a crucial role in voter recognition, especially in linguistically or educationally diverse areas. Bihar is one of those places where name duplications or similar party symbols are common.
With colour images, the voter can quickly distinguish between candidates — red saree vs. green shirt, black beard vs. clean-shaven. It sounds trivial, but when you’re rushing to make a decision, it helps.
“The use of colour makes EVM ballots closer to real-world recognition. People respond better to colour than black-and-white images,” shared a senior poll analyst.
It’s a small design choice with real implications for voter clarity.
Clarity for All Ages
Let’s be honest — not every voter is 25 with perfect eyesight. The larger fonts and cleaner layout make it easier for senior citizens to read. You’ve probably seen an elderly voter squinting at the machine or asking for help. This should reduce that.
From first-time voters to those in their eighties, the new format tries to be fair to everyone. Voters no longer need to guess or strain their eyes to read tiny text. It’s common sense — but long overdue.
Better Quality, Long-Term Impact
Let’s talk about durability. The Election Commission says the fresh ballot papers use higher-grade paper, better suited for long polling hours. This reduces the risk of torn, smudged, or deteriorating ballots throughout a full election day.
During previous elections in regions with high humidity or heavy turnout, ballot papers sometimes got worn or faded within hours. Not ideal. This upgrade fixes that concern to a large extent.
Step 1: Training the Staff
Of course, a better ballot paper needs people who know how to use it. The Commission is training poll staff in advance, ensuring the new ballot design is handled properly — from unpacking to sealing the machines post-vote.
Clear labels, fresh layout, and new rules— election officials need to be just as ready as the voters.
Step 2: Public Awareness
The EC’s also planning short demonstrations in public areas. You could spot one at a community center or district office. These help voters understand the changes in advance, so they’re not caught off guard.
They’re also posting sample ballot images online. Go ahead and search for a sample. You might find the images surprisingly sharp.
Community Response: Cautious Optimism
Feedback from civil groups has been mostly positive. One voter rights NGO in Patna welcomed the changes, saying, “These updates improve clarity and promote voter confidence. It’s hard to argue with that.”
Across social media too, reactions were mild but welcoming. No outrage, no confusion. People seemed to appreciate the attempt, though some questioned why it took this long.
Some skeptics did raise concerns about photo authenticity and whether clearer photos might mislead illiterate voters who rely mostly on symbols. But these voices were in the minority.
Looking Ahead
The Bihar elections may mark the beginning of broader ballot design modernization across India. If voter turnout improves or feedback remains positive, similar changes might be adopted statewide — or even nationwide.
That’s what makes these shifts so important. They’re not just cosmetic. They reflect how a democracy evolves at the ground level — one ballot at a time.
Final Thought
If you’re voting in Bihar this year, expect a slightly different experience. One that’s sharper, clearer, and just a bit more thoughtful. You may walk away from the booth a little more confident in your choice.
Sometimes, good design speaks volumes. And that’s the message the EC seems to be going for this time.
