Will Karnataka SEC Opt for Ballot Papers in B'luru Civic Elections after May 25?
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Synopsis
The Karnataka SEC has made a significant decision to utilize ballot papers for the upcoming Bengaluru civic elections, which will take place after May 25. This move highlights a shift from electronic voting machines, a decision that has sparked discussions among citizens regarding electoral processes.
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka SEC will use ballot papers for Bengaluru civic polls.
- Elections are expected to be held after May 25.
- Public can review the draft voters' list and submit objections.
- A total of 88,91,411 voters are registered in the GBA.
- Ward-wise electoral rolls have been published for public inspection.
Bengaluru, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Karnataka State Election Commission (SEC) has declared that ballot papers will replace electronic voting machines (EVMs) for the upcoming civic elections in Bengaluru, slated to occur after May 25.
Karnataka State Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi made this revelation during a press briefing on Monday, where he also released the draft voters’ list for the elections within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits.
“The civic elections for the five new municipal corporations under the GBA will be conducted post-May 25, utilizing ballot papers instead of EVMs,” he stated.
Sangreshi emphasized that the upcoming elections for the GBA, as well as for district panchayats, taluk panchayats, and gram panchayats, will also employ ballot papers.
“In accordance with the directives from the State Election Commission, the draft electoral rolls for all 369 wards have been published for public scrutiny, with the final notification set to be released on March 16,” he added.
He urged voters to check if their names are included in the draft voters’ list released for the GBA elections.
“Should a name be absent, applications can be submitted in the designated format for inclusion. All eligible citizens, aged 18 and above, should confirm their names are present in the voters’ list,” he mentioned.
Sangreshi clarified that EVMs are only utilized for Assembly elections, with no regulation enforcing their use for local body elections.
“Conducting elections using ballot papers is perfectly acceptable. The upcoming GBA elections, along with district and taluk panchayat elections, will also be executed via ballot papers,” he assured.
He indicated that the district and taluk panchayat elections are anticipated to take place in May or June.
“The delimitation report must be submitted to us by the government. Additionally, a petition is set to be reviewed in court on January 30, and we plan to hold the elections following that,” he noted.
Sangreshi confirmed that gram panchayat elections will also utilize ballot papers.
“Numerous individuals have communicated with us, suggesting elections be held either through ballot papers or EVMs. Our findings indicate that ballot papers are more suitable,” he asserted.
R. Ramachandran, Special Commissioner of the GBA election division, mentioned that the ward-wise draft voters’ list for the five municipal corporations under the GBA encompasses a total of 88,91,411 voters.
He elaborated that 369 wards have been allocated under the GBA limits, covering five municipal corporations: Bengaluru Central, Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, Bengaluru East, and Bengaluru West.
According to the draft voters’ list prepared with October 1, 2025, as the qualifying date, the total electorate consists of 45,69,193 men, 43,20,583 women, and 1,635 voters from other categories, summing up to 88,91,411 voters.
Ramachandran stated that booth-level officers (BLOs) will visit residences from January 20 to February 3 for verification. During this interval, voters may submit claims and objections.
The resolution of claims and objections will follow, with the final voters’ list to be published on March 16.
Point of View
I believe the decision by the Karnataka SEC to revert to ballot papers for the Bengaluru civic elections is a pivotal moment for local governance. By prioritizing transparency and accessibility, this approach can potentially enhance voter participation and trust in the electoral process.
NationPress
23/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Karnataka SEC using ballot papers instead of EVMs?
The Karnataka SEC has opted for ballot papers as there is no mandate requiring the use of EVMs for local body elections, and they found ballot papers to be more appropriate for this electoral process.
When will the elections be held?
The elections for the Greater Bengaluru Authority and other local bodies are set to take place after May 25.
How many voters are registered in the GBA?
The draft voters’ list indicates a total of 88,91,411 voters registered across 369 wards in the Greater Bengaluru Authority.
What should voters do if their name is missing from the list?
Voters can submit applications in the prescribed format for inclusion if their names are absent from the draft voters’ list.
When will the final voters’ list be published?
The final voters’ list is scheduled to be published on March 16.
