KARNATAKA
Karnataka Cabinet Approves Ballots for Panchayat and Civic Polls
- 12 Feb 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a proposal to conduct upcoming panchayat and civic (urban local body) elections using paper ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Key Points:
- Decision: The Karnataka government decided to revert to ballot papers for panchayat and civic polls instead of using EVMs in upcoming local body elections.
- The move comes amid concerns over the credibility and confidence in electronic voting systems among the public and political discussions around election integrity.
- Recommendation to SEC: The cabinet will recommend to the State Election Commission (SEC) to conduct all future local body polls using ballot papers, subject to necessary legal amendments and rule changes.
- Ballot Papers vs EVMs: Ballot paper voting is the traditional method where voters stamp their choice on paper, while in EVMs votes are cast electronically.
- Ballot papers are seen by supporters of the move as a way to improve transparency.
- Electoral Roll Revision: The government has also suggested preparing and revising electoral rolls specifically for local body elections to ensure accurate voter lists.
- Amendments: To implement ballot paper voting, amendments to existing election-related laws and rules may be required to align procedures with paper-based polling.
| Read More: Panchayat , State Election Commission, EVMs |
