Karnataka Cabinet Approves Ballots for Panchayat and Civic Polls | 12 Feb 2026

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.