Karnataka cabinet okays amendment bill to hold Panchayat elections using ballot papers

The government of Karnataka is making efforts to change how local elections are held. The state has decided to use ballot papers and ballot boxes for Panchayat and urban local body elections. This decision is part of a broader move to improve trust in elections and ensure that people feel confident in the voting process. On February 5, 2026, the Karnataka cabinet approved a new law called the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This law will help in conducting Panchayat elections using ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines. The approval of this bill was a significant step towards changing the way elections are carried out in the state. Earlier, in September 2025, the Karnataka cabinet made a recommendation to the State Election Commission (SEC). The cabinet asked the SEC to hold upcoming local elections with ballot papers instead of EVMs. The government was concerned about the declining public confidence in electronic voting machines, which had led to a desire to return to a traditional method of voting. State Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi explained that using ballot papers is considered a good practice in democracy. He also mentioned that the Indian Constitution does not require the use of EVMs. Instead, it allows election commissions to choose the method that best suits their needs. This gave the SEC the authority to decide on switching to paper ballots. The Election Commission of Karnataka is ready to make this switch. The process of changing from EVMs to ballot papers is expected to take around 2 to 3 months. During this time, the SEC will prepare clear and accurate voters' lists to ensure a smooth and fair election process. The goal is to have all preparations in place before the elections are conducted. The decision to use ballot papers is also linked to upcoming elections in Bengaluru. The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections are scheduled to occur after May 25, 2026. Following a Supreme Court order, these elections are to be held within June 2026. The SEC has announced that the GBA elections will be conducted using ballot papers, marking a significant change from previous methods. It is important to understand that the legal framework for conducting elections using ballot papers is already in place. The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act of 1993 includes provisions that guide how elections should be conducted. This law supports the use of traditional voting methods, ensuring that there is a legal basis for the upcoming changes. Why does this matter? Transitioning to ballot papers is seen as a way to address public concerns about the integrity of electronic voting machines. By opting for a method with a long history of use, the government hopes to reinforce trust and transparency in the election process. This move also aligns with the preferences expressed by some stakeholders who believe traditional voting methods can provide clearer and more trustworthy results. Key dates and numbers include the approval of the amendment bill in February 2026, the recommendation to switch to ballot papers made in September 2025, and the scheduled GBA elections after May 25, 2026. The process of implementation is expected to take a few months, which means that the next set of local elections in Karnataka may soon be conducted using ballots and ballot boxes. The official position from the government and election authorities emphasizes that the choice of voting method is flexible. As pointed out by the SEC, the Constitution does not mandate the use of EVMs, leaving election commissions free to decide the best way to conduct elections. The move to ballot papers is seen as an effort to improve public confidence and uphold democratic principles. In conclusion, Karnataka is taking steps to change its election process for local elections. By switching to ballot papers, the state aims to make elections more transparent and trustworthy. This decision follows government approval, recommendations from election authorities, and a court order to hold elections within June 2026. The move reflects a focus on ensuring confidence and fairness in democracy.