As Karnataka ramps up preparations for upcoming local elections, State Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi has stirred a national debate by deciding to ditch Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in favor of traditional ballot papers. Amidst intensifying allegations of "vote theft" and tampering, Sangreshi firmly questioned the resistance to paper-based voting, asserting that the move is both legally sound and globally relevant.
"Law Permits It, Courts Haven't Banned It"
Addressing reporters regarding the Commission's decision, Sangreshi clarified that the shift isn't driven by hidden agendas but by existing legal provisions.
There is no "special" or "secret" reason behind choosing ballot papers over EVMs. The law explicitly provides the option to use either EVMs or ballot papers for conducting elections. Courts have not issued any ban on the use of paper ballots.
The State Election Commission is operating strictly within the legal framework and is currently finalizing preparations for the transition. boAt 2026 Launch Nirvana Crown, SONIC ARC, LEDs, Haptic Feedback,50dB Hybrid ANC,Spatial Audio, 6 Mic ENx, App Support, v6.0 Bluetooth Earbuds, TWS Ear Buds Wireless Earphones with mic (Gunmetal Grey)
Not "Returning to the Stone Age"
Dismissing critics who claim that abandoning EVMs is a step backward, the Commissioner pointed toward high-profile domestic and international examples. Elections for the highest offices in India the President and Vice President are still conducted via ballot papers.
"If the nation's top leaders are elected this way, what is wrong with it? It cannot be called returning to the Stone Age," Sangreshi argued.
He cited global powers like the USA, Germany, and Japan, noting that these technologically advanced nations still utilize paper ballots for their electoral processes.
Legal Choice, Not Machinery Debate
Sangreshi emphasized that the conversation shouldn't be framed as a "pro-EVM vs. anti-EVM" conflict. Instead, it is about the Commission exercising a valid choice provided by the system. "We are simply using the system available within the law," he concluded. Also Read: WEF Annual Meeting 2026: Pralhad Joshi Advocates for AI-Driven Clean Energy Strategy