Election Commission Orders Postal Ballot Completion Before Final EVM Rounds

The Election Commission of India on Thursday stated that it has already implemented 29 significant initiatives over the past six months to streamline and improve the electoral process, and, as its 30th initiative, it is taking further steps to enhance the counting of postal ballots, aiming to reduce delays and bring greater clarity to the process.

The EC has stated that counting of votes during elections involves two main components - postal ballots (including electronically transmitted postal ballots or ETPBs) and votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Traditionally, postal ballot counting starts at 8:00 AM on the day of counting, while EVM counting begins at 8:30 AM. Earlier, EVM counting could continue even if postal ballot counting was not completed. However, with the number of postal ballots increasing - particularly due to home voting facilities for senior citizens aged 85 and above and persons with disabilities - the EC decided a change was necessary.

The Commission has stated that going forward, the penultimate (second-last) round of EVM/VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) counting will begin only after postal ballot counting is fully completed at each counting center. This, the EC said, will ensure greater uniformity and transparency. In cases involving a large number of postal ballots, Returning Officers (ROs) have been instructed to arrange adequate tables and staff so that the process runs smoothly without delays.

The EC has also stated that this initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the electoral system across the country. Recent measures, the Commission noted, include allowing mobile voter deposit at polling stations, limiting voters per polling station to reduce crowding, enhancing voter slips with clear serial numbers, displaying candidate photos on EVMs, and delisting inactive political parties. The EC has launched ECINET (Election Commission of India Network), a single digital platform combining more than 40 apps and websites, to make election-related information easily accessible to voters and stakeholders.

The Commission has further stated that other steps include extensive training for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and political party agents, webcasting all polling stations for real-time monitoring, improving voter roll accuracy, and linking death registration data to promptly remove ineligible voters. Remuneration for polling staff and observers has also been increased, reflecting the importance of their role in ensuring fair elections.

With these steps, the EC said it continues to focus on efficiency, transparency, and convenience, ensuring that every vote - whether cast in person or by post - is counted accurately and quickly.

The rise in postal ballots reflects a positive step towards more inclusive and accessible elections in India. Home voting facilities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities remove barriers, increase turnout, and strengthen public trust in the democratic process.

While the additional rounds for postal ballots may slightly slow counting at busy centers if resources are limited, they improve accuracy, transparency, and standardization. With proper planning, every postal ballot can be counted correctly before the final EVM/VVPAT rounds.

India’s vote-counting process has evolved from slow, manual methods to faster, more transparent systems. Past delays often resulted from high voter volumes, postal ballot expansion, and early technical challenges. Recent reforms - including digital monitoring, clear procedural rules, and trained staff - aim to reduce delays while maintaining accuracy.

The success of these reforms depends on resource allocation, staff training, and logistical support. Urban centers may face temporary obstacles, while remote regions could see delays due to infrastructure challenges.

Globally, countries handle postal voting differently - the U.S. allows anyone to vote by mail in many states, the UK lets any voter request a postal ballot, and Australia permits postal voting for specific reasons like illness or travel. While counting sequences and resources vary internationally, India’s reforms aim to make elections more accessible, efficient, and trustworthy, aligning with global practices.