Itanagar, Apr 30: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a QR code-based Photo Identity Card system to strengthen security and prevent unauthorised entry at counting centres.
The new system will be implemented from May 4, 2026, during the counting of votes for the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, as well as bye-elections in seven Assembly constituencies across five states. It will subsequently be extended to all future Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, the poll body said.
The initiative is part of a series of electoral reforms undertaken by the Commission over the past year, including the introduction of standardised QR code-based ID cards for Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
Under the new protocol, a three-tier security mechanism will be in place at counting centres. At the first and second levels, identity cards issued by the Returning Officer (RO) will be manually verified. At the third and innermost security layer near the counting hall, entry will be permitted only after successful QR code scanning.
The QR-based identity cards will be mandatory for all authorised personnel, including Returning Officers (ROs), Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents, and counting agents.
To facilitate media coverage, a dedicated media centre will be established near counting halls at each counting location. Accredited media personnel will continue to be granted entry based on authority letters issued by the ECI, as per existing guidelines.
The Commission has directed Chief Electoral Officers, District Election Officers, ROs, and AROs to ensure strict compliance with the new system. Necessary arrangements, including deployment of trained personnel at checkpoints, are to be put in place to ensure smooth and secure access control.
The move is aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and security in the vote-counting process.