ECI begins distribution of voter slips ahead of April 23 polls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal

With the first phase of Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal scheduled for April 23, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has begun distributing Voter Information Slips (VIS) across constituencies, aiming to streamline polling and boost voter awareness.

According to an official press note issued on Wednesday, the distribution drive is already underway and will be completed at least five days before polling. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been assigned to deliver the slips directly to voters through door-to-door outreach to ensure maximum coverage.

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The VIS serves as a comprehensive guide for electors, carrying key details such as the voter’s name, polling station location, and the date and time of voting, along with a snapshot map of the polling station.

It also features a QR code to enable quicker verification of voter details and includes a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” to assist citizens on polling day. Officials noted that the initiative is expected to ease congestion at polling booths and ensure smoother voting.

“The Commission has taken steps to make the VIS more readable and user-friendly,” the statement said, adding that identifiers such as the part number and serial number have been made clearly legible to simplify voter identification.

In a push for inclusivity, the Commission has introduced Accessible Voter Information Slips (AVIS) with Braille features for persons with visual impairments, in addition to the standard slips. “This initiative is intended to ensure the active and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process,” it said.

To enhance accessibility, the VIS will be printed only in the languages in which the electoral rolls of the respective constituencies are published.

The Commission has also allowed candidates, their agents, and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to accompany BLOs during distribution to ensure transparency. At the same time, it warned that any unauthorised possession or distribution of the slips would be treated as a violation under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), attracting penalties, including imprisonment or fines.

Clarifying a common misconception, the Commission stressed that the Voter Information Slip is not a valid standalone identity document for voting. Electors must carry one of the 12 approved identity proofs, including the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC), to cast their vote.

The rollout of VIS marks a key preparatory step as the poll-bound states head into a closely watched electoral contest, with authorities focusing on ensuring both efficiency and inclusivity in the democratic process.