The Election Commission of India has initiated the distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS) for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections, starting in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal for Phase 1 voting on April 23. The VIS aims to provide voters with essential details for polling day, including voter particulars, polling station location, and voting date and time. It also includes a snapshot of the polling station map and a list of guidelines for voters.
To enhance efficiency, the VIS incorporates a QR code for faster search and matching of voter details, aiming to reduce congestion at polling stations and streamline the voting process. The Commission has focused on improving the readability and accessibility of the slips by ensuring clear legibility of key details like part numbers and serial numbers to assist voters in easy identification and use.
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting the distribution of VIS by personally visiting households to deliver the slips to registered voters. The Commission has instructed that the distribution process be finalized at least five days before the polling date to facilitate timely access for all electors. Additionally, the slips are printed only in the languages in which the electoral roll is published in the respective constituencies to make them more voter-friendly.
Special provisions have been made for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by introducing Accessible Voter Information Slips (AVIS) with Braille features for visually impaired voters, alongside the regular VIS. The Commission has allowed candidates, their agents, or Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to accompany BLOs during the distribution process, cautioning against unauthorized possession or distribution of election material, including VIS, which could lead to penal action under relevant laws.
The VIS serves as a standalone identification document at polling stations, although voters can also present any of the 12 authorized identity proofs, such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving license, or a bank passbook, in addition to the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC), to cast their vote.
