Chennai, May 2:
In a significant move to tighten security at vote counting centres, the Election Commission of India has introduced a QR code–based Photo Identity Card (PIC) system to prevent unauthorised access during the counting process.
The new system will be implemented for the counting of votes cast in the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026, scheduled to take place on May 4 across 62 centres in the State, including three in Chennai. The counting will decide the composition of the 234-member Assembly, with the electoral fate of 4,032 candidates, including 443 women, sealed in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) currently secured in strong rooms.
Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said the QR code–based PIC module, integrated with ECINET, is being deployed for the first time in these elections. The initiative covers multiple states, including Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, along with by-elections in select constituencies. She noted that the system would be extended to all future Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
Elaborating on the security arrangements, she said a three-tier verification mechanism has been put in place. While identity cards issued by Returning Officers will be manually verified at the first two levels, entry into the innermost security zone near the counting halls will be permitted only after QR code authentication.
The new QR-enabled identity cards will be mandatory for all authorised personnel, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical teams, candidates, and their agents.
To facilitate media coverage, dedicated media centres will be established near counting halls at each venue. Entry for journalists will be regulated through authority letters issued by the Commission, in line with existing norms.
Officials said the initiative is part of a broader set of electoral reforms introduced over the past year to enhance transparency and efficiency. District Election Officers and Returning Officers have been directed to ensure seamless implementation of the system, with trained personnel deployed at all checkpoints to enforce the new protocol.
The Commission has emphasised strict compliance with these measures to uphold the integrity and security of the counting process.