Key Points
- QR code verification required at counting hall entrances from 4 May counting
- System covers five state assembly elections and seven bye-elections
- Three security cordons with manual checks at first two and QR scan at third
The Election Commission of India has introduced QR code identity cards for all personnel entering counting centres, adding a digital verification layer to prevent unauthorised access during vote tallying.
The system will be used for the first time on 4 May 2026 when counting begins for the assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, along with bye-elections in seven assembly constituencies across five states.
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Under the new protocol, anyone authorised to enter a counting centre, including returning officers, counting staff, candidates, election agents and counting agents, must carry a photo identity card with an embedded QR code. The QR code module has been built into ECINET, the Commission’s internal network.
Three-tier security at counting halls
The Commission has prescribed three security cordons at each counting centre. At the first two checkpoints, personnel will manually verify the photo identity cards issued by the returning officer. At the third cordon, positioned at the entrance to the counting hall itself, entry will be permitted only after the QR code on the card is scanned and verified.
District election officers and returning officers have been directed to deploy trained personnel at each checkpoint. The Commission said all chief electoral officers, district election officers, returning officers and assistant returning officers must ensure strict compliance with the new protocol.
Media access remains unchanged
The QR code system does not apply to journalists. Media persons will continue to enter counting centres on the basis of authority letters issued by the Commission under existing rules. A media centre will be set up near the counting halls at each location.
The Commission said it will extend the QR code system to all future general elections and bye-elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies after the 4 May deployment.
This is one of more than 30 initiatives the Commission has introduced over the past year. An earlier measure introduced standardised QR code photo identity cards for booth level officers, the frontline officials responsible for voter registration and electoral roll maintenance at the polling station level.
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Your Questions, Answered
Who needs a QR code identity card to enter counting centres?
Returning officers, assistant returning officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents and counting agents all require QR code photo identity cards issued by the returning officer.
How does the three-tier security system work?
Manual verification of photo identity cards occurs at the first two security cordons. At the third and innermost cordon near the counting hall, entry requires successful QR code scanning.
Does the QR code system apply to journalists?
No. Media persons continue to enter counting centres using authority letters issued by the Election Commission under existing rules.
When will the QR code system be used in future elections?
The Commission has said the system will be extended to all future general elections and bye-elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies after its debut on 4 May 2026.