These days, the method of recording voters' preferences has evolved from its initial form. In the early days, during the first general election, a different approach was adopted. Each polling booth had separate boxes for candidates, with the candidate's election symbol displayed. Voters were provided with blank ballot papers, which they had to drop into the box of their chosen candidate. The process involved the use of around 20 lakh steel boxes.

A presiding officer from Punjab shared his experience of preparing the ballot boxes. He described how each box had to display the candidate's symbol and name in Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, along with other relevant details such as the constituency, polling station, and booth. A paper seal, signed by the presiding officer, was inserted in the token frame, and its window was closed using a door fixed in place with a wire. Prior to this, the boxes had to be rubbed with sandpaper or brick. The entire process of preparing the boxes took several hours, with the assistance of six individuals, including the presiding officer's two daughters. This elaborate method was followed for the first two elections.

However, after the initial phase, a new method was introduced. The ballot paper now featured the names and symbols of all candidates, and voters were required to put a stamp on the name of their chosen candidate. This method remained in practice for approximately forty years. Towards the late 1990s, the Election Commission introduced Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). By 2004, the entire country had transitioned to using EVMs for elections.

How many steel boxes were used during the first general election to hold the ballot papers?

20 lakh

These days, the method of recording voters' preferences has evolved from its initial form. In the early days, during the first general election, a different approach was adopted. Each polling booth had separate boxes for candidates, with the candidate's election symbol displayed. Voters were provided with blank ballot papers, which they had to drop into the box of their chosen candidate. The process involved the use of around 20 lakh steel boxes.
However, after the initial phase, a new method was introduced. The ballot paper now featured the names and symbols of all candidates, and voters were required to put a stamp on the name of their chosen candidate. This method remained in practice for approximately forty years. Towards the late 1990s, the Election Commission introduced Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). By 2004, the entire country had transitioned to using EVMs for elections.