History

Mark of the Vote Cast The evolution of the Indelible Ink

enrouteI
May 1, 2024

In the richness of the democratic processes, the act of voting stands as a cornerstone, a ritual that symbolizes the power of the people. Yet, ensuring the integrity of this act has been an enduring challenge. The indelible ink, a humble yet potent tool is the bedrock of the electoral systems worldwide. Let us move on a journey through time and innovation, exploring the evolution of this unassuming mark that wields significant influence in the realm of democracy.

The indelible ink is a purple color ink applied to the left hand’s index finger at a polling booth to prevent duplication in the entry of votes. Today, it is applied on the fingernail, skin, and cuticle. This year, the highest-ever amount of indelible ink which is around 26.5 lakh bottles were bought by the Election Commission of India.

(Image Description: A polling official administering indelible ink to a voter at a polling booth, during the first phase of Gujarat Assembly Election, in Surat, Gujarat on December 09, 2017.

Source: Press Information Bureau for Election Commission on India via Wikimedia Commons)

Origins and Early Innovations

India, with its vast and diverse electorate, emerged as a pioneer to democracy aftermath its independence. In the 1950s, the Election Commission of India sought a solution to prevent multiple voting and fraud. The result was the birth of the iconic indelible ink, a formula that would leave an indelible mark on the finger of every voter, serving as a testament to their participation in the democratic process.

Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd is the sole manufacturer of this ink. The company was formed in 1937 by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. The ink was developed in collaboration with India’s National Physical Laboratory. An article published in The Hindu dated July 19th, 1951, denotes that “President Rajendra Prasad gave assent to the Representation of People Bill, the main electoral legislation.” (Menon, n.d.) Around 3,16,000 vials of indelible ink were purchased for Rs 1,84,400 by the Indian Government for the first general elections in India.

In 1962, the Election Commission with the Law Ministry, National Physical Laboratory, and National Research Development Cooperation made a pact with Mysore Paints to provide paints for elections. India even exports this ink to 25 other nations like Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Nigeria, Malaysia etc.

(Image Description: A police officer showing her fingers with the indelible ink after voting during early voting center for security forces in Kuala Lumpur

Source: Firdaus Latif via Wikimedia Commons)

Technological Advancements and Current Developments

The indelible ink contains silver nitrate. The more the silver nitrate content, the higher the quality of the ink and thus, higher retention of the ink. The ink also contains an alcohol-based solvent for faster drying of the ink. When silver nitrate comes in contact with human skin, it changes to silver chloride, altering its color in the process and building within the protein of the finger, cuticle, and nail. The silver ion component in the formulae of the ink is so small that it starts settling in the gaps formed by the relatively larger chloride ions. Light enters into the neutral silver metal, which is essentially black and not silvery white or grayish. Thinking of it, every Indian voter gets around a million silver atoms to cast their precious vote!

This process is similar to what George Eastman discovered for his photographic company – The Eastman Kodak Company, US. Similar to the black and white negative print is the black residual ink on your fingernail once you cast your vote.

The procedure of application may differ from country to country however the importance and the idea of using indelible ink in elections pertains. In Indonesia, Cambodia, and Maldives, voters are to ink their finger by immersing it in a bottle, while in Turkey, nozzles are used to apply ink to the voters.

(Image Description: A woman has her finger inked to prevent double voting in Indonesia’s 2009 presidential election.

Source: Josh Estey, via Wikimedia Commons)

Beyond Elections: Social and Symbolic Significance

Beyond its practical utility in elections, the indelible ink carries a deeper symbolic significance, transcending its role as a mere mark on a finger. It serves as a badge of honor, a tangible reminder of civic duty and participation in the democratic process.

Moreover, the indelible ink has become intertwined with cultural and social narratives, symbolizing resilience and defiance in the face of oppression. In countries marred by political turmoil and authoritarian regimes, the sight of indelible ink-stained fingers represents a triumph of democracy over tyranny, a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

The guerrilla group Shining Path of Peru threatened to kill individuals with ink stains to deter voting. During the 2008 Zimbabwean presidential election, government-sponsored mobs attacked people without ink stains. In the 2010 Afghan parliamentary election, the Taliban threatened to mutilate voters’ tattooed fingers. In the 2013 Malaysian general election, there were reports of the ink washing off easily. In the 1971 Bombay elections, rumors circulated about removing ink stains with onion juice and Indira Gandhi allegedly obtaining a disappearing ink formula from Russia.

Approximately 30 countries, mostly in the “third world” use indelible ink for elections. India stands out among them. Advanced countries may not use it due to technological advancements like biometric identification and electronic voting, alongside cultural and legal concerns about individual privacy. Earlier, before 1962, voter fraud might not have been considered significant, while elections were themselves a relatively new phenomenon, less than a century old.

The evolution of indelible ink mirrors the evolution of democracy itself – a journey marked by innovation, developments, and resilience. From its humble origins to its indispensable role in modern electoral systems, the indelible ink stands as a testament to the enduring quest for transparency and integrity in governance. As we continue to navigate the complexities of democracy in the 21st century, let us not forget the power of a simple mark – the mark of the vote cast.

(Image Description: A female voter being administered indelible ink, at a polling booth, during the Delhi Assembly Election, in Delhi on February 07, 2015

Source: Press Information Bureau on behalf of Election Commission, Government of India )

References