Karnataka will hold Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) civic elections after May 25 using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This was announced by Chief Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi on January 19. The last civic polls in August 2015 used EVMs. The State Election Commission did not give a specific reason for switching back to ballot papers but said the law allows it. "This is not banned. We are doing it. Even developed countries, like the United States, conduct elections using ballot papers. In India, only MLA and MP elections are conducted using EVMs," said Mr. Sangreshi. He stressed the decision followed the State Election Commission's consultation with stakeholders. The Supreme Court also supports ballot paper use, added Mr. Sangreshi: "In GBA elections, there is a provision to use ballot papers." He reassured that the process will be efficient and "100% successful." Regarding electoral rolls, the ward-wise draft for all 369 wards was published on January 19 for public inspection. Citizens can file claims and objections from January 20 to February 3. These will be processed by February 18. Final rolls will be published on March 16. The GBA has 88.91 lakh voters, with Bengaluru West having the most at 27.25 lakh. The ward with highest voters is Ward No. 23 in Bengaluru West with 49,530 voters, while Ward No. 16 in Bengaluru East has the least at 10,926. Mr. Sangreshi compared the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka to similar exercises elsewhere, saying they are correcting voter lists rightly and thoroughly. The qualifying date for voter inclusion is October 1. This election and voter update move marks important steps toward local democracy in Bengaluru.