It may be recalled that the Election Commission of India had introduced ‘NOTA’ – ‘None of the Above’ option on ballot papers displayed on EVMs and all other ballot papers with effect from 11^th October, 2013, pursuant to Supreme Court’s Order dated 27^th September, 2013.    

            The Election Commission of India has now introduced a specific symbol, like other election symbols, shown below, for ‘None of the Above (NOTA)’ option, to facilitate the voters in exercising their NOTA option.  This symbol will now appear in the last panel on all EVMs and the others ballot papers against the ‘None of the Above (NOTA)’ option at all elections to be held from now onwards.  The necessary instructions have been issued to all the Chief Electoral Officers in this regard.

            The main objective of the ‘NOTA’ option is to enable electors who do not wish to vote for any of the candidates to exercise their right not to vote for any candidate without violation of the secrecy of their decision.

            The symbol for ‘None of the Above (NOTA)’ option has been designed by National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad.

The NOTA symbol

RM