Karnataka: Local body polls on August 29

Bengaluru: The State Election Commission, Karnataka has announced elections to 105 local bodies including city municipal councils, town municipal councils and town panchayats on August 29.  State Election Commissioner, P. Srinivasachary said this will be the first time that electronic voting machines are used in the local body elections. In order to give the option to voters, the EC has introduced the NOTA facility too. 

The election process will begin on August 10 with the filing of nominations. Last date for withdrawal of nomination papers is August 20. Polling, if needed will be on August 29 and counting of votes will take place on September 1. For the first time,  the candidates' pictures will be displayed along with the symbols in the EVMs.

This time, the candidates have to share details of their educational qualifications and source of income. The EC has also decided to give photo voter slips to voters to prevent impersonation. Mr Srinivasachary said that the poll code of conduct will come into effect from Thursday.