Inked finger after vote: Understanding the history of the indelible ink!

The very first phase of the Lok Sabha begun on April 19. One can easily identify who has committed to the noble duty of voting and who abstained from it by simply looking at the index finger of the left hand of every citizen of India. How? Well, the indelible ink mark on the nail of the index finger of the left hand says so.

The purpose of putting the ink on the index finger is more than just symbolism. Yes, the ink mark prevents the citizens of India from voting more than once. The indelible ink mark is not new to India, and it has been made to use in the election cycle in the country for long. Let's understand a brief history of the indelible ink.

History of the ink

The indelible ink has been used in India for a very long time in the election process. Once a voter gets her or his credentials checked at the voting booth, the indelible ink is applied at the index finger of the left hand of the voter even before the vote has been casted. While the mode of voting has evolved in the country, the use of indelible ink as a mark of casting a vote has not changed much.

Now, it is interesting to note that the practice of applying indelible ink on the finger has its place in the laws as well. Section 61 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, “for the marking with indelible ink of the thumb or any other finger of every elector who applies for a ballot paper or ballot papers for the purpose of voting at a polling station before delivery of such paper or papers to him.”

The rule mentions "paper" as before the advent of the EVMs, ballot papers were the method of voting used at the polling stations. 

The ink

The indelible ink comprises of silver nitrate. The silver nitrate is the colorless compound. This compound becomes visible the moment it gets exposed to ultraviolet light.

What makes the ink special is the fact that the ink remains resistant to soap, detergents, home-cleansing, and liquids for about 72 hours of application.

“This water-based ink also contains a solvent like alcohol to allow its faster drying… The precise protocol for making this ink including its chemical composition and the quantity of each constituent is, however, not known to many people,” says the MyGov website of the government.