The indelible ink used to prevent repeat and fraudulent voting has long symbolized the secure voting rights of Indian citizens. Election workers at polling stations mark voters’ fingers with this ink to confirm not only that the citizen has voted but also that their voting right is protected. This electoral ink is so resilient that it does not wash off and only fades with the natural shedding of skin cells.

However, the Election Commission will face an unusual situation in three upcoming assembly by-elections, including in Hamirpur. Following the recent Lok Sabha elections, by-elections are set to take place in Hamirpur, Dehra, and Nalagarh. Voters in these constituencies cast their Lok Sabha votes on June 1, and now, within about 40 days, they will vote again in the assembly by-elections. Experts indicate that the voting ink can remain on the skin and nails for approximately 1 to 50 days. Given this scenario, it remains to be seen what provisions the Election Commission will make when voters go to vote again.

What Election Officials Say :

When asked about this issue, SDM Hamirpur, Manish Soni, stated that no directives have been received from the Election Commission yet. However, they will be communicated as soon as they are available.

The Science Behind Electoral Ink :

Electoral ink is made using silver nitrate, which does not wash off with water. Silver nitrate reacts with the salt present in our skin to form silver chloride, which is black in color. This chemical reaction occurs so quickly that the ink leaves a mark on the finger within a second of application. The ink can last on the skin from two days to one and a half months, depending on when the skin cells naturally shed. The duration of the ink’s visibility can vary based on a person’s body temperature and environmental conditions.