Prakash Kafle/Kathmandu. The House of Representatives elections have just ended. And you may have experienced the feeling of black ink on your finger while voting. Voting ink is not easily removed, what is the reason?? Voting ink used during elections is designed so that it cannot be easily removed. Unlike ordinary ink that only colors the surface of the skin, voting ink contains the chemical compound Silver Nitrate, which reacts chemically with the skin. Because of this reaction, the ink mark cannot be washed off easily with water or soap once it is applied to a voter’s finger.
The ink does not simply stay on the outer surface of the skin. Instead, it reacts with Keratin, a protein found in the skin. This chemical reaction produces a dark brown or black compound, which appears as a strong stain on the finger. Since the mark is formed through a chemical reaction rather than simple coloring, it cannot be removed by washing with soap, water, or hand sanitizer.
Another important feature of voting ink is its reaction to sunlight. Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation from the sun can make the mark appear even darker. This property helps ensure that the ink remains clearly visible for several days after voting.
The main purpose of using voting ink in elections is to prevent multiple voting by the same person. After a voter casts their ballot, election officials apply the ink to the voter’s finger as proof that they have already voted. This system helps reduce electoral fraud and ensures a fair voting process, which is why many countries around the world use this method.
Although the ink mark is durable, it is not permanent. The stain remains on the upper layer of the skin and gradually fades as the skin naturally sheds and regenerates. In most cases, the mark disappears within about five to ten days. Experts generally consider voting ink safe when used in the proper concentration, and it plays an important role in maintaining transparency and integrity in elections.
भोटिङ मसी (Voting Ink) किन सजिलै मेटिँदैन? यसको यस्तो छ कारण
