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ECI Mandates Standard Facilities & Voter Assistance at All Polling Stations

The Election Commission of India has issued directives to Chief Electoral Officers to ensure all 2,18,807 polling stations for the upcoming assembly elections are equipped with standardized Assured Minimum Facilities. These mandatory facilities include drinking water, shaded waiting areas, toilets, ramps for PwD electors, and proper signage. Voter Assistance Booths will be set up to help electors locate their booth and serial number, while a mobile phone deposit facility will be provided outside polling stations. The Commission has mandated strict compliance with these measures to ensure a seamless and pleasant voting experience for all electors.

Key Points: ECI Mandates Standard Facilities for Polling Stations

  • Assured Minimum Facilities at all stations
  • Voter Assistance Booths for guidance
  • Mobile phone deposit facility
  • Uniform voter facilitation posters
2 min read

ECI mandates standardized facilities, voter assistance to be provided at all Polling Stations for Assembly elections

ECI directs states to provide assured minimum facilities like water, toilets, ramps, and voter assistance at all 2.18 lakh polling stations for upcoming elections.

"provisioning of AMF and related accessibility measures is mandatory and shall be monitored for strict compliance - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, March 22

Ahead of elections to Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and bye-elections in six states, the Election Commission of India has issued directions to the Chief Electoral Officers of the States/UTs.

They have been directed to ensure that each of the 2,18,807 Polling Stations is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) and voter assistance on poll day.

AMF include drinking water, a waiting area with shade, a toilet with a water facility, adequate lighting, a ramp of proper gradient for PwD electors, a standard voting compartment, and proper signage. CEOs have also been asked to provide benches placed at regular intervals in the queue so that electors can sit while awaiting their turn to vote.

To strengthen voter awareness, four uniform and standardised Voter Facilitation Posters (VFP) shall be prominently displayed at all polling stations containing the Polling Station Details, List of Candidates, Do's and Don'ts, list of Approved Identification Documents and the voting process.

Voter Assistance Booths (VABs) shall be set up for every polling station location with a team of Booth Level Officers (BLOs)/officials to assist electors in locating their polling booth number and serial number in the electoral roll of the concerned booth. VABs will have prominent signage and will be easily visible as the voters approach the polling premises.

In one of the many initiatives taken by ECI for the convenience of voters, a mobile phone deposit facility for voters will be provided outside the entrance of the polling station. Voters can hand over their phone (switched off) before entering the station to a designated volunteer and collect the same after casting the vote.

The Commission reiterates that provisioning of AMF and related accessibility measures is mandatory and shall be monitored for strict compliance across all polling stations. All field functionaries have been directed to complete necessary works well before the poll dates to ensure a seamless and pleasant voting experience for all electors.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but the real test is execution. In my village in Assam, even basic facilities like a proper ramp for disabled voters were missing last time. The CEOs must ensure strict monitoring, not just issue directions from Delhi. Let's see if this time it's different.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has voted in both the US and India, I appreciate these systemic efforts to improve the voter experience. The voter assistance booth is a great idea—finding your serial number in the roll can be stressful. Making the process smooth encourages higher turnout.
A
Arun Y
Bench to sit while waiting in queue is a small but thoughtful touch, especially for senior citizens who stand for hours in the heat. Hope they provide this in all 2 lakh+ stations. Our democracy should be accessible and comfortable for every citizen.
K
Kavya N
The mobile deposit facility is smart. It addresses the security concern while also acknowledging that everyone carries a phone. No more arguments at the entrance about leaving it outside. If implemented well, it will speed up the line. Good thinking, ECI!
M
Manish T
All these facilities sound excellent on paper. My respectful criticism is that funds for these amenities should be released and audited transparently. Often, the money gets stuck or misused at some level. Accountability is key for a "pleasant voting experience."

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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