EC halves 200-meter distance for candidates to set up their tables from polling stations

IANS May 23, 2025 216 views

The Election Commission has introduced significant voter-friendly changes to polling station protocols. Candidates can now set up information tables closer to polling stations, reducing the previous 200-meter restriction. A new mobile phone deposit facility will be available just outside polling stations to maintain voting secrecy. These modifications aim to improve accessibility and convenience for all voters, including senior citizens, women, and people with disabilities.

"Mobile phones shall not be allowed to be carried inside the polling station" - Election Commission Official
New Delhi, May 23: In a major relaxation for election contestants and political parties, the Election Commission on Friday permitted them to canvass up to 100 meters from the entrance of the polling station. Earlier, they had to stay 200 metres away from the building.

Key Points

1

EC reduces candidate table distance from 200m to 100m

2

Mobile deposit facility introduced near polling stations

3

Voting secrecy rules remain strictly enforced

4

Accommodation for voters with special needs

Under the revised rules, the booths and tables set up by the candidates on poll day for issuing unofficial identity slips to electors, in case the electors are not carrying their official Voter Information Slips (VIS) issued by the Commission, can now be set up just beyond 100 meters of any polling station.

“However, electioneering shall not be allowed within a 100-meter radius around the polling station on the day of the poll,” said an official.

Apart from this, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in consultation with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, also announced a voter-friendly mobile phone deposit facility just outside polling stations, an official said.

“The Commission has decided to allow a mobile deposit facility just outside the polling stations. Only mobile phones shall be allowed within 100 meters of the polling station, and that too in switched-off mode,” said the official in a statement.

Elaborating on the facility, the EC said very simple pigeonhole boxes or jute bags shall be provided near the entrance door of the polling station, where the voters would be required to deposit their mobile phones.

“Mobile phones shall not be allowed to be carried inside the polling station by the voter. However, certain Polling Stations can be exempted from this provision based on adverse local circumstances by the Returning Officer. Rule 49M of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which ensures secrecy of voting within the polling station, will continue to be strictly enforced,” said the EC.

The decision was taken recognising the increasing coverage and usage of mobile phones in both urban and rural areas and the challenges faced not only by the voters at large but also by senior citizens, women, and electors with disability in managing mobile phones on the poll day, the EC said.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Good move by EC! 200 meters was too restrictive especially in crowded urban areas. Now party workers can assist voters better. But hope they maintain strict vigil against any intimidation tactics near polling booths. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
The mobile deposit facility is much needed! Last election I saw so many elderly voters struggling with their phones while trying to vote. Simple jute bag solution is very Indian jugaad 😊 Hope they implement it properly across all states.
A
Amit S.
Not sure about reducing the distance to 100m. This might lead to more crowding and potential for voter influencing. EC should have maintained 200m buffer zone for complete neutrality. Our democracy is strong enough without this relaxation.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who volunteers during elections, this will make our work much easier. Many voters forget their slips and we had to walk too far to help them. 100m is reasonable balance between access and preventing interference. Good decision!
V
Vikram J.
Mobile phone rule is excellent but implementation will be key. Hope they have enough staff to manage this. In my area last time, polling staff were already overworked. EC should provide additional resources for these new facilities.
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Neha T.
These changes show EC is adapting to ground realities. But they must ensure uniform implementation - in villages, 100m might still be too close if political workers dominate the area. Context-specific rules would be better than one-size-fits-all.

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Tags:
Election Commission Voting Rules Indian Elections Election Process Polling Stations Voter Convenience