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Key Points

The Election Commission of India has introduced a mobile deposit facility outside polling stations to ease voter challenges. Phones must be switched off within 100 meters and deposited in designated boxes. The move aims to assist senior citizens, women, and PwD voters while maintaining secrecy. Additionally, canvassing norms have been rationalized to 100 meters from polling booths.

Key Points: ECI Introduces Mobile Deposit Facility at Polling Stations **

  • ECI permits mobile deposit boxes near polling stations for voter convenience
  • Rule 49M ensures voting secrecy remains enforced
  • Canvassing now restricted to 100 meters from polling booths
  • Exemptions possible for adverse local conditions **
2 min read

ECI to provide Mobile Deposit Facility for voters at polling stations

ECI allows voters to deposit mobile phones outside polling stations to enhance convenience while maintaining voting secrecy. **

"Only mobile phones shall be allowed within 100 meters of the polling station and that too in switched-off mode. – ECI Official Statement **"

New Delhi, May 23

In line with various initiatives aimed at enhancing voter convenience and streamlining poll day arrangements, the Election Commission has issued two more comprehensive instructions for providing mobile deposit facility for voters just outside the polling stations and rationalising norms for canvassing, according to an official statement.

The instructions are in line with the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.

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 PwD electors in managing mobile phones on the poll day, 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, the release said.

As per the release, 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.

Further, in a move aimed at improving election day facilitation, the Commission has rationalised the permissible norms for canvassing in line with the electoral laws to 100 meters from the entrance of the polling station.

However, electioneering shall not be allowed within a 100-meter radius around the Polling Station on the day of the poll. Therefore, the booths 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.

The Election Commission of India, under the Chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, remains committed to conducting elections strictly in accordance with the legal framework, while continuously innovating to improve the facilities for the voters.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Great initiative by ECI! Last election I saw many elderly voters struggling with their phones while trying to cast votes. This mobile deposit system will make the process smoother. Hope they implement proper security measures though - we don't want phones getting mixed up or stolen.
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Priya M.
Finally some common sense prevails! 🙌 Carrying phones inside polling stations always created unnecessary confusion. But ECI should ensure this rule is implemented uniformly across all states. In previous elections, I've seen different rules being followed in different constituencies.
A
Amit S.
While the intention is good, I'm concerned about the practical aspects. What if someone needs to make an emergency call? Also, in crowded polling stations, managing phone deposits might create new bottlenecks. ECI should conduct trial runs before implementing this nationwide.
S
Sunita R.
As a teacher who has worked as polling staff, I welcome this move. Maintaining discipline inside polling booths was challenging with voters constantly checking phones. This will help maintain the sanctity of the voting process. Kudos to ECI for this voter-friendly measure!
V
Vikram J.
Good step but implementation is key. ECI must ensure proper arrangements - enough deposit boxes, clear signage, and staff to manage this. Also what about smartwatches? They should clarify if those need to be deposited too. The devil is in the details as they say!
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Neha T.
The 100-meter rule for canvassing is much needed! Last time, party workers were practically at the polling booth entrance influencing voters. Democracy works best when voters can make choices freely, without last-minute pressure. 🇮🇳 Hope these reforms lead to cleaner elections.

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