ECI Ensures Voter Facilities at Poll Booths
Drinking water, ramps, mobile deposit among key measures for 2026 elections
- ECI mandates assured facilities at over 2.18 lakh polling stations
- Drinking water, toilets, ramps and seating to be provided
- Voter assistance booths and awareness posters to be set up
- Mobile phone deposit facility introduced for voters
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd March: The Election Commission of India has directed all states and Union Territories to ensure comprehensive voter facilities at polling stations for the upcoming Assembly elections and bye-elections in 2026.
The Commission said that all 2,18,807 polling stations will be equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) to ensure a smooth and accessible voting experience.
These facilities include drinking water, shaded waiting areas, toilets with water supply, proper lighting, ramps for persons with disabilities, standard voting compartments and clear signage. Benches will also be placed at regular intervals to provide seating for voters in queues.
To enhance voter awareness, four standardised Voter Facilitation Posters will be displayed prominently at each polling station, providing details such as candidate lists, identification requirements, voting procedures and guidelines.
Additionally, Voter Assistance Booths will be set up at all polling locations, staffed by Booth Level Officers to help voters locate their polling booth and verify their details in the electoral roll.
In a new initiative, the Commission has also introduced a mobile phone deposit facility outside polling stations. Voters will be required to deposit switched-off phones before entering and can collect them after casting their vote.
The ECI emphasised that these measures are mandatory and will be strictly monitored to ensure compliance, aiming to make the voting process more accessible, efficient and voter-friendly across the country.
