ECI mandates assured minimum facilities, voter assistance at 2.18 lakh polling stations for 2026 elections
The directions follow the announcement of the election schedule for legislative assemblies in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states.
Standardised posters, mobile deposit counters, accessibility measures to enhance voter experience
New Delhi: The Election Commission has directed all states and Union Territories to ensure assured minimum facilities and comprehensive voter assistance at over 2.18 lakh polling stations for the upcoming assembly elections and bye-elections in 2026.
The directions follow the announcement of the election schedule for legislative assemblies in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states.
Polling stations will be equipped with essential facilities including drinking water, shaded waiting areas, toilets with water, adequate lighting, ramps for persons with disabilities, standard voting compartments, and clear signage.
To improve voter convenience, the Commission has also asked officials to arrange benches at regular intervals in queues, enabling electors to sit while waiting to cast their vote.
As part of voter awareness initiatives, four standardised voter facilitation posters will be displayed prominently at all polling stations. These will provide key information such as polling station details, list of candidates, voting procedures, approved identification documents, and do’s and don’ts.
Voter Assistance Booths will be set up at every polling location, staffed by booth level officers and designated officials to help voters identify their polling booth and locate their names in the electoral roll.
In a new convenience measure, mobile phone deposit facilities will be provided outside polling stations. Voters will be required to deposit switched-off phones with designated volunteers before entering the premises and collect them after voting.
The Commission said that provisioning of these facilities is mandatory and will be closely monitored to ensure strict compliance. Field officials have been directed to complete all arrangements well in advance to ensure a smooth, accessible, and voter-friendly polling experience.
