New Delhi, Mar 22 (TNT): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday directed that assured minimum facilities (AMFs) and comprehensive voter assistance be ensured at all polling stations for the 2026 General Elections and by-elections.
The Commission had earlier announced the poll schedule on March 15 for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with by-elections in six states.
In a release here, issuing detailed instructions, the ECI asked Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of States and Union Territories to ensure that all 2,18,807 polling stations are equipped with essential facilities on polling day.
The AMFs include drinking water, shaded waiting areas, toilets with water facility, adequate lighting, ramps for persons with disabilities (PwD), standard voting compartments and proper signage.
Authorities have also been directed to place benches at regular intervals in queues to improve voter convenience.
To boost voter awareness, four standardised Voter Facilitation Posters (VFPs) will be displayed prominently at all polling stations, providing details such as polling station information, list of candidates, do’s and don’ts, approved identity documents and the voting process.
Voter Assistance Booths (VABs) will be set up at each polling station location with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or officials to help electors locate their polling booth and serial number in the electoral roll. These booths will be clearly signposted for easy identification.
In addition, mobile phone deposit facilities will be arranged outside polling stations, where voters can deposit switched-off phones before entering and collect them after casting their vote.
The Commission reiterated that provisioning of AMFs and accessibility measures is mandatory and will be strictly monitored; directing field officials to complete all arrangements well in advance to ensure a seamless voting experience for all electors.
TNT TS
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