India's Election Commission Introduces New Guidelines for Voter Convenience

In a significant move aimed at enhancing voter convenience and streamlining election day activities, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued two comprehensive directives. These guidelines focus on facilitating mobile phone deposits for voters and rationalizing campaign norms near polling stations. This initiative is part of the ECI's ongoing efforts to modernize electoral processes while adhering to legal requirements. Given the widespread use of mobile phones in both urban and rural demographics, and the challenges faced by various groups—including senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities (PWD)—in managing their phones during voting, the ECI has mandated the establishment of mobile deposit facilities just outside polling stations. According to the new guidelines, voters must deposit their mobile phones in simple pigeonhole boxes or jute bags placed near the entrance of polling centers. Importantly, all mobile phones must be switched off and not taken inside polling stations within a 100-meter radius.

However, returning officers have been granted the authority to exempt certain polling stations from this rule based on local challenges. The Election Commission reiterated its commitment to strictly adhere to Rule 49M of the Election Conduct Rules, 1961, which ensures the confidentiality of voting. In a parallel initiative to enhance logistics on election day, the commission has also streamlined permissible campaign norms. Election campaigning will now be completely prohibited within 100 meters of polling station entrances, reflecting a strict stance against any influence on voters close to the voting site. Campaign booths distributing informal voter identification slips can only be set up beyond this 100-meter limit, ensuring a less intrusive and more organized voting environment.

These measures align with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Election Conduct Rules, 1961. They demonstrate the commission's commitment to balancing voter convenience with strict adherence to electoral laws. The new directives were issued under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi. The commission continues to affirm its dedication to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections while consistently enhancing facilities for India's vast electorate.