ECI Mandates Enhanced Voter Facilities Ahead of Assembly Polls in Five States

With the General Election to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states, scheduled to begin following the announcement on March 15, 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued firm directives to ensure a seamless and voter-friendly experience across all polling stations.

The Commission has instructed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states and union territories to guarantee that each of the 2,18,807 polling stations is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) and robust voter assistance mechanisms on poll day.

As part of the AMF framework, every polling station will be provided with drinking water, a waiting area with shade, a toilet with water facility, adequate lighting, a ramp with proper gradient for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) electors, a standard voting compartment, and clear signage. In a move to enhance comfort, CEOs have also been directed to place benches at regular intervals along queues, allowing electors to sit while awaiting their turn to vote.

To strengthen voter awareness, four uniform and standardized Voter Facilitation Posters (VFPs) will be prominently displayed at all polling stations. These posters will contain key information, including polling station details, the list of candidates, do’s and don’ts, approved identification documents, and the voting process.

Additionally, Voter Assistance Booths (VABs) will be established at every polling station location. Staffed by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and officials, these booths will assist electors in locating their polling booth number and serial number in the electoral roll. The VABs will feature prominent signage to ensure easy visibility as voters approach the premises.

In one of several initiatives aimed at voter convenience, a mobile phone deposit facility will be provided outside the entrance of each polling station. Voters can hand over their switched-off phones to a designated volunteer before entering, and collect them after casting their vote.

The Election Commission has reiterated that the provisioning of AMF and related accessibility measures is mandatory, and strict compliance will be monitored across all polling stations. All field functionaries have been directed to complete necessary works well in advance of poll dates to ensure a seamless and pleasant voting experience for every elector.