ECI Issues New Guidelines to Enhance Voter Experience on Poll Day
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced two key measures aimed at improving voter convenience and ensuring compliance with poll day protocols. The latest directives include the introduction of a mobile phone deposit facility outside polling stations and revised rules for canvassing near voting areas, in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 . Image Source: ECI Website/representational Only Acknowledging the growing use of mobile phones across urban and rural areas—and the difficulty some voters face in managing them on election day—the Commission has directed that voters will be required to deposit their mobile phones outside the polling station. Designated pigeonhole boxes or jute bags will be placed near the entrance for this purpose. Phones must be switched off and are not permitted inside polling booths . However, exemptions can be made by the R...