Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued detailed instructions to all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) across States and Union Territories to ensure that every polling station is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) and adequate voter assistance mechanisms on the day of polling.
The directive comes as the Nuapada Assembly constituency in Odisha prepares to go to polls on November 11, 2025, alongside the second phase of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and by-elections in six other states.
Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) for Voters
The ECI has made the provisioning of AMFs mandatory at all polling stations, including those in Nuapada. Each booth must have:
Drinking water and waiting sheds,
Toilets with water supply,
Adequate lighting,
Ramps with proper gradients for persons with disabilities (PwDs),
Standardized voting compartments, and
Clear signage to guide voters.
These measures are intended to provide a comfortable, accessible, and dignified voting experience for all electors, especially senior citizens, women, and PwD voters.
Focus on Awareness and Voter Assistance
To strengthen voter awareness, the ECI has directed that four standardized Voter Facilitation Posters (VFPs) be displayed prominently at each polling station. These posters will contain essential details such as the polling station number, list of candidates, voting procedure, Do’s and Don’ts, and the list of approved identification documents.
In addition, every polling station location will feature a Voter Assistance Booth (VAB) manned by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or designated staff. These VABs will help electors locate their polling booth number and serial number in the electoral roll, ensuring smooth and efficient voting.
New Measure: Mobile Phone Deposit Facility
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the ECI will provide a mobile phone deposit facility outside polling stations. Voters will be required to switch off and deposit their phones before entering the polling area and can collect them after casting their votes. This step aims to maintain orderliness, security, and secrecy of voting within polling premises.
Monitoring and Enforcement
The Commission reiterated that the implementation of AMFs and accessibility measures will be strictly monitored across all polling stations in Nuapada and other by-election constituencies. Field officials have been instructed to complete all necessary arrangements well before polling day to ensure a seamless and dignified experience for every voter.
As many as 14 candidates are contesting the Nuapada by-election. The ECI’s latest directive underscores its focus on voter-centric reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity in the electoral process.
