The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states, on March 15, 2026. In preparation, the Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the respective States and Union Territories to ensure that all 2,18,807 polling stations are equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) and voter assistance on polling day.
The AMFs include drinking water, waiting areas with shade, toilets with water facilities, adequate lighting, ramps with proper gradients for persons with disabilities (PwD), standard voting compartments, and clear signage. In addition, benches will be placed at regular intervals along the queue to allow voters to sit while waiting for their turn.
To enhance voter awareness, four standardized Voter Facilitation Posters (VFPs) will be prominently displayed at every polling station. These posters will include polling station details, a list of candidates, guidelines on do’s and don’ts, approved identification documents, and the step-by-step voting process.
Further, Voter Assistance Booths (VABs) will be set up at each polling station. Staffed by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or officials, these booths will help voters locate their polling booth number and their serial number in the electoral roll. The booths will feature prominent signage to ensure they are easily visible as voters approach the premises.
As part of several initiatives to facilitate voters, a mobile phone deposit facility will be provided outside the polling station entrance. Voters can deposit their switched-off phones with a designated volunteer before entering and collect them after casting their vote.
The Commission has reiterated that provisioning of AMFs and accessibility measures is mandatory and will be closely monitored to ensure strict compliance. All field functionaries have been directed to complete preparations well ahead of poll dates to ensure a smooth and convenient voting experience for all electors.
