Voters have to deposit mobile phones at polling booths starting Bihar polls

To ease the voting experience and promote inclusivity, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a new facility allowing voters to deposit their mobile phones at designated counters outside polling booths. The announcement, made on Friday, comes ahead of the third phase of the Bihar Assembly elections later this year, where the facility will first be rolled out.

According to the updated guidelines, voters can hand over their mobile phones to election staff at the entrance of polling stations. These phones will be securely stored in pigeonhole boxes or jute bags and returned after voters cast their ballot. The ECI staff will be responsible for safeguarding these devices during the process.

Once voters complete the voting procedure and their fingers are inked, they can retrieve their phones and even take selfies outside the polling premises. However, mobile phones will continue to be strictly prohibited inside the polling station, as per Rule 49M of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which mandates the secrecy of voting.

The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, said this initiative is a response to growing mobile phone usage across India and the practical difficulties faced by women, the elderly, and disabled voters, who often carry phones for security and accessibility.

In another key reform, the ECI has allowed political parties and candidates to set up help desks within 100 metres of polling booths. These desks may distribute unofficial voter slips, a task earlier restricted to 200 metres from the booth entrance. Officials believe this change will improve accessibility and reduce confusion for voters, especially in densely populated or rural areas.

However, the ECI clarified that certain polling stations may be exempt from this phone deposit provision depending on local conditions, as assessed by the returning officer. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity and secrecy of the election process while adapting to modern needs.