Assured Minimum Facilities at Polling Stations: Drinking Water, Adequate Shade, and More

Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, on Sunday announced the polling schedule for four states and one Union Territory going to Assembly elections in April 2026. He also announced the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Gyanesh Kumar stated that to ensure a ‘pleasant voting experience,’ the Election Commission had issued directions for the provision of drinking water, toilets, signages, ramps/wheelchairs with volunteers, help desks, voter facilitation centres, sufficient lighting inside voting compartments, and adequate shade at every polling station.

Special care for senior citizens and PwDs

Gyanesh Kumar highlighted that special care will be taken for all senior citizens and differently abled people, with special arrangements in place. Senior citizens can also apply for home voting.

For their convenience, the CEC stated that polling stations will be located on the ground floor with facilities such as ramps, wheelchairs, and volunteer assistance.

They will also be given priority in voting.

Additionally, for those who wish to cast their vote at polling stations, seating arrangements and benches will be provided. The CEC also assured sufficient transport facilities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

The Assembly elections are taking place in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4 for all the elections.

The West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 will be held in two phases instead of eight, the CEC said, noting that the decision was found necessary after deliberations.

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