Voters participating in the June 19 assembly by-election in Punjab’s Ludhiana West constituency will be able to deposit their mobile phones at designated counters set up outside polling stations, officials said on Tuesday.
As per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI), designated counters outside the 194 polling stations will allow voters to deposit their phones before entering the premises. These counters will be managed by trained volunteers using jute or cloth bags to store the phones securely.
The facility is aimed at easing the voting process, particularly for women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, who often face inconvenience without access to their mobile phones. However, phones will not be allowed inside polling booths and must remain switched off within a 100-metre radius to maintain the secrecy and decorum of the election process.
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C said, "Implementing the mobile phone deposit facility during the Ludhiana West by-election is part of our broader effort to improve the convenience of the voters, while maintaining the secrecy of voting." He added that arrangements will be in place to ensure that deposited phones are safely returned to voters post-voting.
The ECI recently announced the introduction of a mobile phone deposit facility at all polling stations. It said the initiative would be implemented in the upcoming bypolls, including the Ludhiana West by-election.
This new facility, based on instructions issued by the ECI on May 23, aims to enhance the voter experience while upholding the secrecy of voting as mandated under Rule 49M of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
The Ludhiana West seat fell vacant following the demise of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January. Polling will be held on June 19 from 7 am to 6 pm, with counting scheduled for June 23.
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