Streamlining Democracy: More Polling Stations for Efficient Voting

In an effort to streamline the voting process, electoral rolls in 12 Indian states and union territories will undergo a special intensive revision next week. This move aims to reduce the length of voting queues by increasing the number of polling stations, following successful implementation in Bihar.

Previously, Bihar set a national benchmark by ensuring each polling station has a maximum of 1,200 voters, down from 1,500. As a result, the number of polling stations in Bihar increased significantly. The same strategy will now be applied in the other regions undergoing revision, promising increased accessibility for voters.

Guidelines from the Election Commission stipulate the establishment of new polling stations in high-density areas such as high-rise buildings and slum clusters. Political parties will be consulted on these developments, ensuring that logistical challenges are addressed. The initiative also aims to ensure that voters are not required to travel more than 2 kilometers to reach their designated polling station.