Proposal for polling stations in high-rises, residential colonies will benefit urban voters, says ECI official

Kerala may require around 6,500 additional booths with the ECI capping voter population per polling station at 1,200, according to a preliminary estimate by the office of Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Kelkar.
| Photo Credit: PTI

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is looking at the possibility of having polling stations in high-rises and residential colonies during elections as part of the efforts to boost voter participation in urban areas.

As Kerala is significantly urbanised, this arrangement will benefit voters in high-rises, especially in cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, P. Pawan, Deputy Director of ECI’s Media Division said here on Friday (June 13, 2025) while explaining the initiatives of the ECI.

Rathan U. Kelkar, Chief Electoral Officer – Kerala said his office has issued a direction to District Collectors, who are also the District Election Officers, to identify high-rise buildings that are eligible to have polling stations.

Reportedly, this arrangement, meant to address ‘voter apathy’ in urban areas, will cater to high-rise buildings and residential colonies that have voter numbers in adequately large numbers to justify an additional booth.

“This is a direction which has come from the ECI. Now we are trying to identify the high-rises that can qualify for having polling stations,” Mr. Kelkar said.

Kerala may require around 6,500 additional booths with the ECI capping voter population per polling station at 1,200, according to a preliminary estimate by Mr. Kelkar’s office. For the upcoming Nilambur byelections, 59 polling stations have been newly added in the Assembly constituency, taking the total number to 263.

Mobile deposit facility

Mr. Pawan also explained that the ‘mobile deposit facility’ newly announced by the ECI will allow voters to deposit their mobile phones just outside the polling stations before they enter to vote. Boxes or jute bags are expected to be provided for the purpose.

“ECI has directed all the election-going States to create a facility to carry the mobile phone up to the entrance of the station. This is a proactive measure as far as people who are carrying mobile phones are concerned,” Mr. Kelkar added.

Mr. Pawan also explained that the ECINET, the new integrated dashboard planned by the ECI, will offer all services at a single point, replacing more than 40 apps and websites.

Sharmila C., Additional CEO – Kerala, was also present.