Fri May 23 16:17:55 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Election Commission Introduces Mobile Deposit and Canvassing Reforms to Boost Voter Confidence**
**New Delhi – May 23, 2025** – The Election Commission of India (EC) today announced new initiatives designed to enhance voter convenience and improve the election experience. Recognizing the widespread use of mobile phones, the EC will now allow a mobile deposit facility just outside polling stations. Voters can leave their switched-off phones in designated boxes or jute bags provided near the entrance, ensuring compliance with the 100-meter rule and maintaining the secrecy of the ballot. This initiative aims to assist senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities who may find managing mobile phones during voting challenging. Returning Officers will have the discretion to exempt certain polling stations from this provision based on local circumstances.
Furthermore, the EC has rationalized canvassing regulations, extending the permissible distance for electioneering and candidate booths to beyond 100 meters from polling stations. This adjustment is intended to facilitate voter outreach while maintaining order and compliance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
The EC emphasized its commitment to conducting elections strictly within the legal framework and continuously innovating to enhance voter facilities. The announcement coincided with the start of a two-day training program for Chief Electoral Officers from across the country, focusing on leveraging technology to improve electoral roll accuracy and discussing innovative election management strategies.
First Piper 