Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: Women-Led Polling Stations To Empower Every Constituency

Chandigarh's upcoming elections on October 5 will feature polling stations staffed by women and persons with disabilities, promoting gender equality and accessibility. Voter Information Slips will also enhance voter engagement.

Chandigarh has taken a significant step to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the process for the upcoming polls on October 5. The Chief Electoral Officer of Haryana, Pankaj Agarwal, announced on Wednesday that for the first time, each assembly segment in the state will feature at least one polling station entirely staffed by women and persons with disabilities (PwD).

This initiative underscores the commitment to enhance the participation and role of women in the democratic process.

In effort to make voting more accessible and informative, the electoral department of Haryana is issuing 'Voter Information Slips' ahead of the October 5 polls. These slips will provide essential details such as the voter's polling booth, serial number on the electoral roll, and the date and time of the poll. A QR code will also be included, although the slip will not feature the voter's photograph. Pankaj Agarwal has instructed all District Electoral Officers and Returning Officers to distribute these slips to all registered voters at least five days before the election. However, it's important to note that these slips cannot be used as proof of identity at the polling station.

Agarwal also revealed plans to establish model polling stations across each assembly constituency. These stations will showcase local materials and art to reflect the community's cultural identity. Furthermore, every district will feature at least one polling station operated by the youngest eligible employees, aiming to engage more young people in the electoral process. This move, alongside the introduction of women and PwD-staffed stations, represents a broader effort to create a more inclusive and representative electoral environment.

To assist voters on election day, Voter Assistance Booths (VABs) will be installed at polling stations. Staffed by Booth Level Officers and other officers, these booths aim to guide voters in finding their polling booth number and their name on the electoral roll. An alphabetical locator, derived from the ERO-Net system, will be available at the VAB to facilitate the process. These booths, along with clear signage, will be prominently positioned near polling centers to ensure they are easily visible to all voters, enhancing the overall voting experience.

The initiative to have polling stations managed by women and PwD employees underscores Haryana's commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in key societal roles. "To promote gender equality and enhance the role of women in the electoral process, at least one polling station in each assembly constituency will be managed entirely by women and PwD employees," Agarwal emphasized. This approach not only empowers women and PwD employees by entrusting them with critical electoral duties but also promotes a more inclusive democracy.

In conclusion, Haryana is setting a precedent with its inclusive approach to the upcoming elections. By integrating women and persons with disabilities into the electoral process, showcasing local culture at model polling stations, and providing comprehensive voter assistance, the state aims to foster a more engaged and informed electorate. This initiative reflects a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable electoral landscape in India.