In a significant move to streamline the electoral process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has given its nod to a major reorganisation of polling stations across Uttar Pradesh. This restructuring, which covers all 75 districts of the state, is designed to enhance voter convenience and manage crowds more effectively during elections.
Key Changes in Polling Station Numbers
The state's Chief Electoral Officer, Navdeep Rinwa, announced that the exercise has led to a substantial increase in the total number of polling stations. Previously, Uttar Pradesh had 1,62,486 polling stations. Following the reorganisation approved by the ECI, this number has risen to 1,77,516. This marks a net addition of 15,030 new polling stations across the state's 403 assembly constituencies.
The entire process was initiated on October 29. District election officers from every district prepared and submitted their proposals, which were subsequently forwarded to the ECI on November 24 for final approval.
Revised Voter Cap for Better Management
A crucial change driving this reorganisation is the revision in the voter limit per polling booth. In the last reorganisation carried out in 2024, the norm was set at 1,500 voters per station. However, for the current revision, the ceiling has been deliberately lowered to 1,200 voters per polling station.
This strategic reduction aims to ensure smoother voting operations, reduce waiting times, and improve overall accessibility for voters, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. It is expected to lead to a more efficient and voter-friendly experience on election days.
Implementation and Next Steps
To manage the operations at these additional polling stations, the state administration will deploy extra Booth Level Officers (BLOs). These officers will be responsible for a range of voter-related tasks, from list verification to facilitating arrangements at the polling booth, ensuring the enhanced infrastructure translates into seamless execution.
Furthermore, the draft publication of the electoral rolls, prepared under a special summary revision with January 1, 2026 as the qualifying date, will be released at all the newly created polling stations on January 6. This will allow voters to check and update their details in the fresh electoral list.
The comprehensive reorganisation underscores the Election Commission's continued focus on refining electoral logistics to encourage higher voter participation and uphold the integrity of the democratic process in India's most populous state.
