Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C on Wednesday declared that all polling booths in the state will be tobacco-free for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The use of cigarettes, bidi, and other tobacco products will be prohibited in all polling booths, he said, adding that the presiding officer of each polling booth has been nominated as the nodal officer to ensure the tobacco-free status at the respective polling booths.
This significant step underscores the Office of CEO’s commitment to promote public health and creating a safe and healthy environment for voters. “The aim of declaring polling booths tobacco-free is to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke exposure and encourage a healthier lifestyle among the people. This initiative also aligns with broader public health campaigns and legislative efforts to reduce tobacco use and its associated health risks including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung disease, blindness, etc,” he added.
Voting with Style: Anandpur Sahib's Airport-Themed Polling Booth to Boost Turnout
Aimed at increasing voter turnout in Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, the Election Commission has set up a unique, airport-themed ‘Super Model Polling Booth’ at Amity International School. Designed to give voters the feel of being at an international airport, this booth offers a range of attractions to make voting a memorable experience.
As voters approach the polling booth, they are greeted with a grand floral entrance and a red carpet welcome, complete with the beats of traditional Punjabi dhol. The entrance features a sign in Punjabi reading “Ji Aaya Nu” (Welcome), with a message underneath encouraging citizens to “Take Flight for Democracy at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport”.
Once inside, voters will find comfortable seating arrangements and refreshment stations offering chilled water and traditional Punjabi “chabeel” (sweetened water). Additionally, there will be a corner where young women demonstrate traditional sewing and embroidery, adding to the cultural ambiance.
A help desk will guide voters to the correct room for casting their ballots, issuing “boarding passes” (voter slips) to streamline the process. Young women dressed as air hostesses will welcome voters and assist them through the voting procedure. After voting, voters can take selfies with a model airplane, capturing their participation in this unique electoral experience.
