Inside India's General Elections: 7 Fascinating Polling Booths of India

India boasts a staggering 100 Crore registered voters, surpassing the combined populations of the USA, Russia, Japan, Germany, Italy and Brazil. To accommodate this massive voting population, over 10 lakh polling booths have been set up across the length and breadth of the country. As the nation gears up for elections, National Geographic India turns its lens to showcase the incredible polling booths spread across the country. From travelling to the untamed jungles of southern India to airdropping the polling staff and equipment, Election Commission of India ensures no one should ideally have to walk more than two kilometres to reach a polling station.

Here are some incredible aspects regarding polling booths

1. Trekking Through the WildernessIn Arunachal Pradesh, polling officers embark on a two-day trek spanning 35 kilometers to reach a lone female voter in Malogam village.In Meghalaya, polling booths emerge after traversing alpine lakes and enchanting wonders like the living root bridges in Mawlynnong, one of the Asia’s cleanest villages.
2. Reaching New HeightsUp north in the mighty Himalayas, India boasts of the world’s highest polling station. Tashigang in Himachal Pradesh has a polling station at over 15000 feet, symbolizing India’s democratic ethos despite its modest voter count.
3. Air-Dropping election machineryIn the rugged terrains of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, polling officials and machinery are sometimes air-dropped to ensure participation in the elections.
4. Booth in a remote locationIn Tamil Nadu, polling stations are set up in villages such as Thengumarahada, deep in the Nilgiris, simply so the voters don’t have to travel far for a polling booth.
5. Inclusive BoothsSpecial Rainbow Model Polling Stations set up exclusively for third-gender voters are championing inclusivity and pride.
6. Accessible for AllVoting from home is offered to voters aged 85 years and above and persons with disabilities as specified by the ECI.
7. Innovative SolutionsIn Gujarat’s Aliya Bet island, a polling station is set up in a shipping container’ to ensure no voter is left behind.

These incredible polling booths showcase the diversity and dedication of India’s democracy, ensuring that every voice is heard. National Geographic is set to premiere India Votes: World’s Greatest Election, an exclusive peek into the grand spectacle of Indian Elections, coming soon later this month.