Months of campaigning come down to a single day. Many candidates lose close elections not because they lacked support, but because their supporters did not turn out. A clear polling day strategy ensures your support becomes actual votes, while staying fully within the law.
Preparation Starts Weeks Earlier
Final Supporter List
By the last week, every booth team should have a list of identified supporters and leaning voters, with serial numbers from the electoral roll. This is your turnout target.
Voter Information
Help supporters know their polling station and serial number. Voters can check details through the Election Commission’s Voter Helpline app or the voters’ services portal. The Election Commission also distributes official voter information slips through booth level officers.
Assign Responsibility
Each volunteer should be responsible for a fixed group of families, ideally the same families they contacted during the campaign.
The Night Before
- Confirm reporting time and location for all polling agents.
- Share a final checklist with booth teams.
- Ensure the war room has updated contact lists.
- Remind teams that public campaigning is prohibited during the silence period.
Polling Day Timeline
Early Morning
Polling agents reach booths before the mock poll. Booth teams set up their help desks only at the distance permitted from the polling station, following local instructions. These desks should not display campaign material beyond what rules allow.
Morning Hours
Encourage committed supporters to vote early. Early voting reduces the risk of last minute problems like long queues or weather.
Midday Review
Polling agents mark who has voted. At intervals permitted, this information reaches the booth team, which identifies supporters who have not yet voted.
Afternoon Push
This is the most important period. Volunteers contact supporters who have not voted, with polite reminders. Focus on families with elderly members, working people and women who may vote later in the day.
Closing Hour
Anyone in the queue at closing time is allowed to vote. Make sure supporters know this so they do not leave the line.
Helping Elderly and Disabled Voters
The Election Commission provides facilities such as ramps, wheelchairs and assistance for persons with disabilities and senior citizens at polling stations, and in many elections a home voting option has been offered for eligible elderly and disabled voters through postal ballot. Inform eligible supporters about these facilities in advance.
What Not to Do
- No distribution of cash, liquor or gifts. This is bribery under Section 171B of the Indian Penal Code (now covered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and a corrupt practice under the Representation of the People Act.
- No campaigning within 100 metres of the polling station.
- No intimidation or crowding near booths.
- Transport for voters to and from polling stations by candidates is restricted under Section 133 of the Representation of the People Act. Do not hire vehicles for this purpose.
War Room Support
A central war room should track turnout reports, coordinate responses to complaints and dispatch legal help if needed. See our guide to setting up an election war room.
After Polls Close
Collect Form 17C copies from all polling agents, report final booth wise turnout and secure all records for counting day.
Conclusion
A disciplined polling day strategy converts support into votes. The key is preparation, clear assignments and a strong afternoon push, all within election law. DB PR Solution helps campaigns design and execute polling day operations.
Need Help With Your Campaign?
DB PR Solution is a Delhi based election management and political PR firm in New Ashok Nagar, Delhi 110096. We help candidates and parties with strategy, surveys, booth management, digital campaigns and media outreach. Call +91 8858986989, email dbprsolution@gmail.com or send us a message to discuss your constituency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can candidates provide transport to voters?
No. Hiring or procuring vehicles to carry voters to and from polling stations is a corrupt practice and also an offence under the Representation of the People Act.
What happens if a voter is in the queue at closing time?
Voters already in the queue at the official closing time are allowed to vote, usually after receiving a slip from polling officials.
How can I check where a supporter votes?
Use the Voter Helpline app or the Election Commission’s voters’ services portal with the voter’s EPIC number.