Delhi Elections 2025: How EC came up with theme-based polling booths to draw voters

Delhi Elections: Delhi’s 2025 Assembly Elections witnessed a series of creative initiatives aimed at boosting voter participation and celebrating India’s achievements in various fields.

Space-themed polling station in Vikaspuri

A standout feature of the elections was a space-themed polling station in Vikaspuri, designed under the theme Chandrayaan Se Chunav Tak Bharat Ki Udaan. This booth celebrated India’s space advancements while promoting democratic participation. Chandrayaan and PSLV spacecraft models were displayed alongside telescopes and bioscopes, offering voters an immersive experience. Volunteers dressed as astronauts added to the excitement, making the polling station an attraction in itself.

Nitin Shakya, the Vikaspuri SDM and Returning Officer, said that the initiative aims to showcase India’s achievements, including advancements in space technology and the successful organisation of consecutive elections. ” We have displayed models of different Chandrayaan, PSLV, which are made by students of Rajdhani College, Shivaji College, Bharati College. Students there have made handmade models,” Shakya told journalists.

He further explained, “Live astronauts are roaming around, assisting the public in voting. They are giving roses, making them wear mufflers, taking photographs, and placing badges. We have also kept a bioscope, in which we can bring back old memories. We have compared the bioscope and telescope. Earlier we used to watch movies in it, and today we watch the sun in it. So the sun is also being shown.”

Shakya highlighted additional attractions, saying, “We have also shown hand painting and face painting. Here are students and volunteers who are assisting in queue management. And the most special thing here is that 3D technology is also being used. Roller coaster rides and music are also being shown. So what is happening is that the public is coming here with a lot of enthusiasm, and they are very happy. And they are saying that next time, if this time it is 70% majority, then next time it will be 80% majority.

Green initiatives at Nirman Bhawan

In New Delhi’s Nirman Bhawan, the National Service Scheme (NSS) launched a waste collection drive to promote environmental awareness. Voters were encouraged to contribute waste materials, reinforcing the importance of responsible waste management.

Creche facilities ease voting for parents

To make the voting process more convenient for parents, several polling stations introduced creche facilities. This initiative enabled parents to cast their votes without concerns about childcare, ensuring greater accessibility for families.

NDMC rewards voter participation

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) also took steps to encourage voter turnout. Voters at multiple booths across the city received plants and mugs as tokens of appreciation for their participation in the democratic process.

Yoga and sports bring vibrancy to polling booths

In Paschim Vihar’s Bosco Public School, voters engaged in activities centred around the theme of Yoga and Sports. This initiative aimed to promote health and wellness while making the voting experience interactive and enjoyable.

High-profile participation and voter turnout

These creative measures were praised by the Election Commission for enhancing voter engagement and fostering a stronger connection with the democratic process.

Also Read: Delhi Elections 2025: Student volunteers aid elderly voters

Polling took place across 13,766 stations in Delhi’s 70 constituencies, with 699 candidates contesting for seats. In the 2020 elections, voter turnout stood at 62.59%, while only 56% participated in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Prominent leaders such as President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, Union Ministers S Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, as well as Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal, were among the early voters, setting an example for citizen participation.

With these innovative polling initiatives, Delhi’s 2025 elections not only facilitated smoother voting but also enriched the experience, making democracy more engaging and inclusive.