The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala has formally requested the State Election Commission to cap the number of voters per polling booth at 1,100 for the upcoming local body elections, citing concerns over voter access and administrative efficiency. In a letter sent on Wednesday, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan criticized the commission’s proposal to allow 1,300 voters in panchayat booths and 1,600 in municipal ones, calling it “impractical.”

Satheesan argued that higher voter limits would overwhelm polling officials, leading to long queues and potential disenfranchisement, particularly for elderly and differently-abled voters. “More people at booths increase the workload, causing delays that may prevent many from voting,” he wrote, echoing sentiments from a recent News18 Kerala report highlighting similar concerns. He urged a uniform cap of 1,100 voters across rural and urban areas to ensure smoother operations.

The local body elections, expected by late 2025, will cover 1,200 local bodies, including panchayats, municipalities, and corporations, with over 34,000 polling booths planned, based on 2020 figures. The Congress’s demand reflects ongoing debates about electoral logistics in Kerala, where high voter turnouts—70.35% in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls—often strain polling infrastructure.

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