Why is campaigning prohibited inside the polling station?

Correct answer: To prevent pressure on voters

Direct answer: Campaigning is prohibited inside a polling station to prevent pressure on voters and protect their free choice. A polling station is meant for orderly, secret, and impartial voting, not for persuading people at the last moment. If party workers or candidates campaign inside it, voters may feel watched, threatened, confused, or pushed toward a particular choice. Option A is correct because the restriction helps each voter decide independently and cast a secret ballot. Option B is wrong because the rule is not meant to switch off or close an electronic voting machine; machine operation follows separate procedures. Option C is wrong because the voter list is needed to verify eligible voters and is not removed because of the campaign ban. Option D is wrong because campaigning cannot legitimately change a result; the purpose of the ban is to prevent influence before the vote is cast. Neutral polling arrangements increase trust in the election. Memory cue: “Polling booth: vote freely, campaign outside.”