TN Polls: ECI ensures smooth voting
Chennai: With polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for Thursday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has put in place comprehensive measures across the state to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and accessible voting process.
Officials said preparations are in the final stages, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, accessibility, and real-time monitoring at polling stations.
75,064 Polling Booths Set Up
A total of 75,064 polling booths have been set up, each equipped with essential facilities and staffed by trained personnel. The Commission has instructed Chief Electoral Officers to ensure that all polling stations are fully prepared to handle voters efficiently and without disruption.
To maintain law and order and uphold the integrity of the process, micro-observers have been deployed at polling stations to closely monitor proceedings and report any irregularities in real time, enhancing transparency.
VIS Distribution Underway
The distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS) is also underway, enabling voters to easily identify their polling stations and verify their details in advance.
Polling stations will be equipped with basic amenities, including drinking water, shaded waiting areas, toilets with water supply, proper lighting, ramps for persons with disabilities, clear signage, and well-maintained voting areas.
Special arrangements have been made to support elderly and differently-abled voters, including seating at intervals along queues. As part of voter awareness initiatives, four standardised information posters will be prominently displayed at all polling stations, providing details on polling procedures, candidate lists, accepted identity documents, and key guidelines for voters.
Voter Assistance Booths To Set Up
Voter Assistance Booths will be set up at each location to help individuals find their polling station number and serial number in the electoral roll. Directional signage will also be placed along routes leading to polling centres to ensure easy navigation.
In addition, mobile phone deposit facilities will be available outside polling stations. Voters will be required to switch off their phones and leave them with designated volunteers before entering, and can collect them after casting their vote.
With campaigning now concluded, the state has entered the mandatory silence period ahead of polling day. The Commission has reiterated that all arrangements will be closely monitored, with field officials directed to complete preparations well in advance to ensure a seamless and voter-friendly voting experience.
