Chennai: Campaigning for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections has concluded, with polling scheduled to take place the day after tomorrow, April
23. The Election Commission has stated that all necessary arrangements for the polling process are being undertaken in full swing, with Micro-Observers appointed at every polling station to ensure that voting proceeds peacefully.
Polling stations and voter information slips
A total of 75,064 polling stations are being established for these elections. The Chief Electoral Office has commenced the distribution of Voter Information Slips to help voters identify their polling stations. The Election Commission has issued instructions to ensure that assured minimum facilities are provided at each station, along with necessary assistance for voters on polling day.
Minimum facilities at polling stations
These minimum facilities include drinking water, a shaded waiting area, restrooms with water facilities, adequate lighting, ramps for voters with disabilities, a proper voting compartment, and appropriate signage. Chief Electoral Officers have also been requested to arrange seating at regular intervals within the queues for voters to sit while waiting for their turn.
Voter awareness posters
To enhance voter awareness, four uniform and standardized voter-centric posters must be prominently displayed at all polling stations. These posters will contain details regarding the polling station, the list of candidates, a list of “Dos and Don’ts,” a list of approved identity documents, and the voting procedure.
Voter assistance centers
Voter Assistance Centers will be set up at every polling station. A team comprising Polling Station Level Officers will be present at each location to assist voters in identifying their polling station number and serial number within the respective voter list. Clear signage will be installed at these centers, and directional posters will be prominently displayed for easy visibility as voters proceed toward the polling stations.
Mobile phone safekeeping facility
As part of the various initiatives undertaken by the Election Commission for the convenience of voters, a mobile phone safekeeping facility will be provided outside the entrance of polling stations. Before entering the polling station, voters may hand over their mobile phones in switched-off mode to a designated volunteer and retrieve them after casting their vote.
Monitoring and compliance
The Commission has reiterated that providing minimum facilities is mandatory and that strict monitoring will be conducted to ensure that these standards are adhered to across all polling stations. To ensure a seamless and superior voting experience for all voters, all field functionaries have been instructed to complete the necessary preparatory tasks well in advance of the polling dates.
