CHENNAI: From seating arrangements at polling stations to real-time voter turnout updates, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is rolling out a series of voter-friendly measures in Tamil Nadu aimed at making voting more comfortable, accessible and transparent in the upcoming election.
With most polling booths located in educational institutions, officials said efforts are under way to provide seating facilities for voters to ensure a more comfortable experience, particularly for the elderly and persons with disabilities. The commission is also exploring the concept of green polling booths in select locations, with reduced use of disposable materials.
Besides, polling stations will have mobile deposit facilities, while voter information slips will prominently display serial and part numbers to make identification easier. In a significant move, 100% webcasting will be carried out from all polling stations for effective monitoring. The ECI is also stepping up outreach efforts to attract young voters through audio-visual jingles and campaigns involving icons and celebrities.
In a bid to increase accessibility, the commission is encouraging the setting up of polling booths within multi-storey residential complexes, provided residents come forward to offer space. So far, 14 such locations have been identified across Tamil Nadu, most of them in Chennai, though officials noted that response from residents has been limited.
Addressing concerns over delays and discrepancies in voter turnout data, officials said the ECINET app will now enable real-time updates. “Every two hours, Returning Officers will upload voter turnout data on the app, which can be accessed by all. This will reduce time lag. As a result of this process, drastic variations in voter turnout after all data are compiled will be avoided,” an official said.
“There will be no need for the Returning Officer to call up the ECI. The app has brought uniformity. If polling closes at 6 pm, voter turnout will appear in the app after two to two-and-a-half hours, since connectivity at some polling stations may be poor. This app was introduced in the Bihar Assembly elections, and now the ECI is extending it to all states were elections are being held,” the official said.
Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik on Wednesday appealed to voters to verify their names in the electoral rolls at the earliest. She also urged people to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct through the cVigil app.
“At present, the app is largely used by political parties and officials. Greater public participation will strengthen enforcement,” she told TNIE.
In a separate statement, the CEO said officials have seized cash and goods worth Rs 42.65 crore till Wednesday.