To fulfill the commitments of ‘No Voter to be left behind’ and ensuring “Accessible Elections” in this General Election the following amenities are being provided in the polling stations so that the rigors of polling processes get reduced and make it a pleasant experience on the day of the poll for all categories of voters.

1. Efforts are being made to provide minimum facilities for the voters in the polling stations: (a) Drinking water (b) Electricity (c) Ramp for PvvD Voters (d) Toilet (e) Waiting shed
2. Giving special entry passes into the polling station to the following to cast votes without waiting in the queue:

(a) The identified PwD Voters.

(b) Even those unidentified PwD Voters, if produce Disability ID Cards to the presiding officer, can be facilitated (such cases can be reported to the ERO for recording later).

(c) Octogenarian & older voters.

(d) Pregnant women voters (if identified by Anganwadi Workers, etc).

(e) Women Voters with babies in arms.

1. Under Rule 49N of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1960, the visually impaired can have one companion to the polling booth to record votes in the machine as per choice.
2. The balloting unit of EVM, on the right side of the press button, contains Braille numerals (Sl Nos) for visually impaired voters to select their choice of candidate/NOT A to cast vote.
3. The electoral law not only guarantees equality of PwDs but also mandates the election machinery to facilitate their access and participation in the electoral processes within the polling station, among others, like the provision of ramps for wheelchair-user voters and parking facilities for the vehicles of the PwD voters at the premises.
4. The Election Department has also asked political parties to include in their political campaign manifesto and plan for the protection and safeguarding of the rights of PwDs and Senior citizens and providing ample opportunity for participating freely. The District Election Officers have been instructed to facilitate the special needs of the PwDs and Senior citizen voters.

This is issued for all stakeholders to comply and the PwDs and senior citizen voters to come out and participate in this election and make our democracy wholesome and reflective of people's choices and aspirations.

(DIPR)