Postal voting has started for senior citizens aged above 85 and persons with disabilities ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections scheduled for April 23. Election officials, accompanied by armed police personnel, are visiting eligible voters at their homes to facilitate the process.
Arrangements have been made, in accordance with the Election Commission of India, to enable these voters to cast their ballots from their residences. Under the instructions of Vellore District Election Officer Subbulakshmi, eligible voters across the district have been identified, and election officials are conducting home visits to carry out postal voting. Necessary facilities are provided to ensure a smooth and convenient voting experience, allowing elderly voters to vote comfortably from home.
Meanwhile, in the run-up to the elections, a voter awareness rally took place in Tiruchirappalli district on Saturday to promote full voter participation. The rally was jointly organised by My Bharat Kendra, Tiruchirappalli district, and the Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar Youth Association. Approximately 1,000 women practitioners of silambam, an ancient Tamil weapon-based martial art, took part, performing during the march from Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts.
A similar voter awareness rally was held in Tirupattur, flagged off by District Collector Sivasoundaravalli, who led efforts to encourage eligible citizens to vote. Students actively participated in the campaign, promoting 100 per cent voting and urging citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
Tamil Nadu will conduct voting in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The principal contest is expected to be between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), including Congress, DMDK, and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with allies BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). Additionally, actor-turned-politician Vijay-led TVK is aiming to establish a three-way contest in the state elections.