Chennai, Nov 4:
The Election Commission has notified a net increase of 56 polling stations across Tamil Nadu following the completion of an extensive polling booth rationalisation exercise, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik announced on Tuesday. The logistical adjustment is aimed at streamlining voter access and ensuring hassle-free polling operations across sensitive assembly constituencies.
The restructuring exercise was carried out in accordance with Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines, which mandate that individual polling stations should not exceed an upper limit of 1,200 registered electors to avoid overcrowding and prolonged queue waiting times. District Election Officers held comprehensive consultation rounds with recognized political party representatives before finalising the revised booth list.
Under the notified restructuring, several bifurcated and newly carved polling booths have been positioned in accessible public school buildings and government community centers, particularly in expanding peri-urban residential belts and densely populated rural settlements. The rationalisation also prioritised ground-floor accessibility, ramp provisions, and adequate waiting shelters for elderly and differently-abled voters.
The Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that the updated list of polling stations will serve as the baseline for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and summary revision of electoral rolls. Citizens and political stakeholders can inspect the draft booth lists at district collectorates, taluk offices, and designated municipal ward offices across the state.