Kerala Assembly elections: Priority for elderly at polling booths

KOZHIKODE: Despite standing instructions from the Election Commission of India (ECI) for a separate queue at polling stations, primarily for senior citizens and physically challenged persons, no such facility will be available for Monday’s poll. However, those who require special attention will get priority in voting.

NHRC member Justice Cyriac Joseph recently requested the ECI to make provisions for separate queues for senior citizens in the Assembly elections.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kozhikode District Collector N Prasanth said that though there is no queue arranged for senior citizens, those who require assistance including senior citizens, physically handicapped, pregnant women, etc, will be given priority during the polls.  

“Instructions have also been issued to give priority/precedence to senior citizens, infirm voters and women with babies over other voters in the queue. Also, provision of a Help Desk has been made in the polling station locations to assist voters," said Wayanad District Collector Keshavendra Kumar.

Special seating arrangements for senior citizens and physically challenged have been arranged at model polling stations. Ramps have also been arranged in polling booths for the physically challenged. In Kannur, green volunteers have been deployed to keep polling booths free of plastic and other waste. Kannur has been implementing green protocol in elections since 2015 with the co-operation of Suchitwa Mission.