ECI Prepares for J&K Assembly Polls with focus on voter accessibility, security

Srinagar : As the Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir approach, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is making comprehensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and transparent voting process for the 87.09 lakh eligible voters across the region.
As per ECI officials, a total of 11,838 polling stations are set to be established, catering to both urban and rural areas across the 20 districts.
“Jammu and Kashmir, with its 74 Assembly Constituencies, includes nine seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and seven for Scheduled Castes (SC),” they said.
ECI officials said that the electorate consists of 44.46 lakh male and 42.62 lakh female voters. In addition, special provisions are being made for 82,590 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), 169 transgender individuals, 73,943 senior citizens, 2,660 centenarians, and 76,092 service electors. Notably, 3.71 lakh voters will be casting their votes for the first time.
“The ECI has emphasized the importance of voter accessibility, announcing that 90 polling stations will be managed by PwDs, 90 by women, and 360 will serve as Model Polling Stations. These facilities are designed to provide an inclusive voting experience, with amenities such as ramps, wheelchair access, and volunteers to assist voters with disabilities,” ECI officials said.
Meanwhile, the Saksham App has also been introduced to further aid PwDs at polling stations. For those unable to visit polling stations, a Home Voting Facility via Postal Ballot will be available.
“To accommodate the unique challenges of the region, special polling stations will be set up in Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur, eliminating the need for cumbersome formalities for voters in these areas,” they said.
ECI officials said they have directed law enforcement agencies to maintain strict vigilance over the region’s borders, focusing on preventing the smuggling of heroin and illicit liquor, particularly through the critical border check posts in Kathua district.
Meanwhile district Magistrates and Superintendents of Police have been instructed to maintain impartiality, transparency, and accessibility for all political parties. They have also been warned against last-minute changes to polling station locations for security reasons, ensuring that polling stations remain within two kilometers of voters.
“ ECI aims to ensure that the upcoming Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir are conducted smoothly, with a strong emphasis on voter accessibility, transparency, and security,” officials said.