Voters with disabilities may travel free to Chennai polling places

According to District Election Officer J Radhakrishnan on Thursday, voters with disabilities may take use of free pick-up and drop services provided by the Election Commission of India in collaboration with Uber to go to voting places. Through the Saksham smartphone app, they may also take use of the transportation services offered by the Chennai corporation.

Additional support may be obtained by calling helplines 1950 or 18004257012, where three individuals skilled in sign language are ready to assist. For help, those who are hard of hearing may text 91501 95275. On that day, Radhakrishnan also examined the Nandanam Government Boys College control room.

Up to 299 zonal teams carried all the supplies, such as VVPATs and other forms, to the voting places in each of the 16 assembly seats prior to the elections. The teams had police protection while they were being sent. On Friday, from 5.30 am to 7 am, there will be mock elections at the booths. The polls are open till six o’clock at night. In case any of the deployed machines develop problems, we have also stockpiled 20% extra EVMs, the district election officer said. At the voting places, there will also be quiz contests and selfie stations.