Number of polling stations increased at Thally Assembly constituency, says Collector

The district administration has rebutted as “factually incorrect” speculations of reduction in the number of polling stations for 56- Thally Assembly Constituency in comparison to that of 2021 assembly elections.

During Covid-19 pandemic, the Election Commission limited the number of electors to 1,000 for each polling station for ease of voting and hence, the number of polling stations were increased from 302 to 348, the additional 46 polling stations set up as auxiliary polling stations. According to the administration, these auxiliary polling stations were “temporary, and not a permanent arrangement”.

The 2024 Parliamentary elections saw a rationalisation of the number of polling stations to 305 (303+2 auxiliary stations). Therefore, the rationalisation of polling stations back to the original number was not a new development in 2026 Assembly elections.

Further, any polling station with over 1,200 voters was split and additional polling station was created. Under this, 15 new polling stations were created.

In addition to these, a new polling station was created at Milithikki for 641 voters of Panduranganthotti village, who had to travel 2 km, ensuring “no voter to be left behind” principle, according to the administration.

A total of 68 polling stations in hilly areas are covered under SVEEP activities to ensure full inclusion.

Hence, the total number of polling stations has been increased to 321, marking a net increase in coverage and accessibility above the average baseline of 2024 Parliamentary elections, the District Election Officer and Collector C. Dinesh Kumar said.