9,506 Polling Stations in rural areas to ensure maximum participation
44.46 lakh men, 42.62 lakh female and 169 third gender voters eligible
3.71 lakh first-time voters to participate in upcoming elections
11,838 Polling Stations Across J&K to be set up
90 stations to be managed by PwD Staff, 90 by women exclusively
360 model stations to serve voters
73,943 senior citizens, 2,660 centenarians to vote
Over 82,000 differently-abled voters to benefit from special facilities
Srinagar, Aug 16: The Election Commission announced the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, marking the first such elections in a decade. Over 87.09 lakh voters are eligible, including 44.46 lakh men and 42.62 lakh women. Key demographics include 3.71 lakh first-time voters aged 18-19 and 20.7 lakh young voters aged 20-29.
Special provisions will be made for 82,590 persons with disabilities (PwD), 73,943 voters aged over 85, 2,660 centenarians, and 169 voters identifying as third gender. The electoral process will establish 11,838 polling stations across 9,169 locations, with 9,506 in rural areas and 2,332 in urban zones. Notably, 90 polling stations will be staffed by PwD and another 90 exclusively by women. Additionally, 360 model polling stations will highlight local materials and art forms.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized that all polling stations will be located on the ground floor with accessible roadways. They will be equipped with assured minimum facilities (AMF), including drinking water, waiting sheds, restrooms, proper lighting, ramps for PwD voters, and standard voting compartments. Permanent ramps and infrastructure are being developed to ensure long-term accessibility.
Specific measures will be in place for senior citizens and differently-abled voters. They will be tagged to their polling stations, supported by volunteers, and given priority access. Special provisions will also address voters with speech and hearing impairments, with polling personnel trained to meet their needs.
The Election Commission has also announced transport facilities for PwD and senior voters on election day. In a commitment to gender equality, at least one polling station in every Assembly Constituency will be managed exclusively by women. Each district will also feature a polling station run by the youngest eligible government employee.
