Innovative thought by Bihar for organizing elections

Bihar: Bihar State Election Commission is going through innovative ideas to overcome virus in the coming elections which are going to take place in October and November. "Wooden sticks and Khadi masks will be arranged for the voters who visit polling booths," says State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) HR Srinivasa.

The Bihar State Election Commission said that Coronavirus patients and people of age above 65 years will be allowed to vote from home or use postal ballot in the elections.

Those who visit polling booths for voting will be given small wooden sticks to push the EVM button to reduce Covid-19 spread. Srinivasa added, "If a voter does not have a mask on, they would be provided with a free three-ply khadi mask. Proper arrangements for hand washing and bacteria-proof hand gloves will also be available."

45% of new polling booths will be arranged in addition to old one to maintain social distancing. Only 1,000 voters will be allotted at one polling booth.

According to the sources, reports say that the state currently has 1.98 crore voters of age group of 32-39 years, and 8.70 lakh voters are above 70 years. 7.43 lakh new voters had been added to the electoral rolls.