Thanjavur: District Collector A. Annadurai today inspected the ‘model polling booth’ set up by the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) at Vallam bus stand to enable the first-time voters to understand the method of exercising their franchise in electronic voting machines (EVM) and the structure of polling station.

The Collector also kicked off a signature campaign to create awareness among the voters on the need to exercise their democratic right during the November 19 election for the Thanjavur constituency.

Accompanied by Superintendent of Police J. Mahesh, Annadurai visited every household in Vallam town panchayat area and distributed hand bills appealing to the voters to vote and ensure cent per cent polling. He also visited the Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Vallam, identified as sensitive booth, and inspected the arrangements including basic amenities.

“First time voters can easily understand the components of the polling booth and cast their votes,” said SVEEP nodal officer A Poongothai.

The Election Commission of India has mandated the establishment of model polling booths in the assembly segment at places where people gather in large numbers.

Model booths would also be set up in other areas too. “Voters, especially first-timers, can visit the model booth and get their doubts clarified,” Poongothai said.