Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram district is set to hold its first phase of local body elections on 9 December, with 3,264 polling stations across the district. Among these, special categories of stations—‘model,’ ‘pink’ and ‘young’—have been introduced to enhance voter convenience and participation.

‘Model’ stations will be equipped with amenities such as wheelchairs, seating areas, drinking water, toilets and first-aid facilities. Priority in queues will be given to patients, pregnant women, elderly citizens and differently-abled persons. First-time voters will also receive a warm welcome at these stations.

‘Pink’ stations will be managed entirely by women officers and will be easily identifiable with pink balloons, curtains and tablecloths. ‘Young’ stations, overseen by young polling officers, will include special selfie points for voters to take photos after casting their ballots.

In the district, there will be two model stations, eight pink stations and four young stations, with one of each type located in each of the four municipalities.

The 3,264 polling stations in Thiruvananthapuram aim to ensure smooth voting during the local body elections. The ‘model’ stations cater to voters requiring additional assistance, including senior citizens, the differently-abled, and first-time voters. The ‘pink’ stations highlight women’s participation in election management, while the ‘young’ stations encourage engagement among younger voters through innovative initiatives like selfie points.

These measures are part of the Election Commission’s efforts to make polling more accessible, inclusive and voter-friendly, while also promoting awareness and participation in the democratic process ahead of the district’s elections on 9 December.