M3 voting machine, that can detect mechanical failures, to be used in Assembly polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the Assembly elections, M3 voting machines with new technology will be used. The uniqueness of the M3 machine is that it can detect mechanical failure itself. By displaying the battery level on the machine, the presiding officer can know the charging level and fix the faults quickly.

On the M3 machines, the battery compartment and the candidate set compartment are set separately. In case of battery failure, the machine need not be completely replaced. Instead, you can open the battery part and install a new one. This will help in resolving the time loss in the booths due to mechanical problems. M3 machines are lightweight and easy to handle.

In addition, greater accuracy and transparency can be ensured in polling. The machine can add the names of 384 candidates at a time, including NOTA. Previously used M2 machines could only include the names of 64 candidates.

Postal vote applications up to March 17

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Those who wished to cast postal votes in the Assembly polls should submit their application in 12d form by the 17th of this month, district collector and election officer Dr. Navjot Khosa said.

For this purpose, the form that can be availed from the booth level officers should be filled and submitted, after which a receipt will be given. Postal votes are for voters of 80 years and above, persons who are Covid positive and in quarantine, those who are disabled and for employees of 16 categories that was declared by the election commission as essential service by the Election Commission.