The first phase of training programme was organised for the polling personnel on handling electronic voting machines in the district.
It was inaugurated by Thoothukudi Sub-Collector and Returning Officer S. Gopala Sundara Raj at Kamaraj College here on Sunday. Over 1,200 personnel attended the programme.
The staff should verify the details of electors with voter identity cards before allowing them to exercise their democratic rights. Prior to polling, a mock polling should be done.
The polling staff also got a fair idea of handling the EVMs after their operations were demonstrated. Thoothukudi district comprises Thoothukudi, Kovilpatti, Tiruchendur, Srivaikuntam, Vilathikulam and Ottapidaram constituencies.
A total of 1,559 polling booths had been set up. As many as 7,981 polling staff would be deputed to the booths, the sources said.