The distribution of voters' slips will begin in Chennai on April 1, marking its commencement in the State, Praveen Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer, said on Friday.
The CEO told a press conference here that the printing of slips was in progress. The voters' slips would be the only alternative document to be allowed in place of Elector's Photo Identity Cards (EPIC). This rule, however, would not be applicable in respect of about 60,000 voters in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts whose names had figured in electoral rolls without their images. In the case of such voters, any of 13 documents of proof would be allowed.
The distribution of voters' slips would be carried out through booth-level officers, he added.
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On the occasion, Mr. Praveen Kumar launched a compact disc, containing visuals of film stars such as Karthi, Rohini, Suhasini and Jayam Ravi, and carrying a message that the people should vote conscientiously and fearlessly. Additional CEO P. Amudha said 65,000 copies of posters had been produced and each district would be given 2,000 copies.
To a question on the slew of freebies promised by major parties, he declined to comment except saying that the authorities would not be able to intervene in matters concerning legitimate instruments of political parties. The Commission would act if bribes were offered to voters.