Election officials in Assam's Nagaon district have finalised a full voter list and infrastructure plan ahead of a Lok Sabha by-election that will decide the fate of five Assembly constituencies. District Commissioner Aranyak Saikia, who has recently taken charge of the district, confirmed on Monday, September 7, that 11,38,362 people are registered to cast their ballots when polling day arrives.
Voter count and polling infrastructure
To handle that scale of turnout, the Election Commission is setting up 1,339 individual polling stations spread across 684 separate locations in the district. Saikia said the network is designed so that no voter has to travel unreasonably far to reach a booth, and that the layout has been finalised as part of the broader preparation drive already underway in Nagaon.
Firearms deposit ordered for security
As a precautionary security measure ahead of polling, the district administrations of both Nagaon and the neighbouring Morigaon district have directed residents to hand in any firearms they legally possess. The order took effect from Monday, and is a standard step authorities take before elections to reduce the risk of violence or intimidation at polling booths.
Special facilities for elderly and disabled voters
The administration has also built in provisions for voters who cannot easily reach polling stations. People with disabilities and those aged above 85 years will be able to use the home-voting facility, allowing them to cast their ballot without leaving their residence. Separately, voters classified as eligible service voters, such as those posted away from home for government duty, will be able to vote through postal ballots rather than in person.
Manpower and voter helpline
Saikia said 149 officials from within Nagaon district have been assigned specific election-related duties as directed by the Election Commission, covering everything from booth management to logistics. To support voters directly, the district has also activated a dedicated control room that will field queries and provide assistance through the election period. Residents can reach the facility by dialling either 1077 or 03672-238000.
Strong rooms for election material
For the secure custody of election materials and votes once polling concludes, the district will maintain two strong rooms. One has been set up at Nagaon Government Higher Secondary Boys' School, while the second will be located at Dawson Higher Secondary and Multipurpose School.
The district administration said the full set of arrangements, from polling infrastructure to security and voter assistance, is intended to ensure the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election is conducted smoothly and in a free and fair manner.
