Mangaluru, May 10: Deputy Commissioner Sasikumar Senthil said that postal ballot papers were sent to polling officers, police officers and other staff deputed for election duty and more than 5000 voters would cast their votes through postal ballots in the district.
Speaking in a joint press conference in the city on Thursday, the DC said that total 12,837 polling officers, 1295 police officers and staff, 43 persons vehicle drivers and cleaners were sent postal ballots. Already, they have received total 5900 postal ballots from them, he said.
Keeping vigil on social media campaign
The Election Commission is keeping vigil on the social media against posting comments against any candidates or political parties or campaigning on any person or parties. Steps have been taken to trace such persons who engage in such activities in social media and they could be jailed if the charges are proved, he warned.
13,176 polling officers appointed
Total 13,176 polling officers were appointed in eight assembly constituencies in the district. Along with them, total 648 vehicles were pressed into election duty to ferry polling officers and staff. The KSRTC will provide special bus service to 33 places where bus facility is not available. In order to ferry polling staff and EVMs to Sullia, Belthangadi and Puttur, total 160 buses were deputed, he said.
Polling agents who enter polling stations on the polling day could be changed before 3 pm. After 3 pm, no party should change their polling agents. All people who will come to polling booths would be allowed to exercise their votes till 6 pm. The district has total 17,11,848 voters including 8,70,675 women voters, he said.
The election commission has restricted to conduct survey from 7 am to 6.30 pm on the day of voting and conducting exit poll was also banned before 48 hours of the voting. Political parties and candidates should get the permission either from the district or state election committees for publishing the advertisements to be published on May 11 and 12, he said.
ZP CEO Dr MR Ravi, ADC Vaishaly, DCP Hanumantaraya and others were present at the press conference.
Action against those who disturb voting: Commissioner
In order to ensure smooth and fair election, the police department has taken all precautionary measures. The department would take action against those who indulge in any kind of anti-social activities to disturb polling, said Police Commissioner Vipul Kumar and SP Dr Ravikante Gowda.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
