Kapurthala voters to decide fate of 278 candidates today

District Electoral Officer (DEO) and Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal urged voters to turn out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights. He assured that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure peaceful and fair polling.

The Deputy Commissioner announced that December 21 would be observed as a “dry day” in the polling areas, as per the Punjab Excise Act, 1914. Liquor shops will remain closed and serving alcohol in hotels or restaurants will be prohibited.

To maintain order, the DC also issued a ban on the use of mobile phones, wireless devices, loudspeakers and megaphones within a 100-m radius of polling stations. These restrictions, however, do not apply to polling staff or officials authorised by competent authorities. Additionally, no candidate or party will be allowed to set up polling booths or tents within 200 m of polling stations.

For voters lacking photo voter ID cards, alternative identification documents such as PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, driving licences, MNREGA job cards, bank or post office passbooks, pension documents or passports will be accepted as valid proof to cast their vote.

The administration has assured all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth electoral process.