Trichy: S Rukmini, an 82-year-old woman voter from KK Nagar in the Trichy East Assembly constituency, was recently hospitalised and discharged on Thursday, which was polling day. Instead of going home, the senior citizen made a detour to a polling station at Jegan Matha School campus, accompanied by her son, to cast her vote. She was among dozens of senior citizens who exercised their constitutional rights despite mobility challenges.
Senior Citizens Overcome Mobility Issues
M Rathinam, a 92-year-old voter, chose not to use the postal voting option. With the help of her family, she reached a polling station in Ettarai to cast her vote. "I have voted for MGR (late former CM M G Ramachandran)," Rathinam said. The district election department made elaborate arrangements, including mobilising wheelchairs and appointing volunteers to guide senior citizens to polling stations, which were appreciated by the aged voters.
Supportive Measures for Elderly Voters
Sanitary workers and students were also roped in to assist. Benches and shamiana tents were provided for senior citizens to wait for their turns. These efforts ensured that elderly voters could participate in the democratic process with dignity and ease.
