Holding elections during a pandemic requires extraordinary efforts. The Election Commission of India is taking a series of measures to hold the five-state Assembly General Elections in a safe manner, by following all the protocols that are in force.<br />'' <br />''During the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, Tamil Nadu remained one of the most affected states. However, the curve spiralled down significantly in the later part of last year. The infection has now begun rearing its head again in the state, at a time when the state Legislature Assembly is going for the general elections. But the officials, aided by a series of preventive measures, are confident of holding the polls in a safe and secure manner.<br />'' <br />''Voters will be allowed after thermal screening. To avoid crowding, the number of voters for every booth has been brought down to a maximum of a thousand. As a result, the number of polling booths has been augmented to about 89,000, an increase of more than 20,600. To avoid direct contact with the EVM button, every elector is to be given a hand glove.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The vulnerable sections like those above 80 years of age, the differently-abled and the Covid-19 positive patients are given the option to cast postal ballots. The duration of voting has been extended by an hour and the last one hour is earmarked for the Covid-positive patients and those with its symptoms. They can come and exercise their franchise by wearing personal protection kits. The election officials, security personnel and volunteers are to be given an array of safety materials like face-shield to ward themselves off from the virus. </span><br />