<span style="color: black;">In Tamil Nadu the stage is set for the single phase 16th assembly election tomorrow. A total of 6,28,69,955 voters will exercise their franchise in 234 assembly constituencies and also simultaneously at the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha bye election. The State has 13,83,610 first time voters. Three thousand, nine hundred and ninety eight contestants are in the fray including 411 women and two trans-genders. Over 1,58,000 Electronic Voting Machines are kept ready at 88,937 polling booths. <br />''<br />''More than four lakh government staff are deployed for the poll duty. A total of 118 observers are monitoring the violation of model code of conduct activities in the State. Nearly 10,000 special buses are operated by the State Transport Corporation as a special arrangement for voters to go to their constituencies to exercise their franchise. Three thousand five hundred and thirty eight voters without sight can also exercise their franchise through braille voting. The government has declared paid holiday tomorrow under representation of people and also insisted that private establishments should follow the order. <br />''<br />''AIR Correspondent reports, polling officials unmindful of all difficulties reach to the farthest corners of the State for the poll duty. Polling  staff could be seen carrying EVM and VVPAT machines in far off villages. One lakh 58 thousand security personnel will maintain law and order in the polling booths. Voters have been instructed to follow COVID regulations strictly. Polling will begin at 7 in the morning and will close at 7 in the evening.<br />''<br />'' One hour extension was given for the COVID positive voters, who will cast their votes from 6 pm to 7 pm. Every booth will also have face masks, gloves and 12 PPE kits to enable the covid voters to exercise their franchise. District Election Officers are busy in making fool proof arrangements for successful polling. Poll authorities also have to ensure basic amenities for all the voters. Counting of votes will take place on May 2nd.</span><br />