MLC Election campaign ends in Telugu States: Polling on February 27, counting on March 3

The high-stakes campaign for the upcoming Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has officially concluded. The Election Commission has completed all necessary arrangements for polling, which is set to take place on February 27. Voters will cast their ballots for a total of six seats—three in Andhra Pradesh and three in Telangana. The counting of votes will take place on March 3.

Tight Security and Election Arrangements

Authorities have intensified security measures across polling areas to ensure a smooth and peaceful voting process. The Election Commission has closely monitored the candidates and their party campaigns leading up to the elections.

Liquor Shops to Remain Closed

In Telangana, elections will be held for the joint Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar graduate and teacher MLC seats, as well as the Khammam-Warangal-Nalgonda teacher MLC seat. To maintain law and order, liquor shops, toddy compounds, bars, and restaurants will remain closed in the seven districts affected by polling. The restrictions will also extend to certain villages under the jurisdiction of the Rachakonda and Cyberabad Commissionerate.

Addressing Invalid Votes: Awareness Among Voters

Past MLC elections have seen a significant number of invalid votes, particularly in graduate and teacher constituencies. Experts emphasize the importance of voter awareness and proper ballot marking to ensure every vote counts.

Guidelines for Voting

Voters must adhere to specific voting guidelines to avoid ballot invalidation. They should use only the violet sketch pen provided by the polling staff to mark their ballots. The number "1" should be written in the bracket next to the preferred candidate’s name. Additional preferences can be marked with "2," "3," and so on, but only after assigning the first preference. Marks such as ticks, "OK," or other symbols will lead to disqualification of the vote.