Get Ready to Vote: Haryana's Single-Day Election on October 1

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Friday that Haryana will go to the polls on October 1 in a single-phase election. This streamlined approach differs slightly from the 2019 polls held on October 21. The entire election process in Haryana will be compact, starting with the notification on September 5 and concluding with result declaration on October 4. 

Haryana's electorate comprises 2.01 crore voters, including:

• 1.5 lakh persons with disabilities
• 10,321 centenarians
• 2.55 lakh voters above 85 years
• 459 third gender individuals 

Key dates for Haryana's election:

• September 5: Issue of notification
• September 12: Last date for nominations
• September 13: Scrutiny of nominations
• September 16: Last date for withdrawal of candidature
• October 1: Polling day
• October 4: Counting of votes

Jammu and Kashmir's Historic Elections

While Haryana prepares for its one-day vote, Jammu and Kashmir is set for a landmark three-phase election:

• Phase 1: September 18  
• Phase 2: September 25
• Phase 3: October 1

These polls mark J&K's first assembly elections in a decade, following significant constitutional changes including the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Supreme Court had mandated the Election Commission to conduct these polls by September 30, 2024.

Chief Election Commissioner Kumar stressed the commitment to bolstering democracy in J&K, noting increased voter enthusiasm during recent Lok Sabha elections. He stated, "J&K chose ballots over bullets and bandhs." 

The Election Commission has promised robust security measures for candidates and voters. Kumar assured, "Sufficient security will be available to deal with any eventuality." The commission aims to ensure high voter turnout and has pledged to address security requests from all political parties.

As Haryana gears up for its single-day electoral event and Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its phased approach, both states stand at the cusp of significant democratic exercises. The outcomes of these elections will likely shape the political landscape in these regions for years to come, making them focal points of national interest in the coming months.