Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh: Key points

*Both Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trails and Electronic Voting Machines will be in use in the election in Himachal Pradesh

*7,521 polling stations spread across 68 Assembly constituencies will be set up in the state this election. This is an increase from the 2012 polls which saw 7,252 polling stations

*The state will have 136 all-women managed booths

*The Election Commission is attempting to situate all polling stations at the ground floor. Sturdy ramps will be set up for disabled people. The state government has procured 200 wheelchairs

*A voter guide brochure in a local language will be provided to every household. This will contain information about the election date, documents that electors must carry, voter do's and dont's, among other things

*The height of voting compartments will be increased to 30 inches, from the earlier 24 inches

*The Model Code of Conduct comes into force immediately, and is applicable to all, including the Union government

*The maximum expenditure allowed per candidate is Rs 28 lakh

*Bulk SMSes and voice messages shall be considered under the purview of election advertisements

*Some important dates:
Last date to file nomination: October 23
Scrutiny of nomination: October 24
Last date to withdraw candidature: October 26


(With inputs from agencies)