To address this, the EC has adopted numerous initiatives to raise awareness of voters’ rights and the importance of each vote. “Young voters often feel that a single vote will not make a difference. We are trying to motivate them through various measures,” explained the Kerala CEO.
For example, first-time voters in each constituency will receive specially branded halwa packets on polling day. Two hundred such packages have been delivered to the District Election Officers (ZKA), who will coordinate the distribution to the selected polling stations. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and volunteers will verify the first-time voters and ensure that the packets reach them.
Besides, Uber is offering free rides to polling stations within a radius of two kilometers in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. Distances beyond this will incur a charge, an EC notice said.
SupplyCo has pledged to sell rice flour at Re 1 on April 10 and 11, after the election, while coffee chains such as Starbucks and Cafe Coffee Day are negotiating to offer discounts to voters.
“On our part, we are trying to facilitate and motivate young voters. We aim to inculcate a sense of responsibility and make them understand the importance of their vote,” Kelkar said.
The Electoral EC Literacy Club, which has over 2,000 members, is actively conducting awareness activities in schools, colleges, communities and tribal areas.
“I believe these initiatives will work and I am confident they will make a difference this time,” Kelkar asserted.
He added that political parties have also been supportive, actively participating and supporting EC efforts.
Kelkar is optimistic that these measures will not only encourage young voters to exercise their franchise, but will also result in an overall voter turnout of around 90 percent.
“Achieving 100 percent turnout is unlikely due to overseas voters who may not return to vote. However, those present in the state, many of whom updated their names during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, are expected to turn out,” he said.
