Chief Secretary Advocates for Compulsory Voter Enrollment to Fortify Democratic Foundations
In a significant address at the National Voters' Day celebrations held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Sunday, Chief Secretary K Vijayanand made a compelling appeal to all eligible citizens. He urged them to mandatorily enroll as voters and actively exercise their franchise, emphasizing that such participation is crucial for strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation.
National Voters' Day: A Celebration of Electoral Participation
Attending as the chief guest, Vijayanand highlighted that National Voters' Day is observed annually on January 25, commemorating the establishment of the Election Commission of India in 1950. The primary objective of this day, he explained, is to enhance citizens' engagement in the electoral process, with a special focus on encouraging youth participation and creating widespread awareness about their rights and responsibilities as voters.
This year, the awareness programs are being conducted under the inspiring theme "My India, My Vote," which resonates with the collective responsibility of citizens towards the nation's democratic health.
Voting: A Right and a Solemn Duty
Vijayanand underscored that voting is not merely a right but a solemn duty of every citizen. He articulated that each vote contributes to laying a strong foundation for building a robust democratic India. As the world's largest democracy, India derives its strength from active public participation in the electoral process.
The Chief Secretary noted that the Election Commission is continuously working to ensure that every eligible citizen who attains 18 years of age is promptly enrolled as a voter and issued an EPIC card. He reiterated the Commission's firm commitment to conducting free, fair, and impartial elections, urging the youth to actively participate in both the voter registration process and the elections themselves.
Enhanced Voter Registration Opportunities
Chief Electoral Officer Vivek Yadav provided crucial updates on voter registration procedures. He informed that earlier, January 1 alone was considered the qualifying date for voter registration. However, under the amended law, citizens who attain 18 years of age can now enroll as voters on four qualifying dates: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
New voters can apply either online or through the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO). Yadav also highlighted that voters can update their address through Form 8. He cautioned that mere possession of an EPIC card does not guarantee voting rights; voters must ensure their names are included in the electoral rolls by checking the CEO website regularly.
To promote youth participation, the Election Commission is organizing voter awareness programs through Electoral Literacy Clubs in schools and colleges, fostering a culture of informed electoral engagement from an early age.
Recognition for Excellence in Electoral Management
During the celebrations, Nellore district collector Himanshu Shukla received a state-level award for effectively implementing superior electoral mapping during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The award was presented by Chief Secretary Vijayanand, acknowledging the district's exemplary efforts.
Through efficient election management and the successful execution of high-quality electoral mapping under the Special Intensive Revision process, Nellore district secured an impressive 5th place at the state level. Speaking on the occasion, District Collector Shukla attributed this achievement to the coordinated efforts of the entire district election machinery. He affirmed that the team would continue to work with the same spirit and commitment to achieve even better results in the future, setting a benchmark for electoral excellence.
The event in Vijayawada served as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility shared by citizens and officials alike in nurturing and sustaining India's vibrant democracy through active and informed participation in the electoral process.
