Ensuring Every Voice Counts: Polling Places To Be Put Up in Cargo Containers, Sanctuaries
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken several steps to guarantee that no voter is left behind in the election process to choose India's next government, including installing polling places in shipping containers, establishing polling booths in a sanctuary, and in a hamlet with a single voter. Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar provided an overview of the complex preparations made for the greatest democratic exercise in history on Saturday, highlighting the poll body's "no voter left behind" strategy for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. “We will walk the extra mile so that the voters don’t have to. We will go to the snowed mountains and jungles. We will go through horses and helicopters and on the bridges and even ride on elephants and mules just to ensure everyone can vote,” he said. Over six weeks, from April 19 to June 1, India will hold seven phases of elections to choose the country's next government. Almost a billion voters will cast ballots at 1.05 million polling places spread across the country, ranging from the world's highest polling place in Tashigang, Himachal Pradesh, to the first polling station in history in Chandameta, Chhattisgarh, and even inside wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala's Chettialathoor. To boost voter turnout, the commission has designated renowned cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actor Rajkumar Rao as its "national icons." Let's Understand The Benefits Of Voting ~ Change agent: Your vote has the power to significantly impact the outcome. If you are unhappy with the existing government, you have the option to vote for one that is better. The same party will hold power for an additional five years. Ultimately, it is the people's responsibility to exercise their right to vote for a leader to run the nation. Every vote matters, including yours: Every vote matters, despite the seemingly infinite sea of people casting ballots. A rise in the number of voters and a shift in the national mindset away from the belief that "my vote doesn't make a difference" should occur. Every person bears some degree of accountability. India's history: Our freedom fighters fought for our independence and, as a result, we were able to cast ballots. Voting enables us to maintain the vision of India that our freedom fighters envisioned. By casting our votes for a better India, we can show our appreciation and honor for the sacrifice made by our forefathers and freedom fighters. Rule 27A of the Conduct of Elections Rules,1961 has undergone a significant amendment in support of the "no voter left behind" policy. This amendment allows "Absentee Voters," who include individuals who are 85 years of age or older, have disabilities, work in essential services, and are impacted by COVID-19, to have the option to cast their ballot by mail. Absentee voters must apply and provide the required information to the Returning Officer to use this feature. In addition, the creation of at least one polling place run solely by women and people with disabilities in each constituency further encourages inclusivity. Form 12D will be distributed to absentee voters, who will then be permitted to vote from home after the parties have been notified of the "absentee" voters in the constituency. The National Advisory Committee on Inclusive Elections (NACIE) was established to implementation-oriented plans at the state and district levels that target marginalized communities, including transgender people, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), homeless people, sex workers, and women in difficult situations. This altogether sounds like a step to foster the upliftment of society for the greater good!
