Every citizen should vote, strengthen democracy: Chief Secretary

Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand on Sunday (January 25) asked citizens to register as a voter, exercise their franchise and help strengthen the country’s democracy.

Participating in the 16^th National Voters’ Day programme here, Mr. Vijayanand said voting is not just a right, but the responsibility of every citizen.

“The main objective of the National Voters’ Day is to increase citizens’ participation in the electoral process, especially to encourage young voters, spread awareness about their rights and responsibilities. This year, awareness programmes are being conducted on the theme “My India – My Vote”, the Chief Secretary said.

Chief Election Commissioner of India Gnanesh Kumar delivered his message virtually and extended greetings to all voters of the country on the occasion of National Voters’ Day.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vivek Yadav said National Voters’ Day is celebrated every year on January 25, marking the establishment of the Election Commission of India in October 1950.

Under the new law, citizens who attains 18-years of age can now register as voters on four qualifying dates a year, i.e. January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. New voters can apply online or through the Booth Level Officer (BLO), the CEO explained.

“Election Commission is organising voter awareness programmes in schools and colleges, establishing Electoral Literacy Clubs and conducting awareness activities at polling stations and educational institutions to encourage new voters,” Mr. Vivek Yadav said.

Former Election Commissioner Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar, who participated in the programme, said voters should be given the freedom to exercise their franchise at the place they reside.

The officers, along with NTR District Collector and District Electoral Officer G. Lakshmisha, distributed EPIC cards to four newly registered voters on the occasion. Election officers, students and representatives of voluntary organisations participated.