1. P.AMUDHA,DISTRICT COLLECTOR
Voter’s Education:
New ways and Alliances
P.AMUDHA,DISTRICT COLLECTOR
DHARMAPURI,TAMILNADU

2. LS 2009 : 10 Dharmapuri Voting percentage…

3. Bye Elections…March 2010

4. Voter Education
Voter education is part and parcel of any free and fair elections in the country
Fundamental goal should be to create public awareness on election related matters and to enable people to fully participate in choosing their leaders.
It is crucial for the civic organizations, media and other key partners to play a significant role.

5. Who all should Educate Voters
The Election Commission of India,
State and District election officers
The Political parties and candidates,
The NGOs,
The Media
The Educational Institutions.
Have a big responsibility to
educate the general public, particularly the voters
on the meaning, processes and essence of electoral procedures and elections. 5

6. Election Commission funds Voter education activities
Fund provided to CEOs to give Newspaper inserts, radio jingles, television spots, Banners, posters and produce literature
In rural areas – drum beating, chaupal (village assemblies) etc
Electoral Rolls displayed and read in local bodies like Gram Sabhas and Resident’s Welfare Associations etc.
To enable voters to make an informed choice
- All candidates are required to declare their criminal past, educational qualifications, assets and liabilities etc.- Affidavits filed displayed publicly and also put on the EC website.
Efforts on to make information on poll expenses public. 6

7. Ingredients of a Credible Election
Correct electoral rolls - fair opportunity is given to all for addition and deletion of names
Freedom for filing nominations to all eligible persons
No coercion – for abstention or casting votes
Proper enforcement of Model Code of Conduct to create a level playing field
Expenses by the candidates within the prescribed limits
Conditions – in which an average elector feels secure for casting his vote freely without any fear
Complete transparency in all electoral operations 7

8. Partners/Stakeholders in Voter’s Education
Political parties and candidates
Resident Associations and Educational institutions
Self Help groups
Youth clubs/Fan clubs
NGOs/Watch dog committees
Press and Media

9. Polling station locations/ relocations
Political parties
Enrollment of voters
Poll date
Polling station locations/ relocations
How to cast the vote in EVM
Resident Associations and Educational institutions Self Help groups Youth clubs/Fan clubs
Enrollment
EPIC
Awareness on importance of voting

10. Political parties
They are the real stake holders and hence play crucial role in voter education
Educate voters on
Poll date
Location of polling station
Contesting candidates
Casting Vote on EVM
Educate voters through
Advertisements
Person to person contact
Public meetings
Posters / Pamphlets
Rallies
Festivals and fairs

11. 2. Resident Associations and Educational institutions
Educate voters on
Being a responsible citizen and Importance of voting
Supply and collection of Forms
For enrollment of college students- First time/ new voters.
Getting EPIC and Distribution
Meetings
Handbills

12. 3. Self Help groups and Youth /Fan clubs
Using of SHG network and youth clubs
Training of SHG leaders and motivators for educating the women and youth
Enrolling as a voter and help others
Importance of Voting
Not to accept freebies
Not to indulge in bogus voting/impersonation
How to register compliant for MCC violations

13. NGOs/Press and Media Enrollment of voters EPIC
Awareness on importance of voting
How to cast the vote in EVM
Rule 49 O
Candidates profile
Complaints and grievance redressal

14. General messages through PRESS /MEDIA to be broadcast throughout the campaign
Right to Vote
Be a Responsible Citizen
Enroll yourself as voter
Get your EPIC card
Cooperate with Booth level officers during house visit
Rule 49 O
Do’s and Don’t on polling day

15. Pre – Poll arrangements messages thro press/ media
Affidavit filed by Contesting candidates
Relocated polling stations
Arrangements for safety and security of voters
Deployment of Central protection forces
ECI Observers arrival and contact information
Election Cell and Complaint/grievance redressal unit- contact numbers
Transparency in the process of EVM preparation
Citizen interface centres for familiarisation with EVMs

16. Before Polling Day Three main messages:
how to locate your polling centre
how to correctly cast your vote in the EVM
voter eligibility - which documents to bring on Election Day
POSTERS/PAMPHLETS PRESS RELEASE

17. Role of Press /Media Storage of EVMs and counting
Safety and security of polled EVMs
Transparency in counting of votes
Presence of candidates and counting agents
Role of observers
Random check of EVMs
Media Centre
Video recording of all events in Counting centre
Display of roundwise results

18. Relationship with Partners/stakeholders
DEO hears complaints & concerns of all political parties
All political parties given similar treatment
DEO call meeting of Political Parties for electoral rolls, enforcement of code of conduct, for deciding polling stations & counting centres
Any individual or NGO can offer suggestions or can file complaints with the DEO, CEOs & EC. 18

19. Voter education programme…
A good voter education programme will tell
voters about their rights,
how to exercise them and
how the system works.
It must also explain the effects of corruption and the need for integrity in the public service and the electoral process.

20. P.AMUDHA,DISTRICT COLLECTOR
All the partners and stakeholders have to fully participate to educate our people with the aim of free and fair elections as this will consolidate national peace and solidarity, enhance democracy and spearhead good governance in our country.
P.AMUDHA,DISTRICT COLLECTOR
DHARMAPURI,TAMILNADU

21. P.AMUDHA,DISTRICT COLLECTOR
THANK YOU
P.AMUDHA,DISTRICT COLLECTOR
DHARMAPURI,TAMILNADU