Admin launches drive to boost voter turnout
The officers are to inform every voter about their designated booths and encourage them to participate on polling day.
To ensure maximum turnout in urban areas, the DM directed electoral registration officers (EROs) to hold camps in apartments and localities across the city. These camps aim to update voters about their booths and entries in the electoral roll, as well as motivate them to vote.
He urged residents to participate actively in elections.
"Patna, a district with a rich historical legacy and one of the highest literacy rates, is the capital of a state known as the birthplace of democracy. Therefore, all stakeholders must work to improve Patna's voter turnout. Everyone whose name appears on the electoral roll must vote," he said.
The DM emphasised the importance of participation by first-time voters, women, and persons with disabilities (PWD). "The administration is committed to accessible elections for all, especially for PWDs and senior citizens," he said.
A team of approximately 500 officers and personnel will be deployed to raise voter awareness in the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) area. All six executive officers have been tasked with leading awareness campaigns to tackle urban voter apathy.
Public outreach will be enhanced using 69 Public Address Systems installed by Patna Smart City Limited at key intersections. Activities such as banners, slogans, selfie points, rangoli, and other creative methods will be deployed across malls, markets, haats and other public places to engage citizens.
He also highlighted the ongoing 'Mission 60' campaign, led by the Election Commission of India, which targets the 60 polling stations with the lowest turnout in each assembly constituency. The aim is to boost turnout from these locations to 66%.
"Preparations are in full swing across the district as per the Commission's guidelines," he said. "We are committed to making this festival of democracy a meaningful and pleasant experience. Every voter must cast their vote to further strengthen our democracy," the DM added.
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