Odisha to launch drive to enrol new voters in educational institutions

Bhubaneswar: Higher Education department today wrote to the Registrars of all universities, Principals of all Government, non-govt aided and private colleges in Odisha to start a ‘special drive’ to increase the enrollment of prospective voters through different colleges and varsities in the State.

“As you know the perspective young voters are the future of democracy. The enrolment of young voters in Odisha is not up to the mark as compared to other segments of voters. Enrolment of young voters is not only important for an inclusive election process but also sensitising them regarding their right to vote and take part in the process of nation building,” Chief Electoral Officer-Odisha previously stated in a letter to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Higher Education Department.

“According to the latest amendment in the RP Act, 1950, the voter registration is done on four qualifying dates i.e. – January 1st, April 1st, July 1st and October 1st instead of the previous practice of enrolling voters who are turning 18 years w.e.f. January 1st of the year,” the letter mentioned.

In this aspect, it was requested to instruct the higher educational institutions for taking special drives for enrolment of eligible voters during and immediately after the admission process. The sample form-6 (copy enclosed) meant for new voter registration was intended to be supplied to students along with admission form and later the filled up forms be collected by the ERO concerned on getting intimation from the college authority. The students may also be encouraged to apply for enrolment through Voter Helpline App (VHA) and participate in the activities of the Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) functioning in the colleges, the Home (Elections) Department had emphasised in its communiqué.