EC campaigns for voting, nothing done to avoid glitches say voters

Even as Tamil Nadu’s election commission officials campaigned for weeks to achieve a target of 100% votes in the state, many complaints on the poor planning haven’t reflect on the commission’s aim to get maximum people to vote.

While hours before the polling people rushing to their hometowns to vote remained stranded at major cities, the voting at many of the booths across the 38 Lok Sabha constituencies and 18 bye-elections were marred with initial technical glitches in Electronic Voting Machines (EVM). People also raised issues of being turned away for not having booth slips.

Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo confirmed: Voters will be allowed to vote if their name is in vote list. Voter slips have been issued, political parties have also given the voter list. Voters may identify with these, even if they are not carrying the voter slip. But, at least one of the identity cards is mandatory.

Sahoo said that 305 EVMs and 525 VVPATs that had issues were changed. While there were complaints initially, the process has been streamlined and it is smooth after 11 am, added Sahoo.

The official Twitter handle of TN Elections CEO have been running social media campaigns with the the hashtag – #MakeYourMarkTN. With catchy one liners and by roping in film stars and cricketers, the election officials have been encouraging people to vote. Public places including railway stations and bus stands have been filled with posters asking people to vote, the Aaavin— Tamil Nadu’s cooperative milk producers federation, has been carrying the ‘Vote on April 18’ message in its milk packets for over a week.

Tomorrow it is! Whistle satham sounda kekka, vote azhuthama pathiyatum! #MakeYourMarkTN #GoVoteTN #ECI ? pic.twitter.com/nr5O00irDJ

— TN Elections CEO (@TNelectionsCEO) April 17, 2019

Some of the retail outlets and hotels have also announced offers and discounts for people who visit with their inked finger. The Tamil Nadu Hotels’ Association had decided to offer a 10% discount on Thursday (April 18) to encourage voters.

As per 11 am data, Tamil Nadu recorded 30.62% votes with Arani polling the highest at 36.51% and Chennai Central had the least with 22.89% votes polled.