As 414 polling stations in Himachal Pradesh registered less than 60 percent Voters Turnout Rate (VTR) in Lok Sabha Election 2019, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to start polling station specific interventions in these polling stations for Lok Sabha Election 2024 in a mission mode called MISSION-414 to increase the VTR. This was stated by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Maneesh Garg here today.
He said that all these polling stations would be made model polling stations and booth youth icons would be appointed from amongst the first time voters in these polling booths. He said that the commission was also focusing on the polling stations which have the history of ‘poll boycotts’ and special signature walls would be setup in these polling stations at conspicuous places under the theme ‘Yes, I will Vote’. As a special gesture, invitation cards prepared by children of the area would be given to voters to boost their enthusiasm and join the UTSAV of democracy.
CEO said that the commission was also engaging adventure, other sports associations etc. to connect with the masses and motivate them to assist in strengthening democracy. He said that to increase voter turnout in these 414 polling stations special cultural events under the UTSAV theme would be organized in these polling stations.
Besides this, an exclusive IEC campaign will be launched in these areas to increase the voter turnout, he added.
