Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: Dr. Neha Arora Annouces #VoteDeneChalo Campaign to Encourage Voter Participation in Jharkhand

Ranchi, November 08, 2024: The #VoteDeneChalo campaign is set to launch this Saturday as part of a statewide voter awareness initiative. Dr. Neha Arora, the Additional Chief Electoral Officer, made the announcement during a press conference on Friday. The campaign, aimed at promoting voter participation, will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM across the state, involving significant participation from both media and the public.

Dr. Neha Arora emphasized that this campaign is crucial for encouraging informed voting and increasing voter turnout. The initiative is being supported by various election bodies, including Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Awareness Groups (BAGs), who will organize events at voting centers. These events will feature awareness programs designed to educate the electorate about the importance of voting and to foster active civic participation.

Key Components of the #VoteDeneChalo Campaign in Jharkhand

Dr. Neha Arora elaborated on the #VoteDeneChalo campaign’s primary goal, ensuring widespread awareness and engaging with the electorate through social media platforms. She urged the general public and media personnel to actively contribute to the campaign by sharing photos, videos and audio clips related to voting on their social media accounts using the campaign hashtag.

“The election commission is urging all individuals, especially media personnel, to share posts and information about the electoral process using the hashtag #VoteDeneChalo. This collective effort will help amplify voter awareness across all platforms,” stated Dr. Neha Arora.

Voter Awareness at the Ground Level

Along with Booth Level Officers, BAGs will take part in the campaign by organizing interactive sessions for voters, explaining the voting process, and addressing any concerns. These awareness activities will be key in empowering voters with the necessary information to make informed decisions when they cast their votes.

The Electoral Commission has also developed informational material for distribution during these events. Dr. Neha Arora revealed that educational pamphlets, posters and digital content will be used to spread vital information regarding voter eligibility, postal ballots and the importance of adhering to voting procedures. These materials will be available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for all voters.

Addressing Election Integrity and Law Enforcement

In the same briefing, Dr. Neha Arora provided an update on the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. Since the implementation of the code, 47 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed for violations related to election conduct. Garhwa district has reported the highest number of such cases, with 24 violations, while Ranchi has seen 5 cases.

In addition, the state police have seized over ₹163.20 crore worth of illegal goods and cash in connection with election law violations. Dr. Neha Arora noted that the strict monitoring of these activities is essential to ensure fair and transparent elections.

Increased Participation via Postal Ballots

The Election Commission has also reported an increase in postal ballot applications for this year’s election. With over 2,60,814 applications received, the number of voters opting for postal ballots has surpassed previous elections. Dr. Neha Arora indicated that this uptick reflects greater public confidence in the electoral process, with more people engaging in early voting through postal services.

Mock Polls to Begin at 5:30 AM on Voting Day

In preparation for the elections, Dr. Neha Arora also announced that mock polls will begin at 5:30 AM on voting day. Polling agents will be expected to attend these mock sessions to ensure all voting procedures run smoothly during the actual election process.

Media and Public Engagement

The #VoteDeneChalo campaign also calls for a robust engagement from the media. The Electoral Commission encourages media houses to share informative content, interviews with election officials and public service announcements. This media outreach is crucial in bridging the gap between voters and the electoral process, ensuring that everyone is equipped with the knowledge needed to participate fully in the elections.

Dr. Neha Arora concluded by reinforcing the importance of community-driven awareness programs, urging citizens to take ownership of the democratic process and vote on election day. The #VoteDeneChalo campaign is part of an ongoing effort by the Election Commission to improve voter education and engagement at all levels.