Gujarat to have special voter registration drive on four Sundays

Ahmedabad: Gujarat will conduct a statewide special drive to enrol eligible citizens who are yet to register as voters, including first-time voters aged 18-19, as part of the ongoing Continuous Updation process of electoral rolls, a press release said.

The special campaign will be held at polling stations across the state on four Sundays — October 11, 18, 25 and November 1. Designated Officers and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will remain present at polling stations from 10 am to 5 pm to receive applications related to voter registration.

The initiative has been undertaken in accordance with directions from the Election Commission of India for states where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has been completed. Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer Sandeep Sagale has directed all District Election Officers and Collectors to organise the campaign and make necessary arrangements, along with voter awareness activities.

During the current Non-SIR period, eligible citizens can get their names added to the electoral roll by submitting Form 6 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.

As part of the campaign, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) will conduct voter awareness and SVEEP activities at colleges and other educational institutions. Awareness will also be spread through banners and local newspapers.

On the four designated campaign days, BLOs and designated officials will be available at polling stations to receive claims and objections related to electoral roll registration.

Election authorities will also monitor the campaign through regular visits by supervisors. District Election Officers, EROs and AEROs will conduct random field inspections to ensure that the arrangements and registration process are carried out smoothly.

The Election Department has urged all eligible citizens, particularly young people who have completed 18 years of age, to use the special drive to register their names in the electoral rolls and help ensure that the voter list remains updated and inclusive. DeshGujarat