With the Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, election authorities are pulling out all the stops to ensure a record-breaking turnout, aiming to cross the 70 per cent mark. In a refreshing departure from the norm, voting is being transformed into a vibrant celebration of democracy, replete with exciting incentives and engaging experiences.
From Ludhiana to Baghapurana to Anandpur Sahib, district election authorities are rolling out innovative initiatives to entice voters to the polling booths. In Ludhiana, restaurants are offering tempting food discounts to voters on the polling day, adding a flavorful twist to the electoral process. Meanwhile, the ‘Green Booth’ promises a green-thumb salute to first-time voters, who will receive certificates of appreciation along with fruit saplings to mark their civic duty in Baghapurana.
But the creativity doesn't stop there. In a bid to capture the imagination of young voters, a ‘Youth Booth’ has been set up, where the first seven youthful electors will be rewarded with certificates, footballs, and trendy T-shirts. Not to be outdone, the all-women ‘Pink Booth’ is geared towards empowering women, who will be adorned with traditional Phulkari shawls and certificates as a token of recognition for their participation.
Venturing further into uncharted territory, a unique, airport-themed ‘Super Model Polling Booth’ is set to transport voters to new heights, complete with boarding passes and a welcoming committee of young women dressed as air hostesses.
And what's an airport without a little indulgence? Voters can treat themselves to free mehndi (henna), tattoos and ice cream, simply by showing their inked fingers as proof of participation. With such enticing incentives and immersive experiences, election authorities are confident of surpassing the 70 percent voter turnout mark, turning election day into a celebration of democracy like never before, despite soaring temperature.
Stirring Appetite: Ludhiana Restaurants Offer Food Discounts to Voters on polling day
In an innovative bid to spice up voter turnout, eateries across Ludhiana are offering delectable discounts on meals to voters who show ink-marked fingers on June 1, the polling day for the seventh phase of the general elections. This gastronomic initiative aimed at whetting the appetite for democratic participation while tantalizing taste buds.
The aroma of democracy mingled with the scent of delicious cuisine as Ludhiana’s Additional District Election Officer Amit Sareen, along with Assistant Commissioner Kritika Goyal, presided over a meeting with local hotel and restaurant owners. The objective: to drum up support for the electoral process.
“The initiative would encourage voters to come out on June 1. The District Administration is targeting a voter turnout of 70 percent in the Lok Sabha elections,” said ADC Sareen, emphasizing the importance of active participation in the electoral process.
The delectable discounts are not the only offering on the menu. Participating establishments have also pledged to assist the administration in raising voter awareness by displaying posters, hoardings, and banners, adding a dash of civic responsibility to the culinary affair.
Among the prominent eateries and hotels joining the electoral feast are Underdoggs, Buvit, Blaasé, MBD Mall, Hotel Five Rivers, Iron Chef, Pirates of Grill, Majestic Hotels Park Plaza, Paragon Waterfront, The Beer Café, Hyatt Regency, Pyramid Café, and others.
Vote and Win: Phulkari, Football, or T-shirt in Baghapurana's Unique Election Drive
A standout effort by Assistant Returning Officer Harkanwaljit Singh in Baghapurana aimed at creating a festive and motivating atmosphere at the polling booths by offering a series of innovative initiatives to encourage voting.
At Thatthi Bhai village, a ‘Green Booth’ will be established, where voters casting their first vote on June 1 will receive certificates of appreciation. “The booth will be a plastic-free zone with cardboard badges. The setting will feature vibrant rangoli designs and banners promoting a ‘Green Punjab’, while early morning voters will be greeted by a school band and receive fruit saplings,” said ARO Harkanwaljit.
He informed that a ‘Youth Booth’ at Samadh Bhai village will reward the first seven young voters with certificates, footballs, and T-shirts. The booth will be adorned with rangoli and balloons, creating a festive environment. Similarly, at Senior Secondary School (Girls) in Bagha Purana, the first 20 new voters at the ‘Pink Booth’ will be honoured with traditional Phulkari shawls and certificates. A tableau showcasing Punjab’s rich cultural heritage will also be displayed.
Punjab’s All Polling Booths to be Tobacco-Free: CEO Sibin C
Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C on Wednesday declared that all polling booths in the state will be tobacco-free for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The use of cigarettes, bidi, and other tobacco products will be prohibited in all polling booths, he said, adding that the presiding officer of each polling booth has been nominated as the nodal officer to ensure the tobacco-free status at the respective polling booths.
This significant step underscores the Office of CEO’s commitment to promote public health and creating a safe and healthy environment for voters. “The aim of declaring polling booths tobacco-free is to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke exposure and encourage a healthier lifestyle among the people. This initiative also aligns with broader public health campaigns and legislative efforts to reduce tobacco use and its associated health risks including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung disease, blindness, etc,” he added.
