Election authorities are pulling out all the stops to ensure a record-breaking turnout, aiming to cross the 70 percent mark when the voters come out to exercise their franchise in Punjab on Saturday. In a refreshing departure from the norm, voting is being transformed into a vibrant celebration of democracy, replete with exciting incentives and engaging experiences, especially for first-time voters.
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C informed that to ensure comfort of voters and provide relief from the heat wave, the ‘Gulab Sherbat’ will be distributed at all 24,451 polling stations during the voting process. “It is a collaborative effort between the Punjab CEO Office and MARKFED…Our commitment is to make the voting process as smooth and comfortable as possible for citizens. And by offering Gulab Sherbat, MARKFED is also promoting the rich tradition of ‘Make in Punjab’ products through the cooperative movement,” he added.
From Ludhiana to Baghapurana to Anandpur Sahib and across Punjab , 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 temperatures.
Stirring Appetite: Ludhiana Restaurants Offer Food Discounts to Voters on polling day
To spice up voter turnout, eateries across Ludhiana are offering delectable discounts on meals to voters who show ink-marked fingers on June 1. This gastronomic initiative aimed at whetting the appetite for democratic participation while tantalizing taste buds. The aroma of democracy is mingled with the scent of delicious cuisine 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.
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.
Anandpur Sahib's Airport-Themed Polling Booth to Boost Turnout
To increase voter turnout in Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, the Election Commission has set up a unique, airport-themed ‘Super Model Polling Booth’ at Amity International School. Designed to give voters the feel of being at an international airport, this booth offers a range of attractions to make voting a memorable experience. As voters approach the polling booth, they are greeted with a grand floral entrance and a red carpet welcome, complete with the beats of traditional Punjabi dhol. The entrance features a sign in Punjabi reading “Ji Aaya Nu” (Welcome), with a message underneath encouraging citizens to “Take Flight for Democracy at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport”.
Once inside, voters will find comfortable seating arrangements and refreshment stations offering chilled water and traditional Punjabi “chabeel” (sweetened water). Additionally, there will be a corner where young women demonstrate traditional sewing and embroidery, adding to the cultural ambiance. A help desk will guide voters to the correct room for casting their ballots, issuing “boarding passes” (voter slips) to streamline the process. Young women dressed as air hostesses will welcome voters and assist them through the voting procedure. After voting, voters can take selfies with a model airplane, capturing their participation in this unique electoral experience.
After casting their votes, women and young girls can enjoy free mehndi (henna) and tattoos by simply showing their inked fingers. As they exit, voters can cool off with a free ice cream, again by showing their voting ink.
