In a first, women, PwD, youth to manage entire polling stations in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: For forthcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Hyderabad district, each constituency will feature polling stations entirely managed by specific demographics, including women, persons with disabilities (PwD), and youth. This innovative strategy aims to enhance voter participation and engagement in a city where the 2018 elections witnessed a turnout of less than 50 per cent.

The drive to encourage increased participation is particularly targeted towards women, who constitute nearly 50 per cent of the city’s electorate, a total of 21,62,541 women voters. To engage and empower women voters, all 15 Assembly constituencies are designated to have a minimum of five women-managed polling stations, resulting in a total of 75 such stations.

Sarita, a voter in Hyderabad, appreciated the move saying, “Having more women-managed polling stations is a fantastic move. It empowers women and makes us feel more comfortable and confident when we go to vote. We hope to see more such initiatives in the future to increase women’s political participation.”

Persons with disabilities (PwD) and youth are also central to this unique approach. Each constituency will have at least one polling station administered entirely by PwD and young voters, respectively.

Priya, a disabled voter, expressed her gratitude for the Saksham app: “The Saksham app has made the registration process much easier for us. It’s heartening to see the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their abilities, can participate in the electoral process.”

First-time voters ready to exercise franchise

In Hyderabad, there are 24,163 PwD voters, and the city boasts approximately 57,082 first-time voters aged between 18 to 19 years, with the potential for this number to grow further.

“We are thrilled about the initiative to have polling stations managed by young voters like us. It makes us feel more connected to the democratic process and encourages us to exercise our right to vote,” said Rhea, an 18-year-old first-time voter from Hyderabad.

Youth to manage polling stations in colleges

Notable locations, such as the Government Girls Primary School in New Bhoiguda, Sanathnagar, Sun Rise High School in Nampally, Vasavi Engineering College in Karwan, and Sri Vidya Secondary School in Amberpet, are among the youth-managed polling stations. These polling centres, managed exclusively by their respective demographic, will feature artwork, campaign materials, and a welcoming atmosphere designed to foster inclusivity and empowerment.

In addition to the unique theme-based polling stations, the election authorities have set up five model polling stations in each constituency, equipped with necessary amenities to enhance the overall voting experience.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is also introducing the Saksham app, a technological solution aimed at simplifying the voter identification and registration process for PwD voters. This progressive approach ensures that voters with disabilities have equal access to the electoral process and that their voices are heard.

Furthermore, young voters are actively engaged through various activities, such as cycle rallies, runs, and cultural competitions.