Campus ambassadors to guide students on voting

Campus ambassadors have been appointed in 40 first grade colleges in Dakshina Kannada. Two students have been appointed in each college.

Guidelines have also been issued for their functioning. The ambassadors have been appointed to stress on the role of young voters in a democracy and to reach out to the student community on ethical voting.

What to teach

“The ambassadors have been asked to guide students on enrolling in the voters’ list and making corrections in the EPIC, including change of name in the EPIC. They also have to guide the students about the functioning of the electoral process. With the coordination of the NCC and the NSS volunteers, they will motivate the parents and guardians of the students to exercise their franchise,” explained Zilla Panchayat CEO Selvamani R.

“The campus ambassadors will carry out their activities after the elections also. They will help the authorities in organising the National Voters’ Day programme and creating awareness,” said the official.

A training programme for campus ambassadors was held at the Nethravathi Hall of the Zilla Panchayat on Friday.

Electoral Literacy Clubs

To instil the values of democracy among young voters, the electoral literacy clubs (ELC) have been constituted in high schools and PU Colleges, first grade colleges, medical colleges and polytechnic institutes.

The ELCs will create awareness through rallies, street plays and administering oaths among fellow members. ELCs have been constituted in 118 first grade colleges, 203 PU colleges and 560 high schools in Dakshina Kannada.

The campaign titled ‘Each One Check Ten’ has been initiated in the institutions to check details on at least 10 voters. Teachers have been selected nodal officers for the ELCs.

In offices

Selvamani said that voter awareness forums have been formed in government, semi-government, state government and Central government offices, local bodies and cooperative society offices. “We will have informal forums to generate discussions and awareness about the electoral process – on how, what and where to register and vote – through the medium of realtime activities,” said the officer.

He added that measures have been initiated to start Chunav Pathshala in 1861 polling booths in the district.

“The Chunav Pathshalas are platforms to engage community members – mainly in rural areas – through interesting activities and hands-on experience to sensitise people on their electoral rights and familiarise them with the electoral process of registration and voting.