EC reaches out to corporates, techies

To increase voter turn out in the city, the election commission has reached out to over 100 corporates and IT firms in the city.

They have interacted with most firms in Electronic City, and even those outside, such as Wipro and ITC.

To top it, the human resources departments of many corporate firms are coming forward to be a part of the Voters Awareness Forum.

Following this, many companies have made it mandatory for the staff to vote and display the ink mark, as April 18 is a paid holiday.

“We are pushing people to vote. We have also started a hashtag campaign ‘#FirstVoteMaadi, AameleNodi’. Many corporates are coming forward. They have taken it up as a part of their responsibility. We are coordinating with industries, IT companies, the manufacturing sector and more. We are also reaching out to employees and workers,” said joint chief electoral officer, Surya Sen A V.

The election commission is stressing that since it is not a Saturday or a Sunday or any other holiday, the voter turn out can be increased considerably if companies help out as well.

“Those working will stay back and vote. Through this, we are hoping there could be an increase in the voter turn out,” he said.

Some companies are also helping their staff travel to their hometowns to exercise their vote.

“I have sought leave to vote. My company said they will give me attendance, provided I vote and show them the ink mark when I return,” said Sahana B, a software professional.

Human resources departments are also organising sessions for employees reminding them to vote.

“In my office, we were made aware of the importance of voting. We are also regularly reminded of the date through internal emails and posters,” said Shobhit K, another software professional.