Concerned by the low voter turnout in the initial phases of the Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh, officials in Bhopal have announced a unique initiative to encourage voting. On the voting day in the third phase on May 7, Bhopal voters will have the chance to win prizes through a series of lucky draws held every two hours.
The initiative aims to address the significant drop in voter participation, which has been over 8.5% lower on average in the first two rounds compared to previous elections. Bhopal has historically struggled with voter enthusiasm, with only a modest increase in turnout even during national voting surges.
In a bid to entice voters, election officials plan to conduct three lucky draws at each of the 2,097 polling booths in the constituency—at 10 am, 3 pm, and 6 pm. Winners will be selected from those who have cast their votes and received the mandatory ink mark. Prizes range from diamond rings, refrigerators, televisions, to other valuable items.
Kaushlendra Vikram Singh, the district election officer and collector, explained that the initiative aims to create awareness and motivate citizens to exercise their voting rights, especially on a day when temperatures are expected to soar above 40 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, a mega draw is scheduled for after the election, likely on May 9, where larger prizes will be distributed. The organizers are optimistic about the response, having already collected 35 items including diamond rings, a laptop, a refrigerator, dinner sets, and mobile phones. They are also hopeful of including two-wheelers among the prizes.
Additionally, to ensure smooth voting procedures, efforts are being made to provide printed voter slips to every registered voter, minimizing any confusion regarding polling booth locations.
In another gesture, the first voter at each booth will also be felicitated. These initiatives collectively aim to engage voters and increase participation in the democratic process, highlighting the significance of every vote in shaping the nation’s future.