News Politics National 81 crore voters in Lok Sabha polls, four crore to be first timers

81 crore voters in Lok Sabha polls, four crore to be first timers

New Delhi: Over 81 crore people are expected to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, which include atleast four crore first-time voters in the youth category.Election Commission sources say the number of


President Pranab Mukherjee will speak at the National Voter's Day celebrations tomorrow at Vigyan Bhawan, while the Commission will hold 6.5 lakh functions across 8.5 lakh polling stations across the country to mark the day tomorrow.

Such functions on Voter's Day will also be held at 9.77 lakh educational institutions in collaboration with NGOs, civic society and social organisations.

In his message on National Voter's Day, Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath said “our endeavour is to ensure that everyone eligible is enrolled and those enrolled should vote in elections voluntarily.

“Besides, the participation of citizens in elections needs to be informed and ethical for a healthy democracy.”

During the 2009 polls, there were 714 million voters against 671 million voters in 2004 Lok Sabha elections.

The Commission has also presented 16 ‘best electoral awards' in three categories of states, officers and society for spreading awareness about best electoral practices.

The states of Delhi, Rajasthan, Tripura and Karnataka will get excellence awards for smooth and successful conduct of elections.

National media awards will also be presented to Rajasthan Patrika and DD Girnar in print and electronic media for best support for propagating electoral awareness, he said.