Sir,

With the voting date of Apr.18 LS polls nearing, my interaction with people reveals that many of them are not aware whether their names are in the voters’ list or not. Most of them I suspect do not check and believe that as they voted earlier their names would be in the voters’ list.

They also rely on agents giving slips showing their names but recent information circulating is that unlike last time there will be no slips being distributed and it is incumbent of the voter to find their names. Also till now there is no sign of agents distributing the slips much in advance unlike last time.

Unfortunately, the Election Commission has not given any guidelines as to how to track your name in the voters’ list. While the educated ones rely on information given by friends or as given in WhatsApp in some cases, it is difficult to imagine how the uneducated and unlettered people like domestic help and others would be in a position to check their names.

It is requested that EC should immediately publish clear instruction so that it would create awareness among voters.

– H.R.Bapu Satyanarayana, Saraswathipuram, 15.4.2019

NOTE: The enrolled voters can call Helpline 1950 to find your name on Voter List and know your Polling Booth. The line is set up by the Election Commission of India. However, several SOM readers have complained that 1950 is not accessible and whenever they dial, they will get a “line busy” message. Clarifying on this, the election officers have advised the voters to at least try a couple of times to get through the line.—Ed

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