Mandya: Reiterating that every single vote carries immense power in a democracy, principal district and sessions judge and chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority, JN Subramanya, urged citizens to exercise their franchise without fail. He was speaking after inaugurating the National Voters’ Day celebrations here on Sunday.Recalling that the Election Commission was established on Jan 25, 1950, Judge Subramanya noted that the institution successfully conducted more than 200 elections. He highlighted the historic 1985 decision to reduce the voting age from 21 to 18, which resulted in a significant increase in voter participation. Emphasising the value of a single vote, he cited a recent local body election in Maharashtra that was decided by a margin of just one vote.He further pointed out that govt declares a public holiday on polling day to facilitate voting and issues circulars ensuring that employees are granted leave to travel and cast their ballots. Stressing the responsibility of officials, he said officers from the district administration, police, and education departments are vested with special powers during election periods and must ensure free, fair, and corruption-free elections. He appealed to enlightened citizens to prevent voters from falling prey to inducements and safeguard democratic values.Deputy commissioner Kumara said in a democracy, citizens are the true sovereigns, and choosing the right representatives is both a right and a responsibility. He said National Voters’ Day is observed every year to strengthen democratic values and ensure inclusive participation. Under the slogan “My India, My Vote,” the district administration conducts door-to-door enrolment drives four times a year for newly eligible voters. He noted with pride that Mandya recorded second-highest voter turnout in the state during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections at 81.6%, while urging greater participation from urban youth.Zilla panchayat CEO KR Nandini reminded citizens that voting is a constitutional duty and appealed for informed, unbiased participation, encouraging women to play a stronger role in politics. The programme included felicitation of booth level officers and administration of the voter’s pledge, with several senior officials in attendance.
