Everyone is excited about the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, even the data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) shows the same. The voter sex ratio has improved considerably, according to EC the ratio of women to men voters in Maharashtra for Lok Sabha elections is 911 for every thousand men, which has gone up from 899 in 2014 elections.
According to the Hindustan Times, in the final electoral rolls, there are 4.58 crore male voters, 4.16 crore female voters and 2,086 voters registered in the third-gender category. Lok Sabha elections to 48 seats in Maharashtra will be held in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29, and the results will be declared on May 23. To increase voting awareness, the EC undertook multiple drives and various initiatives. The EC also tied-up with anganwaadis, ASHA workers and other such organisations to increase voter awareness.
“This time, we have used innovative methods to increase awareness for voting and registration. We tied up with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to create awareness during IPL matches. We have also used social media, banners, jingles, films, posters and the regional outreach bureau, especially for those polling stations with low turnout,” Shirish Mohod, deputy chief electoral officer told the leading daily.
The EC also has taken extra efforts for specially-abled persons. The commission has made sure that there are ramps at every booth, accessible furniture, a special line, wheelchairs from home to the booth and if necessary and a transport facility for specially-abled persons. The EC will also install braille on the ballot and will also try to get language interpreter for each booth.