To improve voting percentage in elections to the local bodies, Assembly and Lok Sabha, the district administration is making special efforts in Assembly segments where it was lowin 2009 elections. To create awareness among voters, Joint Collector B. Rama Rao said that 80,000 pamphlets were printed for distribution besides installing flexi boards and hoardings. In addition to the publicity, he said that the administration would send bulk SMSes to voters. He appealed to political parties to cooperate with the administration. Vizianagaram had recorded the lowest percentage of 64.77 polling in 2009 and Gajapathingaram with 83.74 and Nellimarla with 83.72 were the highest.
He said that the polling process for Assembly and Lok Sabha would begin with the notification on April 12. Except on April 14 (Dr. Ambedkar’s birthday) and April 18 (Good Friday), nominations will be received up to April 19. Scrutiny is on April 21 and withdrawals close by 3 p.m. on April 24.