Students must help the district administration in conducting free and fair elections by acting as poll ambassadors, said Collector L. Subramanian.
Speaking at a voter awareness programme at Lady Doak College here on Friday, he said, “Every vote is important. Do not sell your votes. Spread this message to your family, neighbours and relatives. The candidates you vote for will govern the nation and formulate schemes for us. Keep this in mind while voting,” Mr.Subramanian told the students.
He noted that Madurai district had more women voters than men. “It has 7,04,073 women voters, 6,08,936 men voters and 43 others,” he said. Mr.Subramanian also elaborated on the steps taken by the district administration to conduct a peaceful and fair election. “In the 1,468 polling booths in the district, more than 13,000 government staff will be on duty. More than 6,000 policemen will be drafted for poll duty,” he said.
There were flying squads and other monitoring teams to prevent money distribution. People could exercise their franchise without fear, the Collector said.
He asked the students to call the toll-free number (1800 425 7027) and a mobile number (89038 31137) for election-related grievances. “Students can take photographs of poll violations and send them to this mobile number. Madurai usually records 75 per cent of voting. This election, make it 100 per cent,” he added.
Principal A. Mercy Pushpalatha asked the students to think well, exercise their voting right and choose the right candidates.
Nearly 700 students took out a rally from the college covering areas around the college in Chinna Chokkikulam. Later they took an oath “not to sell their votes.”
