Now Reading: Explaining vote method is part of campaigning in council polls
-
01
Explaining vote method is part of campaigning in council polls
Party workers in the upcoming council election are being asked to educate voters on the correct method of preferential voting, as ballot papers will not carry party symbols. Voters must write '1'…
Party workers in the upcoming council election are being asked to educate voters on the correct method of preferential voting, as ballot papers will not carry party symbols. Voters must write '1' beside a candidate's name and may indicate further preferences. Marks like X, 0, or a tick, or giving '1' to multiple candidates, will invalidate the vote.
Congress candidate Mohan Limbikai said he has been explaining the proper voting method ahead of the October 23 poll and that a video showing the correct procedure will be shared soon to prevent votes from being invalidated. BJP candidate S V Sankanur confirmed that party workers have been instructed to create awareness.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Council elections in India use the single transferable vote system, where voters rank candidates. Invalid votes are a recurring concern because many voters are unfamiliar with this method, which differs from the first-past-the-post system used in general elections. With no party symbols on the ballot, voter education becomes critical. Both major parties are now putting out guidance, suggesting invalid votes could swing a close contest. The outcome on October 23 will show whether these awareness efforts succeed in reducing the spoilt ballot count.
The Election Commission of India sets the voting rules and can issue model code of conduct guidelines. A high number of invalid votes in past council polls has prompted this push for clearer instructions.
Source: deccanherald.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
