Bhubaneswar, 10 October (H.S.): Odisha received 33,515 applications through Form-6 during a three-day special voter registration drive conducted across the state from October 7 to 9, aimed at ensuring that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral rolls.

The special campaign was organised in accordance with the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), with a particular focus on eligible voters whose names could not be included in the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, as well as new and young voters eligible for registration.

According to official information, a total of 26,446 special camps were organised across various districts during the three-day campaign to facilitate voter registration and raise awareness about the process.

Of the total applications received during the campaign, 1,448 Form-6 applications were submitted by eligible voters whose names had not been included in the electoral rolls. Another 32,067 applications were received from new and young voters seeking registration.

The combined total stood at 33,515 applications, reflecting the participation of eligible citizens in the special registration initiative.

The camps provided assistance to applicants in understanding the voter registration process and submitting the required forms. The initiative was intended to ensure that no eligible citizen was left out of the electoral rolls.

Form-6 is used by eligible individuals to apply for inclusion of their names in the electoral rolls.

The voter registration drive will continue through door-to-door visits by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) until the end of October, according to the official statement.

During this period, BLOs will visit households to inform eligible citizens about voter registration, inclusion of names in the electoral rolls and the procedures for making necessary corrections. They will also provide guidance and assistance to those who need to submit applications.

Special attention will be given to eligible citizens whose names were not included during the SIR process and young people who have become eligible to register as voters.

The BLOs will help such individuals complete and submit Form-6 applications, enabling them to seek inclusion in the electoral rolls.

The campaign placed particular emphasis on encouraging young and first-time voters to participate in the democratic process by registering themselves on the electoral rolls.

Eligible citizens who had previously been left out of the electoral rolls were also encouraged to take advantage of the special camps and submit their applications.

The Election Commission's initiative seeks to ensure that every eligible citizen gets an opportunity to register as a voter and exercise their democratic rights.

The participation of young voters was a significant feature of the three-day drive, with 32,067 applications received from new and young voters, accounting for the majority of the total applications submitted during the campaign.

The special campaign is part of efforts to prepare transparent, accurate and inclusive electoral rolls by ensuring the participation of all eligible citizens.

The state-wide initiative aimed to address gaps in voter registration and provide accessible opportunities for eligible individuals to apply for inclusion in the electoral rolls.

With door-to-door visits scheduled to continue until the end of October, the authorities will focus on reaching eligible citizens who have not yet registered or whose names were not included during the SIR process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda