THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, January 25: Emphasising that the voter is the foundation of democracy and that an informed and vigilant electorate is essential for strengthening democratic institutions, State Election Commissioner Alka Tiwari addressed the state-level programme of the 16th National Voters’ Day 2026 held at Aryabhatta Auditorium, Ranchi, on Sunday.
Extending greetings to the people of Jharkhand, Alka Tiwari said National Voters’ Day is observed on January 25 every year to mark the establishment of the Election Commission of India in 1950, to promote voter awareness and participation.
Theme of National Voters’ Day 2026
The State Election Commissioner said that the Election Commission of India has announced the theme for National Voters’ Day 2026 as “My India, My Vote”, with the tagline “Indian Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.” She said the Commission remains committed to ensuring that every voter can exercise the right to vote freely, without fear or inducement, and beyond divisions of caste, religion, language, and community.
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Focus on Voter Awareness and Inclusion
Alka Tiwari said that voter registration and awareness is a continuous process. She informed that four qualifying dates—January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1— have been fixed for the inclusion of eligible citizens who attain the age of 18 years.
She added that the Election Commission ensures inclusive participation by providing facilities to women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, PVTGs, and third-gender voters. To promote awareness, 2,886 Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) have been established across Jharkhand, along with Election Schools at every polling station, supported by 966 Voter Awareness Forums.
Chief Electoral Officer on Electoral Roll Revision
Addressing the programme, Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar said that inclusion in the electoral roll is essential for exercising the right to vote. He informed that voters can access the electoral roll and voter ID-related information through their Booth Level Officer (BLO), whose contact details are available on the CEO’s website.
He highlighted the “Book a Call” facility, under which voters can contact their BLO and receive assistance within 48 hours. He added that during the ongoing pre-revision phase of intensive electoral roll revision, 72 per cent of voter mapping has been completed in Jharkhand using the BLO app.
National and State-Level Achievements
Ravi Kumar said that the Election Commission of India has assumed the chairmanship of International IDEA for a one-year term starting December 3, 2025.
He also noted that Pakur district has been selected for the Best Election District Award at the national level, calling it a moment of pride for Jharkhand.
On the occasion, the message of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on National Voters’ Day 2026 was screened. The voters’ pledge was administered by Joint Chief Electoral Officer Subodh Kumar, while District Election Officer Manjunath Bhajantri delivered the concluding remarks.
Senior voters Samdulari Devi, Geeta Mitra, Animullah, and young voters Archit Kumar Goyal and Saurabh K. were present at the programme.
