The Election Commission (EC) has launched a unique initiative to boost youth voter turnout in the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April 9. Activities such as offering free Uber rides and providing halwa and rice flour for just ₹1 are being undertaken to encourage young people to visit polling booths, aiming to transform the act of voting into a festive experience.
Halwa for First-Time Voters
The Election Commission has dispatched 200 specially branded packets of halwa to every district specifically for young individuals casting their vote for the first time. These packets will be distributed at selected polling booths through District Election Officers. Booth-level officers and volunteers will identify first-time voters and present them with the halwa.
Free Uber Rides and Other Discounts
In Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, free Uber rides will be available for distances of up to 2 kilometers to reach polling stations. Standard fares will apply for distances exceeding this limit. SupplyCo has announced plans to offer rice flour for just ₹1 on April 10 and 11—the days immediately following the election. Coffee chains such as Starbucks and Café Coffee Day are also expected to offer special discounts to attract young voters.
Digital and Social Media Initiatives
To engage the youth, the Commission has launched various digital initiatives, including AI-generated videos, social media ‘Reels,’ contests, and a ‘Gen-Z Anthem.’ Delivery services like Blinkit, Swiggy, Zomato, and Domino’s are also actively sharing positive messages to promote voting.
Efforts at the School and College Levels
Over 2,000 members of the Election Commission’s Electoral Literacy Clubs are working to raise voter awareness in schools, colleges, and tribal areas. Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer, Ratna Kelkar, stated, “We are striving to motivate young voters through various channels so that they perceive voting not merely as a civic duty, but as a celebration. We want their very first step into the electoral process to be a sweet and memorable experience.”
Hopes for Over 90% Voter Turnout
Kelkar added that the Special Summary Revision (SSR) process in the state has been successfully completed, and the names of all eligible individuals have been duly included in the voter list. Based on this, they are expecting a voter turnout of over 90%.
Hot Weather and Polling Arrangements
The CEO stated that, keeping the hot and humid weather during the polling period in mind, arrangements for water points and shade will be made at the booths. BLOs will be provided with umbrellas, and webcasting facilities, along with Central Forces, will be deployed at the booths to ensure a smooth polling process.
The Central Government has proposed amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidel
Amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the global oil crisis continues to deepen. In man
'Do not mistake my silence for defeat...'; Raghav Chadha breaks silence on AAP's action.
After being removed from the position of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, Raghav Chadha—a
For the record, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has removed MP Raghav Chadha from the post of Deputy Le
‘Dhurandhar 2’ has set several records within just 15 days. It has surpassed some of
Amidst rising tensions in West Asia, Iran has offered significant relief to India by assuring saf
Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a 65-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders, thereby opening their wi
From PAN, FASTag, and LPG prices to railway tickets... What has changed starting today?
Today—April 1, 2026—marks the beginning of the new financial year, and along with it,
In a major blow to its Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) remove
New Version of 'Dhurandhar 2' Released After 11 Days; Error Found in Aditya Dhar's 'Peak Detailing'
‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is currently running in theaters and is, without a doubt, d
