A New Style of Voting in Kerala: Free Uber Rides, Halwa, and Rice Flour for Young Voters—An Initiative by the Election Commission

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.