New Delhi: With over 180 million people in India on Facebook, the ‘Register Now’ button is designed to encourage Indian citizens to register themselves with the Election Commission of India. Starting from 1st July till 4th July, the voter registration reminder will be sent to people on Facebook in India who are eligible to vote. The reminder will be in 13 Indian languages – English, Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu, Assamese, Marathi and Oriya.
Dr.Nasim Zaidi, Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India, said “I am pleased to announce that the Election Commission of India is going to launch a ‘Special Drive to enrol left out electors, with a particular focus on first time electors. This is a step towards fulfilment of the motto of ECI that ‘NO VOTER TO BE LEFT BEHIND’. As part of this campaign, on 1st July, 2017, Facebook will run a voter registration reminder in multiple Indian languages to all the Facebook users in India. I urge all eligible citizens to enrol and VOTE i.e. Recognize your Right and Perform your Duty. I am sure this initiative will strengthen Election Commission of India’s enrolment campaign and encourage future voters to participate in the Electoral Process and become responsible Citizens of India.”
This is the first time Facebook’s voter registration reminder has been rolled out across India. Earlier, similar reminders have been rolled out in partnership with Chief Electoral Officers during the State elections of 2016 and 2017.
Ms.Ankhi Das, Public Policy Director for India, South & Central Asia, said “People use Facebook to learn, talk and get involved with issues that matter to them. We want to build products that support this type of civic engagement – on Election Day and every day. We believe that democracies are stronger when more people are engaged – that’s why we are encouraging everyone who is eligible to register to vote and connecting them with resources.”
By clicking on the “Register Now” button, people will be directed to the National Voters’ Services Portal which will guide them through the registration process.
Please find below the link to view the video message from Dr.Nasim Zaidi, Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India on ECI’s partnership with Facebook for the first nationwide voter registration campaign: https://www.facebook.com/FacebookIndia/videos/vb.103274306376166/1928468260771945/?type=2&theater
