16,200 teens now empowered to vote TNN, Jan 26, 2011, 01.15am IST PANAJI: A total of 16,200 teenagers in the age range of 18 to 19 were issued electoral photo identity cards (EPIC) in Goa on Tuesday on the occasion of National Voters Day.
Welcoming the young EPIC card holders to participate in the nation's democracy, chief secretary Sanjay Srivastava urged the new voters to exercise the right without fail and responsibly. "We have hope in young voters because they will vote without bias. When they say things are not going well, this is an opportunity for them to make a change. This is an opportunity for you to stand up and elect the right persons," Srivastava said. He was speaking as chief guest at a function organized by the office of the chief electoral officer at Bal Bhavan in Panaji. Srivastava also read a pledge which the voters were made to recite. The pledge read, "We, the citizens of India, having abiding faith in democracy, hereby pledge to uphold the democratic traditions of our country and the dignity of free, fair and peaceful elections, and to vote in every election fearlessly and without being influenced by considerations of religion, race, caste, community, language or any inducement." North Goa district election officer Mihir Vardhan, who is also the district collector impressed upon the young electors that voters are the "very foundation of the electoral process because voters decide upon their leaders". Vardhan urged the young voters not to shirk their responsibility of voting by repeating the slogan, "greater participation, stronger democracy". He said that if they do not find anyone worth voting for, they should not stay at home but come to the polling booth and use provision 49 (O) to say that they don't want to vote because they don't find a worthy candidate to vote for. "Vote without fear or favour. Think and vote for who you think is the best candidate. Don't be influenced by any consideration except merit," Vardhan said. Education secretary Ashok Acharya, said young voters must use this opportunity to decide the future of Goa and India with a sense of responsibility. He urged them not to be guided in their voting by considerations of caste, creed, colour or inducements. Read more: 16,200 teens now empowered to vote - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/16200-teens-now-empowered-to-vote/articleshow/7364117.cms#ixzz1CC3uawne
