Low Electoral Turnaround – looking the different direction

Interestingly, this year, we are seeing lower turnaround of voters. Is it surprising?

TV news channels say that voters do not like any candidates and are hence, keeping their distance from voting. My Bombay saw low turnout after the phenomenal heights of voices, post the Bombay terror attacks. Was this different from other elections or are Bombaites really not concerned?

Vir Sanghvi, wrote on The Hindustan Times (dated: May 2, 2009), that Bombay voters are somewhat not interested in voting or taking part in any kind of democratic voicing. Is that really correct? Today, when we see other cities and states, we find the same trend. We did not see the the expected young voters or first time voters this election. Why?

Jaagore.com started a massive campaign and ensured that many citizens had their cup of tea and woke up. They did – a good number of them. It will be interesting for the sponsors of Jaagore.com to do a small research. From all the people who followed their path and registered with the government for voting, how many were actually allowed to vote?

I will take my example. The form that Jaagore.com wanted us to present was not accepted by the election office in Kandivali (E), Bombay. They gave us anther form and refused our proof of residence (one that was confirmed by Jaagore.com). We followed the new form with the Jaagore.com form and interestingly we were told that we will be allowed to vote and that our names will take a month or so to come on list. Every time we checked after our month of waiting we were told that the new name lists have not come yet. Four trips to the election office and many phone calls - no effect.

Finally on the day of voting, when I checked with the lists in our locality, I found two new names against my house number!!! Some Mr. Singh and Mrs. Singh. Who are these people? How do they appear on my house number when I am the very first occupant of this house and I have registered with the election office at least 3 months in advance?

Mr. Sanghvi, and dear TV news analysts, are you reading something here? You are not only barking up the wrong tree, you are also misguiding people. Have you ever thought how goons in politics are taking advantage of pushing down new voters and ensuring their vote banks are more stable?

When will we be truly democratic and give the basic rights of voting to citizens who want to vote? When will politicians and their so called followers (read jokers) keep the real cards in play?

My question to the election commission is, “When will I be able to vote”?