CHENNAI: Ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections, anti-corruption organisation Arappor Iyakkam has appealed to film personalities, sportspersons and social media influencers to use their reach to spread awareness against the practice of cash-for-votes and promote a clean electoral process.

In an open statement, the organisation called on celebrities across the State to actively participate in voter awareness efforts and speak out against the distribution of money or gifts in exchange for votes.

It emphasised that voting is not merely a democratic right but also a responsibility, urging public figures to go beyond casting their ballots and to help ensure free and fair elections. The organisation specifically appealed to actors, filmmakers, sportspersons, writers, influencers, and media organisations to create and share short videos that carry the message “My vote is not for sale” on their platforms.

Highlighting the legal and ethical implications, Arappor Iyakkam pointed out that both giving and accepting money for votes is a punishable offence, attracting imprisonment of up to one year. It also detailed its grassroots campaign, “En Otu Virpanikku Alla” (My vote is not for sale), under which volunteers have been conducting awareness drives across nearly 200 villages and urban localities in the State.