CHENNAI: Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik on Saturday said Tamil Nadu has had a system of electing people’s representatives for thousands of years, underscoring the State’s deep-rooted democratic traditions.
Speaking at the National Voters’ Day celebrations held at Ripon Buildings, she highlighted the Election Commission of India’s slogan for 2026, “My India, My Vote”, and called upon citizens to contribute to strengthening democracy by adhering to the spirit of the slogan. “Every citizen is the heart of democracy,” she said.
Referring to Election Commission orders, she said officials at all levels are involved in election-related work. “At present, around 80,000 people are engaged in the preparation of the voters’ list. Citizens aged 18 or older must register to vote and exercise their franchise. This is a continuous process, and awareness needs to be created among the public,” she said.
Stating that the electoral identity card symbolises democratic values and dignity, she said applications for inclusion in the voters’ list can be submitted in person, through the website, or via the Election Commission’s mobile application.
She later presented certificates of appreciation and shields to students who won competitions organised as part of the National Voters’ Day celebrations. Voter identity cards were also distributed to first-time and new voters. A voter awareness art programme was organised for students on the occasion.
State Advisory Committee member for the disabled, Sumitha Sathasivam, and transpersons social activist Sasha highlighted the importance of participation of persons with disabilities and transgender persons in the electoral process.
Patnaik later flagged off a mobile demonstration vehicle to create awareness about the electronic voting machine process across all 16 Assembly constituencies in Chennai district.
District Election Officer J Kumaragurubaran, Chennai district Collector Rashmi Siddharth Jagade, Greater Chennai Corporation Joint Commissioner (Education) K Karpagam, and senior officials attended the event.