The Election Commission, on Wednesday, said that all members of a family need not to have their identification proof to exercise their right.
If one has either the electoral photo identity card or any of 17 alternative identification proofs that is enough for members of the entire family to vote.
However, their names should be registered in the voters list. Chief Election Officer K N Vidyashankar addressing a press conference in Bangalore on Wednesday said the Commission took this decision to avoid people stand in long queues and spend long hours to get their EPICs.
“Voters in Bangalore Urban and BBMP limits itself cover 32 per cent of the total number of voters in the state. It is difficult to issue EPICs to all voters before the polling day. To avoid confusion in the EPIC campaign the commission has decided to allow to vote even if one member of a family has valid identification proof”, he said.
Vidyashankar has said as per the existing law the EC cannot restrict private channels from telecasting cinemas in which poll candidates have played roles.
“So far there is restriction on Doordarshan not to screen such films. We have received instruction from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding telecast of such movies in private channels”, he said.
This time May day will have to be observed without the red flag. The Election Commission has put restrictions on May day programmes.
Vidyashankar said the day should be observed without using party flags and the programmes should not involve political speeches.
He said the ECI has directed not to appoint those party workers against whom criminal cases are pending.
EXCLUSIVE HELPLINE
Want to know where you have to go to vote? Wait for a few days, the Election Commission is setting up an exclusive helpline in association with BSNL to help voters. Once it is set up, you can call the helpline on 155212 to know the polling station where you have to vote.
Chief Election Officer K N Vidyashankar, on Wednesday, said that the helpline will be operative soon. Voters have to give their complete name, as registered in the electoral roll and the area pincode. They will get info on the polling station on interactive voice response system (IVRS). He said that the helpline service will be available for 24-hours.
