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Shimoga Zilla Panchayat in Karnataka has introduced an innovative way to encourage voters to participate in the democratic process by setting up a polling booth with majestic thrones. The booth features thrones resembling those of kings and queens, symbolizing the voters' significance in a democracy.

Voters as Kings and Queens:

The polling booth's unique concept aims to portray voters as the rulers of democracy. By providing thrones for voters, the booth emphasizes the importance of every citizen's role in shaping the country's future through elections.

The initiative has received positive feedback from voters, who have eagerly posed for pictures on the thrones wearing crowns after casting their votes. This creative approach has not only attracted attention but also encouraged voter turnout at the polling booth.

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Efforts to boost voter participation:

The Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, stressed the importance of maximum voter participation in the Lok Sabha elections. He highlighted the extensive preparations undertaken for the elections, including the identification of polling stations, deployment of security forces, and provision of amenities for voters.

Addressing the needs of all voters, including the specially-abled and elderly, Kumar mentioned the provision for them to vote from home if desired. However, many of them prefer to visit the polling stations, where volunteers assist them and provide necessary support, ensuring their participation with dignity and respect. The polling for 93 Lok Sabha seats across 12 states and union territories commenced in the third phase of the general election. States and union territories such as Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal participated in this phase.

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Karnataka, with its 28 Lok Sabha seats, conducted elections in two phases. The voting for 14 seats concluded earlier, while the remaining 14 seats went to polls in this phase. The BJP secured the Surat seat unopposed.

As citizens exercise their democratic right, innovative initiatives like the royal polling booth in Shimoga Zilla Panchayat contribute to making the electoral process more engaging and inclusive, ultimately strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation.