In the rup-up to the 18th Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission has rolled out a range of campaigns on social media platforms to encourage young and urban voters to participate, by casting their ballots.
‘Turning 18’ and ‘You are the One,’ are capturing attention due to their well crafted messaging strategy, which aligns seamlessly with the overarching theme of ‘Chunav Ka Parv, Desh Ka Garv.’
‘Turning 18’
One of ECI’s flagship campaigns, ‘Turning 18,’ targets young and first-time voters, addressing concerns about urban and youth apathy towards elections. By highlighting the importance of voting on turning 18, the campaign aims to cultivate a sense of civic responsibility among youngsters.
The campaign utilises compelling themes and strategies, including thematic logos for easy recognition, a ‘then vs. now’ comparison of past and recent elections to showcase progress, and infographics emphasizing the growing participation of women voters aged 18-30, promoting inclusivity in India’s democratic process.
Amplification and Collaboration
The impact of the ‘Turning 18’ campaign is amplified through collaboration with State Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), national broadcaster DD News and Akashvani, and ECI’s network of National and State SVEEP icons. This collaborative effort ensures the campaign’s message reaches diverse segments of society, generating momentum and enthusiasm for the upcoming elections.
‘You are the One’
The ‘You are the One’ campaign aims to acknowledge the crucial role played by various stakeholders in the electoral process, including the polling machinery, in guaranteeing that every voter is accounted for and actively participates in the democratic process.
The campaign uses compelling storytelling and captivating visuals, such as “Whatever it takes, we go above and beyond, so you don’t have to,” to highlight the dedication and commitment of individuals in ensuring elections that are free, fair, and inclusive.
‘Verify Before You Amplify’
To counter the spread of fake news and misinformation on digital platforms, the Election Commission has launched the ‘Verify Before You Amplify’ initiative, as mentioned by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. This campaign aims to debunk false information and encourages individuals to be vigilant and responsible before sharing content on social media platforms.
The Lok Sabha elections, spanning seven phases, are set to begin on April 19 and conclude on June 1.
