Page 94 - General Election

27. Educating the Future Voters of India

Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) are platforms designed by the Election Commission of India to
engage and educate students, particularly in schools and colleges. Through various activities and
hands-on experiences aimed at sensitizing the future voters to their electoral rights, ELCs also
helps familiarize the students with the electoral process, including voter registration and voting.

Moreover, ELCs are also extended to rural communities, referred to as "Chunav Pathshala."

Objectives of ELCs :

• Educate populations on voter registration and the entire electoral process.
• Familiarize with EVMs and VVPATs, emphasizing their robustness and non-tamperability.

• Build capacity for accessing election-related information from a young age.
• Instill confidence in exercising the right to vote ethically and comfortably.
• Enhance understanding of constitutional, legislative, and legal provisions, technological

innovations, and the roles of Election Commission, Courts, Media, and other stakeholders.
• Harness ELC members' potential to spread electoral literacy in communities.
• Facilitate voter registration for ELC members upon reaching the age of 18.

Members of ELCs

Schools Students from Class IX – XII; typically,
14–17-year-olds.

Colleges Members include students aged 18 –
21.
Rural Communities (Chunav Pathshala) All members of the village are eligible
to participate.

Activities in ELCs

ELCs provide a blend of learning and fun through carefully designed activities and games. These
activities aim to stimulate critical thinking, encourage questions, and empower students with
knowledge about the electoral process. There are approximately 25 activities and 6 games

specifically designed to impart targeted learning and help participants become "Empowered
(Prospective) Voters."

Enrollment for ELCs

Schools and colleges interested in participating in the ELC program can approach the following
authorities:

1. District Collector (also the District Election Officer - DEO): This official is responsible for
overseeing election-related activities at the district level.

2. Electoral Registration Officer (ERO): The ERO is in charge of voter registration processes in a
specific electoral constituency.

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