VOTE AND BE THE AGENT OF CHANGE

As the general elections in India are drawing near, the momemtum in the country is picking up with a large number of NGO's or forums asking the registered voters to come out and vote. This is one opportunity that the common man gets once in 5 years to determine who will represent them in the legislature and form the next government.

The terrorist attack in Mumbai on 26/11 was the rallying point when the common man realised that their voice was not being properly heard by the power that be and that something had to done to change the situation. Since corporate India was the worst affected by the attack, the initiative was naturally taken by the corporate India.

One such initiative was launched by Lets Vote (www.letsvote.in) at Hyderabad by a group of professionals. “Let’s Vote” initiative is aimed at helping the citizens of the nation to find their voice, exercise their right, and contribute to positive development outcomes. Within a few weeks, the lets vote initiative has spread to other cities like Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Vishakapatnam and Vijaiwada.

Lets Vote has actively and effectively coordinated with the Chief Election Officer of Andhra Pradesh in getting thousands of employees of companies and students of schools in Hyderabad to get registered as voter. It also organized several events in Hyderabad and other cities to popularise the concept to vote. It is organizing a 5K walk on 5th April to motivate people to come out and vote.

Lets Vote's volunteers are actively propagating in companies the importance of vote and encouraging employees to go and vote. From informal gatherings around water coolers, overflowing with conversations underlining the importance of one’s right to vote, to mailers being sent out to demystify the electoral process, all attempts are being made to encourage employees to cast their votes during the upcoming general elections.

As per statistics, only 10% of the youth vote. There are an estimated 43 million first time voters this time. The intention is to mobilise as many as possible to vote so that democracy actually wins.

Let us vote and become the agent of change.