State Election Commission Issues Schedule for Electoral Rolls in Tarn Taran, Dera Baba Nanak, Talwara Municipal Elections

State Election Commission Issues Schedule for Electoral Rolls in Tarn Taran, Dera Baba Nanak, Talwara Municipal Elections

State Election Commission Issues Schedule for Electoral Rolls Preparation in Punjab Municipalities

The State Election Commission (SEC) of Punjab has announced the official schedule for the preparation of electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming general elections to the municipal councils of Tarn Taran, Dera Baba Nanak, and Talwara. The elections, slated for the year 2025, are expected to see widespread participation across these key districts.

State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri released the detailed schedule on January 21, 2025, marking important dates for voter registration, claims, and objections. The dates have been meticulously planned to ensure the smooth preparation of the electoral rolls for these three municipalities in Punjab.

Key Dates for Electoral Roll Preparation

According to the schedule shared by the State Election Commission, the preparation of the draft electoral rolls will commence on January 20, 2025 and will conclude on January 24, 2025, with a qualifying date of January 1, 2025. This means that all individuals who have turned 18 years old by January 1, 2025, are eligible to be included in the voter list of their respective municipal council.

Once the draft rolls are prepared, they will be published on January 25, 2025. From January 27, 2025, to February 3, 2025, citizens will have the opportunity to file claims and objections regarding their inclusion or details in the electoral roll. The disposal of claims and objections is set to be completed by February 11, 2025, ensuring that all issues are resolved well before the final publication.

The final electoral rolls for the municipal councils of Tarn Taran, Dera Baba Nanak, and Talwara will be officially published on February 14, 2025, ensuring that the voter lists are up-to-date and ready for the upcoming elections.

How to Register and File Claims

The SEC has emphasized that all eligible citizens who have turned 18 years old or above as of January 1, 2025, can apply for their inclusion in the voter lists during the period designated for filing claims and objections, from January 27 to February 3, 2025. This is an important opportunity for those who may not be currently registered but wish to exercise their voting rights in the forthcoming municipal elections.

Citizens are advised to verify their details and make necessary changes if they find any discrepancies in the draft electoral rolls. The claims and objections will be reviewed and processed by the concerned Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). The SEC has also requested the Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers of the three districts—Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur—to ensure that the draft rolls are publicly displayed starting from January 25, 2025, allowing voters to check their names and details.

Encouraging Voter Participation

The SEC has made a special appeal to all eligible voters residing within the jurisdiction of the aforementioned municipal councils to get themselves registered during the specified period for claims and objections. By ensuring their names are correctly listed in the final voter rolls, these individuals will be able to participate fully in the municipal council elections that are expected to take place later in 2025.

In his statement, Raj Kamal Chaudhuri, the State Election Commissioner, emphasized that the preparation of the electoral rolls is a critical process that guarantees every eligible citizen can exercise their democratic right to vote. He urged citizens to ensure that their names are registered well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Promoting Transparency and Accuracy in the Electoral Process

The publication of the electoral rolls, followed by a transparent process for filing claims and objections, highlights the SEC’s commitment to maintaining accurate and inclusive voter lists. This procedure ensures that all eligible voters, regardless of their background or location, can participate in local governance through their votes in the municipal elections.

For those who may have any doubts or require assistance, the Election Commission has provided resources and guidelines on how to check the draft electoral rolls, file claims, and object to any inaccuracies in the voter data. These efforts are aimed at fostering an informed and active electorate, which is a cornerstone of a thriving democracy.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Municipal Elections

The State Election Commission of Punjab is taking significant steps to ensure that the upcoming municipal council elections in Tarn Taran, Dera Baba Nanak, and Talwara are conducted smoothly and with full voter participation. The schedule for electoral roll preparation is now set, providing ample time for citizens to register, verify, and rectify their voter details.

As these municipal elections approach, the SEC is hopeful that the residents of these municipalities will actively engage in the democratic process by getting themselves included in the voter lists and participating in the elections, contributing to a more vibrant local governance system.