If the figures are any indication, graduates and teachers figure among the most reluctant voters in the state. Reason? Even after a court rap, the Election Commission (EC) has just managed to have 78,393 registered voters for the Bangalore Graduates’ constituency against a total 20 lakh eligible graduates. In the last election in 2006, there were 66,000 voters and over the last six years, the number has grown to a mere 78,393. The same situation prevails in the other two Graduates’ constituencies - North East and South West, where registered voters are 90,687 and 43,593 respectively. In the Teachers’ constituency, there are only 53,580 registered voters, though the number of schoolteachers alone in the State is 4,48,071.
Come June, 20 legislators will retire from the Karnataka Legislative Council. While, political parties will fight it out to wrest the 11 seats in the Legislative Assembly constituency, the other six seats in the Graduates’ and Teachers’ constituencies will most likely pose a challenge to the State Election Commission because of the depleted numbers.
“Simplify voter registration’ – is the latest mantra of citizen groups, which are hoping to change the 'closed system' of elections. While the EC claims that voter enrollment is an ongoing process and enough publicity is being given through BBMP ward offices for voter enrollment, citizens feel that little is being done to simplify procedures.
Ashwin Mahesh, professor at IIM Bangalore, who has filed a PIL demanding simple procedure for voter registration, says, “It’s time to overhaul elections to the Graduates’ constituency as it represents a heterogeneous mix of educated people, who have better access to technology. At present, the procedures simply dissuade potential voters.”
“I hope to see voting for individuals rather than for the partyas we are yet to develop a culture of voters scrutinizing the candidate. A large voter base will ensure an able person gets elected to the post. Bulk submission of registration forms through registered resident welfare associations or registered companies (workplaces) automatically increases the enrollment,” says Mr Mahesh.