VOTERS’ DAY

It is essential that registering the names of all Sri Lankan citizens for the purpose of securing universal franchise recognized by the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka. Elections Commission has launched a voters’ day on the first day of the month of February of every year during the last several years for the purpose of educating the voters on basic qualifications and the steps that should be taken in getting the names included in the Electoral Register.

The voters day was conducted in the year 2013 under the theme of “Vote is Your Right”, in the year 2014 under the theme of “Vote is Your Right, Your Power”, in the year 2015 under the theme of “Sovereignty of the People is meaningless when there is no Universal Franchise”, in the year 2016 under the theme of “Inclusive Electoral Process where no elector is left behind” and in the Year 2017 under the theme of “Vote is Your Rights, besides it is your responsibility”.

Basic qualifications that should be fulfilled on the first of February of the particular year to become a voter are that he/ she should be a citizen of Sri Lanka, completed the age of 18 years, and a normal resident in the address where he/ she in applying for registration and therefore the support of all stakeholders is solicited to educate the public on the revision of the electoral register.

Programmes are implemented in all districts to educate voters, where lectures are delivered, street dramas are staged, banners and posters are displayed, leaflets are distributed, art/ essay and oratory contests are conducted and public awareness is created on the importance of revision of the electoral register.

In order to create public awareness island wide, following programmes are being conducted every year.

1. *
   Displaying of notices/banners and distribution of leaflets covering all divisional secretariat areas.
2. *
   Organizing walks to educate the public on the importance of electoral register.
3. *
   Art/essay/oratory/ quiz competitions amoung school children.
4. *
   Documentary films.
5. *
   Public campaigns through recorded voice cuts/public address systems.
6. *
   Affixing stickers on three wheels and private buses used for public transport and distribution of leaflets in places where public is frequenting.
7. *
   Transmitting the massage on the electoral register through digital boards and digital screens.
8. *
   Organizing stage drama and street drama on the importance of the electoral register.
9. *
   Reading out a message through drum beaters on the importance of the electoral register.
10. *
    Advertisements through cable TV and paper advertisements.
11. *
    Educating all including the trainees in technical colleges and youth centers, youth engaged in vocational education, civil organizations/ community based organizations and media men, employees of public and private sectors.