January 19, 2026 Times of Dakshin Dinajpur
Mission Election: Dakshin Dinajpur Boosts Voter Awareness with New EVM Hub
Senior Correspondent TOD. Balurghat
In an effort to strengthen voter confidence and reduce confusion at polling booths, the district administration of South Dinajpur has launched a dedicated Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Demonstration Center in Balurghat, offering citizens a chance to practice voting before the next election.
The center was inaugurated on Sunday at the district administrative complex by District Magistrate Bala Subramaniam T., SDO Subrata Kumar Barman , in the presence of senior officials. The initiative is part of a broader campaign to improve voter awareness and ensure that every citizen can cast vote smoothly and independently.
Inside the center, voters can receive step-by-step guidance on using EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. Officials demonstrate the full voting process, allowing visitors to cast mock votes and familiarize themselves with the technology in a controlled, pressure-free environment.
“We want to make sure that no voter feels confused or hesitant inside the polling booth,” the District Magistrate said at the inauguration. “A confident voter is essential for a strong democracy.”
To expand the program beyond government offices, the administration has also deployed three mobile EVM demonstration vans. These vehicles will travel across towns and villages throughout the district, conducting live demonstrations in markets, public squares and community centers. The outreach campaign will continue both before and after the formal election notification.
In addition to the new facility in Balurghat, a permanent EVM demonstration center is already operating at the Gangarampur Sub-Divisional Office. Officials said similar centers are planned for every assembly constituency in the district in the coming months.
Election authorities hope the initiative will particularly benefit first-time voters, senior citizens and residents in rural areas who may have limited exposure to electronic voting systems.
By demystifying the voting process, the administration aims to ensure that on election day, every voter can exercise their democratic right confidently, correctly and without assistance — a small but significant step toward a more inclusive and transparent electoral process.
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