The Electoral Literacy Club (ELC) was set up at St. Joseph College of Communication, Changanassery in 2021 to empower students to become informed and engaged participants in the electoral process and voter registration. Operating under the principle of "Every Vote Counts," ELC seeks to address gaps in knowledge about elections and provide students with the tools they need to understand and exercise their electoral rights and duties. Each year, ELC launches various student-led initiatives aimed at bolstering democratic institutions and promoting the long-term health of democracy.
Core Objectives
Promote Electoral Awareness: The Electoral Literacy Club works to raise awareness about the fundamental right to vote among college students. This includes educating them on the significance of their vote in shaping the government and holding elected officials accountable.
Demystify the Electoral Process: ELC provides students with a clear understanding of the electoral process in their country. This encompasses voter registration procedures, different types of elections, the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and the importance of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).
Nurture Critical Thinking: ELC goes beyond simply informing students. They encourage critical thinking skills by facilitating discussions on political manifestos, candidate backgrounds, and the role of media in elections. This empowers students to make informed voting decisions based on reason and analysis.
Develop Ethical Voters: The Club promotes ethical voting practices by educating students on issues like bribery, negative campaigning, and the importance of a peaceful and inclusive electoral environment. This fosters a sense of responsibility and discourages practices that undermine democratic principles.
Enhance Voter Registration: ELC at St Joseph College of Communication actively assists students with voter registration. This can involve organizing registration drives on campus, providing guidance on eligibility criteria, and resolving any registration-related issues students might face.
Empower Youth as Electoral Ambassadors: The club aims to create a ripple effect by encouraging members to share their electoral knowledge with their peers and communities. This can involve organizing awareness campaigns, conducting mock polls, and engaging in discussions about the importance of voting.
Faculty in Charge: Ms Reshma Sera Abraham
Activities conducted by the ELC