TOI rise up: We wish Lucknow beats other cities in voting percentage

LUCKNOW: "Hand in hand we stand, all across the land. We can make a better place to live by going out to vote."
A Saturday evening had never been so eventful for people out to shop or watch a movie. With the crowd bustling with weekend energy, several citizens pledged not only to vote in these Lok Sabha elections but also to motivate their family and friends to go and get inked on voting day.
The third round of TOI's 'Rise Up and Step Out To Vote' campaign was held at Fun Republic mall on Saturday. After their pledge to vote, the excited crowd came forward to voice opinions on why it was important to vote this time. "Women's safety must be every party's priority. When people in power pass statements against women and rape survivors, it shows how much they view women and their role in nation building," said Vishal.
"Do not abuse corrupt politicians, but vote them out by choosing the right candidate," wrote advocate Arun Sinha. Sinha believes the time has come for people to come out and vote rather than crib later.
Major Ritu wrote, "I am an army woman. I love my country and I pledge to save it, whether it is with my rifle or my vote."
Concerned over how the state records one of the lowest turnouts in elections, Anubhuti said, "My friends and I have been spreading awareness in our college and neighbourhood to motivate people to vote".
A group of youngsters has also pledged to increase the total percentage of voting in Lucknow. "We wish to beat other cities in voting percentage. We thank The Times of India and the Election Commission for the massive voter awareness programmes," said Akash.
Meanwhile, there were several others who complained they had not received their voter ID cards despite registering on time. While some had their name in the electoral list, others were unaware if they had been registered.
"I had registered myself online well before the last date. When I looked for my name on the list online, it wasn't there. I really wanted to vote but now I can't," complained Snehil.