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India celebrates National Voters’ Day on January 25 every year with an aim to spread the spirit of democracy as well as to promote maximum voter turnout amongst the electorate of the country. Celebrated since 2011 to mark the anniversary of the formation of the ECI and to raise awareness of the importance of voting for the development of the country.
Here is a brief insight of National Voters’ Day: its origin, importance, and focus – Volume 2020.
History of National Voters' Day
National Voters’ Day was proposed by the Election Commission of India to coincide with its 61st anniversary as the commission was set up on 25th January 1950.
Why January 25?
This date was decided in order to raise awareness of the public on Election Commission to conduct fair elections and increase the voter turnout.
Key Objectives of National Voters' Day:
Encourage Electoral Participation: Mobilize the target voter eligible citizens’ to go for the voting particularly the youths.
Highlight the Role of ECI: Take some time and share the commendation of the Election Commission for maintaining democracy.
Promote Inclusivity: Eliminate factors that hinder people from registering as voters and guarantee opportunity to all people of voting.
Theme of National Voters' Day 2024
Since 2011 the NVD is celebrated every year with a particular theme that focuses on the current issues related to the voting system. The theme for 2024 is [place a hold of the theme for instance Empowering Youth, Strengthen Democracy].
Why Themes Matter:
The annual theme focuses on key issues such as:
Encouraging youth participation in elections.
Emphasizing the issue of ethical voting.
Strengthening electoral inclusivity and transparency.
Significance of National Voters' Day
National Voters' Day plays a crucial role in reinforcing India’s democratic values:
1. Promoting Awareness:
It is a day set aside to remind the citizens about the their duty and responsibilities when voting, and to create awareness of every voters sovereignty.
2. Encouraging First-Time Voters:
Specific voter drives are implemented to vote for a first time voter who has not registered to vote before hence enhancing youthful voting.
3. Recognizing Electoral Achievements:
The day aims at pay homage to the Election Commission that has succeeded in providing free and fair elections in the country’s electoral history.
4. Inclusivity in Democracy:
Measures are taken to ensure that communities, persons in the elderly age and individuals with disabilities have chances of exercising their civic rights in as far as voting is concerned.
Celebrations Across India
National Voters' Day is marked by events and initiatives across the country:
1. Voter Registration Drives:
There are camps conducted by election department of respective state to make people filling their voter registration forms among them first timers and the people coming of age are targeted in these camps.
2. Distribution of Voter ID Cards:
It is on this day that new voters are issued with their EPIC or Electors Photo Identity Cards, and sometimes there are followers ceremonials to new members of the electoral roll.
3. Awareness Campaigns:
In television, radio and social networks the Election Commission carries out advertisements containing information about the voting rights that people have and the ethical ways to use them.
4. Pledge Ceremonies:
Citizens swear by the democracy and with it practice participation in the voting process of an election.
India’s Electoral Milestones
India is the world’s largest democracy, and its electoral achievements are a source of pride:
First General Elections (1951-52): Symbolized the fact that India embarked on the common man’s democracy with over 173 Million electorate.
Universal Adult Suffrage: It is the legitimate right every person over the age of 18 years irrespective of their caste, colour, gender, or religion to vote.
Use of Technology: Beginning with the EVMs to VVPATs, Indian electoral system has adopted technology as part of transparency.
