The ballot is stronger than the bullet, and rightfully so. The future of a republic lies in the hands of its voters, and the fundamental rights of Indian voters are enshrined in the Constitution, which also outlines the responsibilities that voters need to consider before and after casting their votes. Voting is not just a right; it’s a civic responsibility and a crucial tool that has guaranteed our inalienable rights throughout history.
Date
National Voters’ Day is celebrated annually in India on January 25, encouraging the country’s voters to actively participate in the electoral process. In 2024, the nation observes the 14th edition of this significant day.
History and Significance
The inception of National Voters’ Day dates back to January 25, 2011, with the primary objective of inspiring more young voters to engage in the electoral process. The Union government, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the time, approved a proposal from the law ministry to celebrate this day. Ambika Soni, the former information and broadcasting minister, highlighted the decreasing interest among new voters, particularly those who had just turned 18, in getting enrolled in the electoral rolls.
To address this issue, the Election Commission took a proactive step by launching a nationwide effort. This initiative aimed to identify all eligible voters reaching the age of 18 on January 1 each year, across all polling stations in India. These eligible voters would then be enrolled and provided with the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) on January 25 annually.
Theme – ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure’ (NVD 2024)
Dedicated to the voters, the theme for National Voters’ Day 2024, ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure,’ continues the focus on emphasizing the importance of voting. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will be the Chief Guest at the national function organized in New Delhi by the Election Commission of India. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge), Arjun Ram Meghwal, will grace the event as the Guest of Honour.
The event will witness the presence of Heads and representatives of Election Management bodies from countries such as Maldives, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan, reflecting the international significance and cooperation in promoting democratic values.
National Voters’ Day serves not only as a celebration but also as a reminder of the power vested in the hands of citizens to shape the destiny of the nation through their votes. It’s a day to honor the democratic spirit, encourage voter awareness, and celebrate the essence of participatory democracy. As the 2024 edition unfolds, it stands as a testament to the enduring commitment towards strengthening the roots of democracy in India.