National Voters Day 2024: History, Significance, and Theme

PWOnlyIAS January 25, 2024 03:21 3724 0

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National Voters Day is celebrated in India every year on January 25th.

National Voters Day 2024: History, Significance, and Theme

Context:

National Voters Day (NVD) is celebrated in India every year on January 25th.

About National Voters Day

Aims: To encourage and maximise the enrolment of new voters, especially the youth.
- It also serves as a reminder of the foundation of the Election Commission of India on January 25th, 1950.
- It also highlights the importance of the right to vote but also emphasises the role of the youth in shaping the country’s future.
History: Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25 every year to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission (EC) of India.
Purpose: To encourage voters to participate in the electoral process. The EC organises drives to facilitate the enrolment of voters, especially the new ones.
National Voters Day theme 2024: ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure’.
- It emphasises the importance of voting and encouraging individuals to exercise their right to vote confidently.

National Voters Day

National Voters Day Celebration

National Awards: National Voters Day is celebrated at national, state, district, constituency, and polling booth levels.
- National Awards for the Best Electoral Practises: These will be conferred on State and District level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections in different spheres such as IT initiatives, Security Management, Election Management, Accessible Elections, and contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach.
- It will also be given to important stakeholders like government departments, ECI icons, and media groups for their valuable contribution towards voters’ awareness.
President of India presents Best Electoral Practices Awards for 2023.
- It recognizes outstanding performance in various election-related areas.
- It acknowledges contributions from government departments and media organizations.
A commemorative postage stamp themed “Inclusive Elections” released in honor of ECI’s 75th year.
Screening of voter awareness film ‘My Vote My Duty.’
Presentation of ECI Publication ‘ECI initiatives for General Elections 2024.’

Significance of National Voters Day

75 Years of Election Commission of India: India celebrates the 75th anniversary of its first general elections held in 1951-52.
Celebrating the Right to Vote: Voting is a fundamental right in a democracy, and National Voters’ Day emphasises its importance in shaping the nation’s future.
Promoting Voter Awareness: The day raises awareness about electoral processes, issues, and candidates, encouraging informed voting decisions.
Engaging the Youth: Special focus is given to enrolling new voters, particularly young adults, and encouraging them to exercise their franchise.
Appreciating Election Commission: The day acknowledges the ECI’s efforts in conducting free and fair elections and upholding democratic values.
Inspiring Other Democracies: Emulating India’s example, six countries, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan, have started celebrating the National Voters Day.

National Voters Day Pledge

As a part of the celebrations, all government offices, autonomous bodies, and organisations take a pledge on the day:

“ We, the citizens of India, having abiding faith in

democracy, hereby pledge to uphold the democratic

traditions of our country and the dignity of free, fair and

peaceful elections, and to vote in every election

fearlessly and without being influenced by

considerations of religion, race, caste, community,

language or any inducement ”

What is Voting?

Voting is the method by which eligible individuals convey their choice for a specific candidate, option, or decision during an election.
It can be executed through electronic voting systems or traditional paper ballots.
The candidate or option with the highest number of votes is declared the victor, exerting a pivotal influence on the selection of representatives for a community, area, or nation, and influencing the results of significant choices.

Who Can Vote in India?

Eligibility Criteria	Description
Citizenship	Only Indian citizens are eligible to vote. Non-citizens, including foreign nationals and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), cannot vote.
Age Requirement	Citizens must be at least 18 years old to vote. They should have reached or will reach this age on or before the specified qualifying date set by the Election Commission.
Electoral Rolls	To vote, citizens must have their names listed in the electoral rolls (voter list) of their respective constituencies. The Election Commission regularly updates these rolls.
Residence	Individuals must be residents of the constituency where they intend to vote. They should possess a permanent address or temporary residence in that constituency for at least six months.
Mental Soundness	Eligible voters must be mentally sound and capable of making their own decisions when casting their votes.
Disqualification	Certain circumstances, such as unsound mind, disqualification due to criminal offenses according to the law, or being declared as bankrupt, may disqualify a person from voting.

Initiatives by the Election Commission of India to Promote Voting in India

Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC)	EPIC number is the voter ID card number. It is issued by the Election Commission of India, the voter ID card serves as identification proof for Indian citizens over the age of 18. It allows Indians to cast their vote in municipal, state, and national elections. e-EPIC: It is a portable document format(PDF) version of the EPIC which can be downloaded on mobile or in a self-printable form on the computer. A voter can thus store the card on his/her mobile, upload it on Digi locker or print it and self-laminate it. This is in addition to PCV EPIC being issued for fresh registration.
SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation)	Initiated in 2009, the SVEEP program stands as a prominent undertaking by the ECI, aiming to enhance voter education, disseminate voter awareness, and foster voter literacy throughout India. This program incorporates a range of broad and tailored approaches, tailored to the socio-economic, cultural, and demographic characteristics of each state, as well as the electoral engagement patterns observed in past elections and the insights gained from them.
Electoral Literacy Club (ELC) Programme:	Through ELC, Election Commission of India, aims at strengthening the culture of electoral participation among young and future voters.

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National Voters Day FAQs

National Voters Day is celebrated on January 25th in India, promoting voter education, awareness, and the significance of voting in democracy.

It marks the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 1950, emphasizing its role in upholding democracy.

The National Voters Day 2024 theme is 'Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure,' emphasizing the importance of voting with confidence.

National Voters Day aims to maximize enrolment of new voters, especially young adults, and highlights their role in shaping India's future.

EPIC stands for Electors Photo Identification Card, serving as an ID for citizens over 18. The e-EPIC is a digital version for added convenience.

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National Voters Day 2024: History, Significance, and Theme

Context:

About National Voters Day

National Voters Day Celebration

Significance of National Voters Day

National Voters Day Pledge

What is Voting?

Who Can Vote in India?

Initiatives by the Election Commission of India to Promote Voting in India

National Voters Day FAQs

What is National Voters Day?

Why is National Voters Day celebrated on January 25th?

What is the theme for National Voters Day 2024?

How does National Voters Day encourage voter participation among the youth?

What is the EPIC number on a voter ID card?

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