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 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?

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