15th National Voters’ Day

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity & Governance

In News

• India is observing the 15th National Voters’ Day on January 25, 2025, marking 75 years of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) dedicated service to the nation. 

About National Voters’ Day

• Historical Background: Established in 2011 to mark the foundation of the Election Commission of India (January 25, 1950).
• 15th National Voters’ Day (2025): Theme: “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure”, emphasizing the critical role of voting in democracy.
• Key Activities:
  • Presentation of the ‘Best Electoral Practices Awards’ to outstanding state and district officials.
  • Special initiatives to commemorate 75 years of the ECI, including:
    • A commemorative postal stamp.
    • A nationwide essay competition on “Democracy and India’s Future”.

Importance of National Voters’ Day

• Promotes Voter Awareness: Educates citizens about their right to vote and the importance of participation in elections.
  • Reinforces the idea that every vote matters.
• Encourages Voter Registration: Focus on enrolling first-time voters, especially young individuals.
  • Provides Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to new voters.
  • All citizens aged 18 or above on January 1 of the concerned year, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or gender, are eligible to vote.
• Raises Electoral Literacy: Organizes campaigns to explain the voting process and the impact of every vote.
• Honors Contributions: Recognizes individuals and organizations for spreading voter awareness and ensuring smooth electoral processes.
• Strengthens Democracy: Encourages active participation to strengthen India’s democratic fabric.
• Digital Innovations: Enhanced use of mobile apps like the Voter Helpline App and initiatives like Remote Voting Pilots for migrant workers.

Achievements in Electoral Governance

• Expanding the Electorate: Growth from 17.3 crores in the first general election (1951-52) to 99.1 crore in 2025, nearing the 100 crore mark. 
• Gender Balance: 21.7 crore electors in the 18-29 age group and a six-point increase in electoral gender ratio from 948 in 2024 to 954 in 2025.
• Inclusive Electoral Practices: Introduction of Braille-enabled EVMs, wheelchair-accessible polling booths, and assistance for elderly voters.
• Technology Integration: Digitization of voter rolls and the launch of the National Voter Services Portal (NVSP) for seamless voter registration.
  • Use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) for transparency.
• Electoral Integrity: Adoption of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to ensure free and fair elections.

Election Commission of India: An Overview

• Constitutional Authority: 
  • Articles 324–329 empower the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct elections for:
  • Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President.
• Composition: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs).
• Appointment Process (as per the 2023 Act):
  • A Search Committee, chaired by the Union Law Minister, prepares a panel of names.
  • The Selection Committee (Prime Minister, a Cabinet Minister, and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha) finalizes the appointments.
  • Appointed by the President of India.
• Tenure: Six years or up to 65 years of age (whichever is earlier).
• Removal: The CEC can only be removed like a judge of the Supreme Court.
  • ECs can only be removed on the recommendation of the CEC.

Conclusion

• The 15th National Voters’ Day serves as a reminder of the ECI’s legacy in empowering citizens to shape the nation’s future through free and fair elections.
• By promoting voter awareness, inclusivity, and participation, National Voters’ Day continues to inspire citizens to uphold the values of democracy and actively contribute to the electoral process.

Source: PIB