National Voters Day 2024

Date, history, significance, theme this year

Voting is more influential than violence because it shapes the future of a country. The Indian Constitution protects voters' rights and outlines responsibilities before and after voting. It's our duty to vote, a crucial way our nation safeguards our rights throughout history.

DATE

India observes National Voters' Day on January 25 annually to promote voter participation. The current celebration marks the 14th edition of this event.

HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE

The inaugural National Voters' Day took place on January 25, 2011, with the aim of motivating young voters to engage in the electoral process. The Union government, under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved the proposal from the law ministry. Ambika Soni, the former information and broadcasting minister, highlighted the concern that newly eligible 18-year-old voters were displaying reduced interest in enrolling in the electoral rolls.

In response to the declining interest among young voters, the Election Commission took initiative by launching a nationwide campaign. This effort aimed to identify all eligible voters turning 18 on January 1 of each year at all polling stations in India. These individuals would then be enrolled and provided with the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) on January 25 annually.

THEME

The theme for National Voters' Day 2024, "Nothing like Voting, I Vote For Sure," continues from the previous year. The national function in New Delhi, organized by the Election Commission of India, will have the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, as the Chief Guest. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge), Arjun Ram Meghwal, will be the Guest of Honour at the event.

The event will see the participation of Heads and representatives from Election Management bodies of various countries, including Maldives, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.