India observes National Voters’ Day on January 25 to encourage people to use their right to cast a vote, especially first-time voters. On this day, the country focuses on raising awareness of the importance of participating in the electoral process.
The theme for this year’s National Voters’ Day is “Nothing like voting, I vote for sure.”
The Election Commission of India (ECI) started the observance in 2011 as an initiative. When Ambika Soni, the Former Minister of Information and Broadcasting, pointed out that people who had just turned 18 were increasingly indifferent towards getting registered in the electoral rolls, it became clear that there was a need to raise awareness among voters.
Following this, a proposal by the Law Ministry to launch a campaign to address the problem was approved by the Union Government, which was led by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Hence, the ECI decided to launch a national initiative to identify all eligible voters who turn 18 on January 1 of every year. These citizens would be added to the voter list and given an EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) on January 25 every year.
To reward election officials and other staff who support the initiative, the Government also gives out National Awards at the District and State levels. To raise awareness of the importance of voting, districts around the nation often hold contests and cultural events.
#NationalVotersDay trends on Twitter
President of the Indian National Congress Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on Twitter, “National Voters’ Day re-affirms the power of the people to determine their own destiny. There has been a concerted attack on our Institutions in recent times, and it is our solemn duty to ensure that their independence remains intact, so that Democracy can truly flourish.”
National Voters’ Day re-affirms the power of the people to determine their own destiny.
There has been a concerted attack on our Institutions in recent times, and it is our solemn duty to ensure that their independence remains intact, so that Democracy can truly flourish. pic.twitter.com/nyV2vk10MJ
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 25, 2023
“Best wishes to everyone on the occasion of National Voters’ Day. Voters’ day celebrates constitutional values and underlines the responsibility of citizens to use their voting rights to build a powerful nation. I appeal to the youth to spread awareness in this direction,” wrote Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated, “On the occasion of #NationalVotersDay let’s celebrate the spirit of inclusive, accessible, ethical, participative, and festive elections in the Mother of all Democracies. Vote for sure!”
“On National Voters’ Day, we celebrate the inclusivity of electoral process. In keeping with the theme of NVD, ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure’, let’s resolve to participate in the festival of democracy by being responsible voters & casting our votes in elections. Jai Hind,” Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai wrote.
‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure’! On #NationalVotersDay .My SandArt at Puri beach Odisha. pic.twitter.com/11TkDzWhgf
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) January 25, 2023
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, “Without the active participation of voters, a nation would achieve nothing. Responsible voters are the pillar of a prospering democracy. India, the largest democracy in the world, is proud of its voters.”
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President D. K. Shivakumar wrote, “On the occasion of #NationalVotersDay, let’s stay true to our commitment towards our democracy by exercising the right to vote and elect our representatives. Our votes keep our democracy alive.”
