National Voters’ Day 2022: History, Significance and all You Need to Know

The year 2022 marks the 12th National Voters’ Day this January 25. Also known as Rashtriya Matdata Diwas, it is observed to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Dedicated to the crores of voters of the country, National Voters’ Day is utilised to spread awareness among the people about the importance of voting and participating in the electoral process of one of the world’s largest democracies.

On this special day, let’s look at the history of our voting system and why voting is one of the most important responsibilities that all you young people must fulfil. 

Formation of Election Commission of India 

After India attained Independence in August 1947, there was a need to hold General

Elections to elect a truly representative Government on the basis of universal adult suffrage.

Universal Adult Suffrage means to provide all citizens who have attained the age of 18 (previously 21), the right to vote, regardless of their gender, caste, creed or any other orientations. Unlike many democracies of the world, India adopted Universal Adult Suffrage much before Independence, when the constitution was being written. 

The Election Commission was formally constituted on January 25 1950, a day before India

became a Sovereign Democratic Republic. This permanent and independent body ensures free and fair elections in the country.

National Voters’ Day: History and significance

National Voters’ Day is celebrated in India on January 25. It was celebrated for the first time in 2011, across the country, to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India in 1950.

What prompted the government to set aside a day for this event is the growing concern related to the decline in the number of young voters. In order to motivate the youth to participate in the voting process, this awareness initiative was taken.

Schools and colleges are encouraged to observe this day with great enthusiasm by conducting quizzes, debates, mock polls and other events. All this is done so that they do not ever remain in confusion or unaware of their rights.

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Also Read:

Facts About the Indian Constitution
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Why is voting important?

The agenda to celebrate voter’s day is to raise awareness of the importance of voting, especially among the newly eligible voters of the country. Voting is a basic process that helps to form a country’s government. One can choose their representatives through voting.

Voting rights give people the right to question the government about issues and clarifications. It also provides a sense of freedom to express an opinion in major decision-making for the benefit of the country in a democratic nation. The right to vote makes the government answerable to the voter and thus the power ultimately lies with the citizens and not the rulers.

Interesting Facts On Indian Elections That’ll Make you Realise why Voting is important

• Mahant Bharatdas Darshandas is the only voter at the polling station of Banej in Gir. However, there’s always a polling booth set up specifically for him which really shows how inclusive India’s democracy is.
• Area-wise, the smallest constituency is Chandni Chowk (10.59 sq km) in Delhi.
• The largest constituency is Ladakh (73,266.37 sq km) in Jammu and Kashmir.
• In the mountains, officials trudge for miles to conduct polling. In 2014, in the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, the Hukani polling station had only 22 voters. Even then, officials travelled 22 km on foot to reach there.
• Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were first introduced in 1982-83.

Inspirational Quotes about Voting

“You wouldn’t let your grandparents pick your playlist. Why would you let them pick your representative who’s going to determine your future?” Barack Obama, Former U.S. President

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”— Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., Activist

“All of us may have been created equal. But we’ll never actually be equal until we all vote. So don’t wait.” — Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor

“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.”— Susan B. Anthony, Women’s rights activist

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” Abraham Lincoln, Former U.S. President