-Ms. Kavya, Assistant Professor of Law, SDM Law College, Mangaluru

India is a democratic country, where citizens have power to participate in the decision making.

The right to vote is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 326 of Indian Constitution. This article states, "The elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage; that is to say, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than 18 years of age on such date as may be fixed in that behalf by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature and is not otherwise disqualified under this Constitution or any law made by the appropriate Legislature on the ground of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime or corrupt or illegal practices, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election." 

Right to vote is also a basic human right protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966).

Significance of Voting:

India follows the principle- ‘Democracy is, government of the people, by the people, and for the people’. Through voting, people can bring change in the system. It is a cornerstone of our democracy, allowing it’s citizens to express their thoughts on a country, local constituency, or candidate & decide on who should govern them. The ability to vote is not only a right, but a responsibility, as it ensures that the voices of all the citizens are heard and that their interests are represented in the government.

Election Commission of India celebrates National Voters’ Day every year on 25th January aiming to educate new voters on the importance of their vote and responsibility to participate in elections.

The Election Commission of India has implemented Model Polling Booths to cater to women, children, and older individuals. It has also made provisions for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to exercise their voting rights by amending Representations of the People's (Amendment) Act, 1950. The Systematic Voter’s Education aims to fill gaps in voter participation.

Additionally, the Indian Election System has been made more flexible, by including the new system of VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) machines for transparency and the decriminalization of elections through the declaration of criminal records by candidates. Recent reforms have included addition of the ‘NOTA’ (None of the above) option, which allows voters to choose not to select any nominated candidate.

Right is a correlative of Duty. When right is provided, duty of exercising such right has to be performed. Cast your valuable vote for a better tomorrow!

Do not forget to exercise your ‘RIGHT TO VOTE’

To check regarding your voting booth or any other particulars kindly login to https://eci.gov.in