National Voters’ Day 2024: History and Significance

Every democratic country provides the right to all eligible citizens to choose the right leader who will take the responsibility to run the country. We choose our representative to take care of the development of a locality and a community at the same time. It is an important power to choose and replace a leader when the time comes. When is National Voters Day celebrated? To celebrate this democratic power, we observe National Voters Day throughout the country on the 25th of January every year.

This day is dedicated to the crores of Indians who cast their votes to choose a government. The elected politicians are given the responsibility to run different democratic operations for the overall development and welfare of the country. Let us find out more about this day.

What is National Voters’ Day?

National Voters’ Day, also known as Rashtriya Matdata Diwas, is organised and observed on the 25th day of January every year. In 2022, we celebrated the 12th National Voters’ Day on the same day. It is the same day when the Election Commission of India (ECI) was established as the prime pillar of democracy.

This day is dedicated to the crores of voters across the country who cast their vote on the designated dates. On this day, the world witnesses how the largest democracy in the world runs without showing signs of disparity. Voters Day is also a sign of the development of a country that got independence in 1947. On this day, we remember how our ancestors fought for their right to choose a government.

A commission was formulated by the contemporary Government of India to look after the requirements of voting. It was the first step that ensured the national voters of India that they will get a fair chance to choose a representative. This is considered the foundation of democracy where voters can practice their birthright to choose a leader. The day was 25th January 1950 when the Election Commission of India was formed and started working effectively.

On this day, India started practising universal suffrage. The voting age was decided to be 21 but was changed to 18. According to the rules, anyone who is 18 years of age can cast his/her vote irrespective of age, gender, marital status, religion, caste, etc.

You will be surprised to know that India celebrated Universal Adult Suffrage way before we attained independence from the British Colonial Rule. It all started when the Constitution of India was being written under the supervision of Dr. B R Ambedkar. It was on 25th January of the same year, a day before India became a democratic republic in the eyes of the entire world. The first elections in India were conducted from 25th October 1951 to 25th February 1952.

This is why 25th January is celebrated to be the Voters’ day for Indians. To commemorate this event, this day was announced to be celebrated as National Voters’ Day in 2011.

National Voters Day Theme 2024 (Making Every Vote Count: No Voter to be Left Behind)

In 2024, the National Voters Day theme emphasizes inclusivity, urging that every vote matters. With the theme "Making Every Vote Count: No Voter to be Left Behind," it highlights the importance of ensuring every eligible citizen exercises their right to vote.

Importance of National Voters’ Day

Importance of National Voters Day

This day is celebrated with immense significance. The new voters who have just reached the age of 18 will be educated about the importance of voting. They will learn how their votes can make a huge difference.

Learning the importance of voting in a democratic country is the main motive for celebrating this day. This was the prime aim of the contemporary Indian Government back then to commemorate a date to celebrate this basic democratic right of all civilians of India.

On this day, people learn how the biggest democracy in the world gears up to let people vote peacefully and help them to choose a representative. The administrative bodies prepare themselves to create polling booths and educate people on why voting is important. On this day, awards are distributed at the national level considering the best performance and outputs given by election officers at the state and district levels. This is why National Voters Day is celebrated across the country.

Importance of Voting

As discussed earlier, the prime motive for celebrating this day as Voters Day in India is to raise awareness of voting. To understand the importance of voting, here is a list of facts that will make you realise how voting is taken seriously in India and other democratic countries.

• The voting officials travelled 22 km on foot to let 22 voters in the Lower Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh cast votes.

• A polling booth was established in Banej, Gir for Mahant Bharatdas Darshandas, the only voter in that place. Every time a booth is specifically set for him without fail.

• The smallest constituency in India is Chandi Chowk. It is just 10.59 sq. km only in size.

• The largest constituency is Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir. It is 73,266.37 sq. km in size.

• Electronic voting machines were introduced back in 1982. Before that, voters used to stamp the voting paper issued by the officials to cast their votes. It also took a lot of time to count votes.
  
  

Our Votes are Valuable

These facts show how important voting is considered in India. We have received our independence with a lot of sacrifices done by many families. We also witnessed the division of India and Pakistan with families separating from their native places.

We paid a huge price to become an independent democratic country. Hence, we should celebrate our birthright to cast vote and choose a suitable representative. Together we can choose a government and can even replace one.

We are the ones who hold the power of democracy and this day reminds us of the same. It is we who can express our thoughts and ideologies by casting vote. On this day, we realise every voter counts in setting our future on the right track.

Small Speech on National Voters Day 2024

“Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this National Voters Day, let's celebrate the essence of democracy. January 25th is a reminder of our collective power as citizens. Our right to vote is not just a privilege but a responsibility to shape the future. Let's pledge to be active participants in this democratic journey, making our voices heard. National Voters Day encourages us to uphold the democratic values that make our nation strong. As we celebrate, let's reflect on the importance of each vote, recognising its profound impact on the direction of our beloved country.

Thank you.”

Conclusion

National Voters' Day stands as a beacon, reminding us of the pivotal role each voter plays in shaping the democratic fabric of our nation. By commemorating the foundation of the Election Commission and promoting voter awareness, this day becomes a celebration of the power inherent in each citizen's vote. It underscores the significance of active participation in the democratic process, emphasizing that every vote counts. National Voters' Day serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals to exercise their right to vote responsibly and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of democracy, ensuring a stronger and more inclusive nation.