National Voters Day: All about India’s celebration of democracy

National Voters Day, which will have its 12th edition this year, is celebrated annually to mark the democratic participation of voters in India’s electoral process. The day is celebrated on January 25.

The Election Commission of India, the country’s top regulatory body to manage polls, is tasked with raising awareness about the importance of people participating in India’s electoral process. 

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How and why was National Voters Day established?

Ambika Soni, the former minister of information and broadcasting, noticed that youth’s participation in the electorial process in India was diminishing. 

Then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh backed a proposal of the law ministry to mark January 25, 2011 as the first-ever National Voters Day and encourage young voters.

The Election Commission of India also launched an initiative that introduced the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), which enrolls new voters. 

How is National Voters Day being celebrated this year?

“Making elections inclusive, accessible and participative” is the theme of this year’s celebration, according to reports from Hindustan Times. While Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who earlier tested positive for COVID, will not attend the event in person, he will deliver an address virtually. 

Kiren Rijiju, the Union law minister, will also be present at the national event will be the guest of honour.

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Why is National Voters Day significant this year?

The celebrations come at a time when India is all set to enter the election season. A total of seven states have assembly elections this year, with five of them being right around the corner. Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Manipur are scheduled to kick off elections in February.

The National Voters Day is also just a day before India’s Republic Day, which marks the country’s first step towards setting up a democratic government.