In news- The 12th National Voters’ Day was celebrated on January 25 2022.
About National Voters’ Day(NVD)-
- It seeks to encourage the country’s voters to participate in the electoral process.
- The theme for this year’s NVD is ‘Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative’.
- During the event, National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices for the year 2021-22 were given to state and district level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections in different areas.
- On the other hand, the newly enrolled voters received the EPIC during the event.
- ECI also launched National Voter Awareness Contest- ‘My Vote is my Future- Power of One Vote’
- The first-ever National Voters’ Day was celebrated on January 25, 2011 as the then Central government had pointed out that new voters who attained the age of 18 were showing less interest in getting enrolled in the electoral rolls.
- To address this issue, the Election Commission decided to launch a nationwide effort to identify all eligible voters who reach the age of 18 on January 1 of each year in all polling stations across India,
- Such voters would be enrolled and be given the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) on January 25 every year.
- NVD 2022 marks 70 successful years of elections in India.
Voting rights in India-
- Every Indian citizen(above 18 years of age) who is of sound mind is given a universal voting right.
- Article 326 of the Constitution provides for universal adult suffrage, but does not specifically mention the right to vote.
- Right to Vote in elections is an important constitutional right in India.
- The voter is not discriminated against on the basis of factors like religion, caste, creed, economic status, etc.
Source: PIB
