Page 170 - General Election

62. Celebrating National Voters Day in

India

National Voters Day (NVD) is an annual celebration in India that commemorates the
foundation of a strong democratic nation by emphasizing the importance of voting
and encouraging eligible citizens to participate in the electoral process. Observed
on January 25th every year, National Voters Day plays a crucial role in fostering a

sense of responsibility among citizens and promoting active engagement in the
democratic system. In order to reach out to the masses, ECI initiated the practice
on its foundation day 25 January 2011.

Objectives of National Voters Day

1. Increase Voter Enrolment

One of the primary goals of National Voters Day is to increase the enrolment of
eligible voters, especially among the youth who have just attained the age of 18.

The day serves as a platform to educate and inform them about the significance of
their role in shaping the nation's future through the power of their vote.

2. Promote Informed Voting

National Voters Day focuses on promoting informed and responsible voting. Special
efforts are made to educate voters about the candidates, their policies, and the
electoral process to ensure that citizens make well-informed decisions at the polling
booth.

3. Enhance Electoral Participation

The day aims to boost the overall electoral participation by instilling a sense of duty
and responsibility among citizens. Special drives and campaigns are organized to

encourage people to cast their votes, emphasizing that every vote counts in a
democracy.

4. Introduce Technology in the Electoral Process: National Voters Day serves as a

platform to introduce and promote the use of technology in the electoral process.
Initiatives like the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter-Verified Paper
Audit Trail (VVPAT) have been instrumental in making the electoral process more
transparent, efficient, and trustworthy.

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