Why Should We Vote in India

The power to vote for your country is an important part of a democratic country like India. While many in our country are eligible to cast vote, few are enthusiastic about it. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the voter turnout was 67.11% which is the highest turnout in the history of India.

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With every election, there has been a positive increase in voter turnout. Such an increase in voting is a positive welcome, as each and every vote counts for a better future of our country.

Reasons why we should vote in india

What are the Major Reasons to Vote?

It's our right:

India's democratic underpinnings are based on election results. Our legislatures and parliaments are elected by, for, and for the people. We are fortunate to have the constitutional right to vote. We take it for granted, but the constitution guarantees us the right to vote for whom we want and to change our minds.

Agent of change:

Your vote has the potential to make a significant difference. You can vote for a better government if you are dissatisfied with the current one. If people do not vote, the same party will be in power for another five years. Finally, if the country is left with a bad administration, it is the people's fault for voting incorrectly or not at all.

Your vote counts:

Every vote counts. Though it seems like an endless sea of people are there to vote, every vote counts. When the national attitude changes from thinking "my vote doesn't make a difference", then the numbers increase and a multitude of people voting will make the difference. The responsibility lies on every individual.

NOTA:

The Indian government has made it possible for voters to cast their ballots even if they are unsatisfied with any of the candidates. NOTA stands for None of the Above, and it's a crucial vote for individuals who aren't satisfied with any of the candidates. NOTA voting means that none of the candidates are suitable. NOTA votes are counted, but if the majority of the votes are NOTA, the party with the next largest majority will be elected.

India's history:

Indians struggled to win our freedom and we have the right to vote because of them. Exercising our right to vote upholds what our freedom fighters envisioned for India. We can honor and respect our freedom fighters and the struggle of our past generations by voting for a better India. Check here if you are a First Time Voter.

How do Elections Work?

In order to be convinced to vote, you should also know how the elections work. India is a democracy with an asymmetric federal government. Officials are elected from the local levels to state levels and the federal level. We have two houses of Parliament:

  1. The Lok Sabha - The lower house of the Indian Parliament is also known as the House of the People. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected through general elections. These elections take place every five years. There are two members of the Lok Sabha who will be nominated by the President of India. Currently the Lok Sabha has 545 members. Two members represent the Anglo-Indian community, while the other 543 are elected for five-year terms.
  2. The Rajya Sabha - The upper house of the Indian Parliament is also known as the Council of States. The members are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies, and the Electoral college of the Union Territories. Therefore, the members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by the people. The Rajya Sabha has 245 members out of which 233 members are elected for 6-year terms. One-third of the house retires every two years.
  3. Prime Minister - The Prime Minister is elected by the elected members of the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha is the lower house of parliament in India.
  4. President - The President of India is elected for a 5-year term by an electoral college which consists of members of the State Legislatures and Federal Legislatures.

Process of Elections:

The Election Commission of India was established to oversee the election process and guarantee that it ran smoothly. The Election Commission is in charge of everything relating to elections, including election supervision, control, and direction, as well as election conduct. The following is an overview of the voting process that you should be aware of.

  1. You first need to be registered on the Electoral Roll which is a list of eligible voters. You can apply voter id online as well as at the VRECs, at designated locations or through a Booth Level Officer.
  2. You will be issued a Voter ID which you need to present at the polling booth.
  3. The responsibility lies on the citizen to be aware of who is standing for elections.
  4. It is also the responsibility of the citizen to find out where the polling booth is in their respective constituency.
  5. You can vote on the Electronic Voting Machines.
  6. If you speak only English, you should familiarise yourself with the symbols of the candidates, because the names of the candidates will be listed in alphabetical order in the respective state's language.
  7. All you have to do is press the blue button next to your desired candidate's name and symbol. You can also vote NOTA.
  8. You will receive a mark of ink on your finger that signifies that you voted.
  9. While it helps identify if you have already voted, it is also a proud symbol you can bear.

FAQs on Why Should We Vote in India

  • What function does the Election Commission serve?

    Overseeing the Union and State election procedures in India is the Election Commission of India, an independent constitutional body. The organisation conducts elections for the Indian State Legislative Assemblies, the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha, and the president and vice president of the nation.

  • Democracy: What is it?

    Democracy is people-ruled government. There are several methods for completing this: To decide on new laws and amendments to current ones, people gather. Usually, this is referred to as direct democracy. It is only ever used in tiny nations or maybe in cities.

  • Voters list: what is it?

    List of Voters. In a democratic election, the voters' list, also known as the electoral roll, is a list of all eligible voters that is created well in advance of the election and sent to all voters.

  • Article 324: What is it?

    According to Article 324 of the Constitution, the Election Commission would be in charge of overseeing, directing, and controlling elections for the parliament, state legislatures, the office of president of India, and the office of vice president of India.

  • How can one find out if someone's name is on the voter list?

    Sending an SMS, contacting the helpline, downloading the voter helpline app, going to the ECI website, or going to the closest local electoral office are some of the simplest ways to see if your name is on the voter list.

  • How does NOTA work?

    Voters can abstain from voting throughout the election process if they believe that none of the candidates deserve their support. 

  • Can I cast a ballot from a different Indian city?

    Only the address where you currently dwell may be used for registration; a different location, where you might be residing temporarily, is not permitted. You must fill out Form 8A in order to change your registration from one place of residence to another within the same constituency.

  • What effects does a low voting turnout have?

    Low voter turnout can result in unbalanced representation, as choices that impact the entire country are made by a small portion of the population. Additionally, it could lead to policies that don't take the needs and goals of the majority into account.

  • What part does voting play in the formation of a nation?

    Selecting leaders with the ability, vision, and dedication to propel advancement and growth is beneficial. It guarantees that competent people are given the duty of determining the future of the country.

  • How can voting contribute to the accountability of leaders?

    Voting gives people the power to hold elected officials responsible. Voting leaders out in the following election is one way for residents to show their displeasure if they don't live up to the expectations of the people or keep their promises.

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